In the arena of large and burley pickup trucks, capability is one thing that really matters. But capability isn't all that matters since there are pickup truck customers who are also looking for fuel-efficient drives. Chevrolet is claiming to have one of those drives. In fact, Chevrolet is saying that its 2021 Tahoe full-size SUV powered by the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine is leading its class in terms of fuel efficiency.
Third Engine Choice For 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Ever since it was born, the Tahoe has been served by a V8 mill, and that remains true with the latest generation. Customers can choose between the standard 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp) and the available 6.2-liter V8 mill (420 hp). However, for the 2021 model year, the two gasoline engines are joined by the optional Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine.
The Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine—first launched in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado—is tuned to provide 277 hp of max output and a very healthy 460 lb-ft of peak torque in the 2021 Tahoe. Just like the other two engines, the Duramax diesel is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to either rear or all wheels.
Capable Yet Very Efficient Duramax Diesel Engine
Since it was first developed for and applied to pickup trucks, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine was revised a bit to adapt it for full-size SUVs. It allows the 2WD version of the new 2021 Tahoe full-size SUV to tow up to 8,200 lbs and haul up to 1,717 lbs of payload.
While having enough capability to do the job, the Chevrolet Tahoe with the available Duramax turbo-diesel engine is efficient as well. Its RWD models return an EPA-estimated 28 highway, 21 city and 24 combined mpg, while its AWD versions return an EPA-estimated 26 highway, 20 city, and 22 combined mpg. With these figures, as claimed by Chevrolet, the Tahoe is the most efficient drive in its class.
Available as $995 Option On Nearly All Trims
The new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine is available on all trims (LS, LT, RST and Premier) except High Country. It's an $995 option (MSRP) over the base 5.3-liter EcoTec V8 mill. The 2021 Tahoe with the available 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel will arrive before end of 2020.
Source: Chevrolet