The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe lasts around 250,000 miles with some transmission software and fuel pump issues. At $46,850 to $70,975, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a very strong full size SUV with plenty of passenger room.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Chevy Tahoe since it’s reliable with a lot of the latest safety features offered. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, smooth suspension, along with the new stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a large SUV, the seats are supportive and comfortable on long drives, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread issues on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Avoid the 2015 models which have some mechanical problems, while 2016–2022 are reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the strong V8 engines offered which are capable of towing up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Tahoe is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with forward collision warning, along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 24 MPG, giving 576 miles of range from the 24 gallon tank. Gas costs are $45 higher than average at $333 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is more expensive than some other large SUVs with low depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Tahoe?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevy Tahoe is an extremely comfortable and functional three-row SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Tahoe at 7.4/10, praising the roomy interior, but doesn’t like the loose handling.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Tahoe a 3.4/5, enjoying the strong standard V8 engine, but owners don’t like the difficulty maneuvering in small parking spaces.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe include changing gears slowly, the diesel engine stalling, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to many other large SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Tahoe ages.
Changing gears slowly is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Tahoe in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is just caused by the transmission control module. There are software updates available for it which improves the performance. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
The diesel engine stalling is another common issue found on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe at around 15,000 miles. The problem is caused by a fuel pump issue which causes the engine to lose pressure, and stall. Usually the fuel pump will be replaced under warranty in such a new SUV, although out of warranty it can cost over $500.
Stereo system issues also show up on some 2021 Tahoes at around 2,500 miles. The stereo system simply freezes up and drops any Bluetooth connections. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improves the reliability. Most dealerships will install this software update for free, while others may charge around $50.
There are 13 recalls on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, which is worse than many other large SUVs on the market from the same year. The most serious recall covers the power steering motor which can fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Many of the other recalls cover seatbelts and seat bolts, which are easily fixed.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than some other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $680 per year.
As a used 2021 Tahoe reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir for $200, A/C expansion valve costing $350, along with the air springs which cost around $700.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system, along with a digital instrument panel.
Standard safety technology is great, offering:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Following distance indicator
- GM’s Teen Driver mode to set speed and volume limits
Optional advanced driver assistance features include
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Front parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Rear camera mirror
- Lane change alert
- Head-up display
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is a very good value since it’s a very long-lasting, full size SUV now loaded with some of the latest technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $46,850 to $70,975, making it more than a Dodge Durango or Nissan Armada. When new, the price range was $49,600 to $72,700. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 3% of its value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Tahoe?
There are six main models of the 2021 Chevy Tahoe offered, from the base LS model all the way through to the more luxurious High Country. The Tahoe comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Cloth Seats
- Eight-Passenger Seating
- 2-Inch Infotainment Screen
LT is a step up, adding:
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Leather Upholstery
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Nine-Speaker Bose Audio System
RST adds features such as:
- 22-Inch Wheels
- Black Exterior Trim
- Unique Front Bumper
- Contrast Stitching On Interior Seats
Z71 offers more upgrades including:
- Redesigned Front Bumper
- Low-Range Two-Speed Transfer Case
- Hill Descent Control
- All-Terrain Tires
- Front Skid Plate
- Tow Hooks
Premier offers some luxury with:
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Magnetically Controlled Shock Absorbers
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Digital Instrument Panel
- Second-Row Bucket Seats
High Country is the flagship model which has:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Bronze Accents On Front Grille
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Air Suspension
- Max Trailering Package
What Engines Come In the Chevy Tahoe?
- The base engine is a reasonably strong 5.3L V8 which makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 18 MPG. All of the engines come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 6.2L V8, which produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 17 MPG. Performance is great, taking 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- The most efficient engine is a 3.0L six-cylinder diesel, which is good for 270 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 24 MPG.
What Colors Does the Chevy Tahoe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Tahoe?
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for families and long road trips. Passengers can enjoy a smooth ride, thanks to the redesigned independent rear suspension and optional adaptive air suspension system, which both contribute to enhanced handling and ride quality. The Tahoe offers seating for up to nine people in the second and third rows, with ample legroom and headroom across all three rows.
The seats themselves are plush and supportive, making sure that occupants remain comfortable even on extended journeys. Noise insulation is also well-executed, keeping the interior quiet and serene. Overall, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe excels in providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Tahoe Have?
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers an impressive amount of storage space for families and travelers alike. With its three rows of seating, the Tahoe provides ample room for passengers, while still boasting a significant amount of cargo space. Behind the third row, the Tahoe offers 25.5 cubic feet of storage.
If you require more space,folding down the third-row seats increases the cargo capacity to 72.6 cubic feet. For those who need even more room, folding down both the second and third-row seats opens up a cavernous 122.9 cubic feet of storage. This makes the 2021 Chevy Tahoe an excellent choice for those in need of a versatile and spacious SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Chevy Tahoe was introduced in 2015, and redesigned for the fifth generation in 2021.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, upgraded interior materials, and new engine choices.
2016: Upgraded OnStar along with MyLink, which has Apple CarPlay with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on all models.
2017: Premier model renamed to LTZ, ventilated seats added, low-speed automatic braking offered.
2018: RST Performance Edition model introduced.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Small changes to the options packages offered.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with a new exterior, interior, and engines.
How Does the Chevy Tahoe Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is a very good large SUV since it offers a lot of passenger room with strong V8 engines, although some of the repair costs can be higher than other SUVs on the market.
The GMC Yukon is another large SUV which costs around $1,500 more. Both the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe are built on the same platform, although the GMC Yukon offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Chevrolet Tahoe for most buyers since they are very similar to each other.
The Ford Expedition is a popular competitor, which is about $2,000 less. Passenger room is a bit better in the third row of the Expedition, while the Chevrolet Tahoe offers more powerful engines. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since there are fewer mechanical problems reported as they age.
