Related: Chevrolet Tahoe Through the Years
Chevrolet 2021 Diesel Tahoe, Suburban Fuel Economy Detailed
The first customer deliveries of the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel are expected to begin before the end of the year.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine will offer an EPA-estimated 28 highway, 21 city, and 24 combined mpg in rear-wheel-drive models, and an estimated fuel economy for four-wheel drive models of 26 highway, 20 city, and 22 combined mpg.
Photo: GM
General Motors’ revealed the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine will offer an EPA-estimated 28 highway, 21 city, and 24 combined mpg in rear-wheel-drive models, and an estimated fuel economy for four-wheel drive models of 26 highway, 20 city, and 22 combined mpg.
This is Chevrolet’s first diesel inline-six engine for full-size SUVs, and the brand’s first diesel offered in full-size SUVs since 1999, according to General Motors. In the Suburban, the 3.0L Duramax offers an EPA estimated 27 highway, 21 city and 23 combined mpg in two-wheel drive models and 26 highway, 20 city and 22 combined mpg in four-wheel drive models.
“The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel brings a refined engine experience to the already impressive redesign of the all-new 2021 Tahoe and Suburban,” said Bob Krapes, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director. “Combining the segment’s best fuel efficiency with increased space inside of the vehicle compared to the previous generation equals an all-new Tahoe and Suburban ready for the next long road trip or family adventure.”
The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel launched first in the 2020 Silverado, according to the automaker. The engine is exclusively paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for a smooth shifting experience.
The Tahoe 3.0L Duramax with two-wheel drive is capable of maximum towing up to 8,200 pounds and a max payload of 1,717 pounds, and offers 277 hp along with 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The Suburban with the same engine is capable of a maximum towing of 8,000 pounds and a max payload of 1,625 pounds in two-wheel drive models, GM said.
“Not only is the 3.0L Duramax a refined engine, but the total experience benefits from the efforts to deliver enhanced driving dynamics in Tahoe and Suburban through the independent rear suspension and available Magnetic Ride Control and Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension,” said John Barta, assistant chief engineer for the 3.0L Duramax.
The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel is available on the LS, LT, RST and Premier trims with an MSRP of $995 over the base 5.3L V-8 gas engine, the automaker said. It is also available in the High Country trim as a $1,500 MSRP decrease over the standard 6.2L V-8 gas engine.
The first customer deliveries of the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban with the available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel are expected to begin before the end of the year.
More Vehicle Research

Why Fleet Management Looks Different in 2026 | AF News Recap
This week's fleet headlines highlight a mix of industry leadership and an important safety reminder for fleet professionals.
Read More →
Ram Previews ProMaster City, Updates Fleet Vehicle Lineup
The return of the small van headlined enhancements across the ProMaster, Chassis Cab, Heavy Duty, and Ram 1500 lineup, along with a preview of future Ram products.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Stellantis Launches Pro One in North America
Stellantis has launched Stellantis Pro One in North America, unifying its commercial vehicle operations under a global business unit and outlining plans for new vans, pickups, and fleet-focused services.
Read More →
The Future of Fleet is Closer Than You Think | AF News Recap
Cybersecurity threats, autonomous vehicle strategies, and hands-on crash testing experiences are all making headlines this week. Here's a quick look at the trends shaping the future of fleet.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →
Stellantis Pro One Unveils 2030 Strategy: 11 New Models, Autonomous Concept, and Uptime-as-a-Service
The commercial vehicle division sets ambitious targets, including 30% volume growth and a push toward 100% vehicle uptime through a new ecosystem services platform.
Read More →
Ford Pro Expands 5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty to Additional Commercial Vehicles
Beginning with the 2027 model year, Ford Pro will extend its 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty to a broader range of commercial vehicles, including several SUVs, pickups, and EVs purchased by eligible fleet customers.
Read More →
Why Fleet Management Looks Different in 2026 | AF News Recap
Here’s how rebranding, data strategy, and decades of industry evolution are reshaping fleet leadership.
Read More →