2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 General Motors pulled the covers away from the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban just a few weeks ago. In this case, the large SUVs are really completely new and not just because of fresh sheet metal on the outside.
An independent rear suspension underpins the three-row of people movers for the first time, and a report from GM Authority says the Z71 model will also be part of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 portfolio.
That’s not something new, but it’s kind of so. At the Tahoe/Suburban debut, Chevrolet unveiled the Z71 edition of the Tahoe, but not as a package. Z71 is now a trim model, and GM Authority reports that it is also a trim level for the larger Suburban.
The world is reportedly coming from Chevrolet Truck Marketing Director Bob Krapes, and given the popularity of the Z71 package over the decades, we have no reason to doubt the news, despite Chevrolet being rather cozy on the subject.
What does this mean for the new Suburban? Z71 is still the hardcore off-road nickname for Chevrolet so expect all the improved tidbits normally associated with a Z71 machine.
Official information for the Suburban Z71 is not yet available but based on what we know with the Tahoe, the height-adjustable Air-Ride springs will be part of the standard-issue equipment.
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Slip plates underneath will protect vital components, and like the Tahoe, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 should have a unique front fascia that provides better clearance for approach angles. Grippy all-terrain tires and a monochromatic exterior treatment are also expected.
Meanwhile, we are in a company pattern on Chevy’s posh siblings, the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. A February 4 reveal is already planned for the Escalade, but we haven’t heard whether the Yukon will appear before or after the big Cadillac flagship.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 Engine
The biggest disappointment comes in the engine room, where only the 5.3L and 6.2L V-8s are available. That’s right, the only trim that the new 3.0L Duramax diesel engine is not available is Z71. While the gassers undoubtedly have a lot of power, we would like to see the immense torque and fuel range come to the off-road centric Z71.
We are excited to see Z71 finally get its own special trim and see Chevrolet spend resources to please the off-roading crowd. However, we want them to have ditched the 20-inch wheels in favor of 18s and more tire sidewall, and we really hope that the red towbar craze will soon come to an end.
Chevy also made no mention of a locking rear differential, but if we were to speculate we would recommend that they will come equipped with the GovLock G80 differential, which we discourage.
An electronically selectable rear (and dare we say front) locker would be preferable. We’ll have to keep last judgment for when we get the chance to wheel in the wild, but for now, we’re cautiously optimistic of the off-road chops of Chevy’s new family carriers.
