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A grey 2021 Chevy Tahoe is shown from the side driving down an open road.

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe: A Trim-by-Trim Comparison

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is the perfect vehicle for any family drivers out there. The main reason for this is that on top of its safety features and power, the new Tahoe doubles as both a practical and luxurious commuter vehicle. When you want to save money, you can purchase the base-level LS trim and still get great convenience features such as Apple CarPlay and keyless push-button start. But the luxurious High Country trim includes features like a standard and automatic heated steering wheel, built-in navigation, and several standard driver assist features for an even more impressive driving experience. Or, you can choose a trim with features somewhere in between.

You can choose from up to 6 different available trims for this model. But no matter which 2021 Chevy Tahoe trim you choose, one thing’s for certain, your family will stay comfy, and unless you plan to haul your entire house in your Tahoe, you’ll never run out of space so keep this in mind when making your decision.

The LS Trim

When you think of a base model, you probably don’t picture a vehicle worth buying. However, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe LS is different. The base-level Tahoe is like a higher-end trim on most other vehicles. Despite its lower status, it still includes tons of standard safety and convenience features. This includes OnStar capability, Rear Park Assist, which notifies you when you’re too close to another object, and remote start.

The most important concern here is safety. The LS comes with several standard safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking. It also comes with Teen Driver Mode, which is a great option if you have any pre-teens around. This system is great for keeping your upcoming driver safe by allowing you to track your Tahoe, set limits to curfews, volumes, and speed limits. You’ll even get a “report card” that informs you of how your teen is driving when you’re not around. Teen Driver Mode is a high-quality system that comes standard no matter how low your Tahoe’s trim is.

The LT Trim

The LT trim comes with minor yet handy upgrades, mostly in the convenience department. For example, on this trim, you’ll get standard driver memory. This means that you won’t have to readjust your seats, mirrors, and settings every single time you get back into the vehicle. If someone else has to drive and they mess up your settings, simply select your setting preset, and you’re good to go.

You’ll also get a better sound system with the LT trim. Those 9 Bose speakers paired with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make all the difference whether you’re listening to music or playing through podcast episodes. The kids will not only stay occupied with the LT’s entertainment features, but they’ll also benefit from the available power sliding center console, which is not available on the LS trim. This makes it easier to navigate both passenger and cargo space. As far as safety features go, the LS and LT trims both include the same standard safety features.

The front of a black 2021 Chevy Tahoe is shown from the front driving on an off-ramp.

The RST Trim

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe RST is relatively the same as the LT trim but with some aesthetic changes. For example, this model includes its own unique interior, which comes in Jet Black and includes Chevy’s signature Victory Red stitching. In addition to this, the RST has a solid black grille, accents, and RST badging. The biggest change here is that the RST’s wheels are much larger at 22 inches, and they’re black and chrome. When you’re going for an excellent blacked-out look, the RST is a great trim get.

The Z71 Trim

The Z71 is similar to the RST in that it doesn’t include a whole lot of differences when it comes to safety and convenience. However, in this case, the Z71’s design is heavily focused on off-roading. It includes a skid plate, tow hooks, and assist steps, and most importantly, it includes all-terrain tires. While this isn’t a vehicle that’s designed for hardcore off-roading and rock climbing like the Wrangler or the Bronco, it can definitely take you places that most SUVs cannot. If you and your family enjoy kayaking, fishing, camping, and hanging out in nature, the Z71 is the best 2021 Chevy Tahoe trim for you.

The Premier Trim

This is where we start getting into the luxury stuff. First off, the Premier kicks the speaker system up a notch by adding a standard Bose 10-speaker system, creating the perfect surround sound system. It also comes with standard Magnetic Ride Control, which is a new suspension system that provides quicker responses and a much smoother ride. When you’ve got young kids who need naps, you’ll want a vehicle that rides smoothly. That’s not so common, though, when you get into larger SUVs, which is part of why the Premier trim is a great option for families.

The High Country Trim

The Premier and the High Country trims are almost identical, aside from the High Country’s few unique luxury features. First off, you’ll get a rear camera washer with the High Country model, which isn’t available on any other 2021 Chevy Tahoe trim. Second, Rear Pedestrian Alert comes standard, whereas you have to pay extra for it on the Premier trim. Rather than getting the HD Rear Vision Camera that comes on the other Tahoe models, the High Country trim includes an HD Surround Vision Camera, which provides drivers with multiple camera angle views.

Lastly, the High Country offers its own unique aesthetic appeal, much like the RST. It has larger 22-inch wheels and a special grille and interior. Overall, the High Country offers the most luxurious Tahoe experience for you and your family.

A black 2021 Chevy Tahoe is shown from the back driving on a open road.

No Matter What Trim You Choose, There’s Plenty of Space for the Family

The most important thing to remember when you’re buying a 2021 Chevy Tahoe is that no matter which trim speaks to you most, all 2021 Tahoes share one commonality, and that is their spaciousness. 2021 Chevy Tahoe owners get up to 122.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space on all Tahoe trims, which is the best available cargo space in its class. That’s not even factoring in passenger space. When all the seats are up, drivers have 168.3 cubic feet of passenger space. The best part is that it’s easy to adjust the passenger to cargo ratio in the Tahoe, thanks to its power sliding center console and power-folding seats. Whether you’ve got 9 passengers or 5 passengers and lots of luggage to carry, the Tahoe has you covered.

Why Choose a Tahoe?

Large SUVs are not exactly known for their fuel efficiency; however, the 2021 Tahoe is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class, and that’s because it offers a turbo-diesel engine. When you choose the diesel engine, you can get up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 in the city. Plus, diesel engines are known for their longevity, and they hold their value much better than gasoline models. So, this Tahoe is a long-term investment whether you plan on keeping it for ten years or trading it in after only three.

Overall, just keep in mind that even the most affordable 2021 Chevy Tahoe offers more than most other model’s base-level trims do. So, if you want a model that’s spacious and entertaining that your family will love, take home a 2021 Tahoe today.