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.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Vehicle Research

Electrification Incentives: The Acquisition Windfall Fleets Can't Miss
Discover how fleets can use tax credits, grants, rebates, and vouchers to dramatically reduce electric truck and charging infrastructure costs—before today’s funding disappears.
Read More →
Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Back at Star Nation for a Closer Look at Western Star Trucks and the People Behind Them
Work Truck returned to Western Star’s Star Nation Experience for another hands-on look at the trucks, technology, and operator community behind the brand.
Read More →The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under U.S. Army’s M917A3 Program
The latest order of 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from Mack Defense for the National Guard is part of the $47-million order from the U.S. Army approved in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act.
Read More →
Rizon Introduces Service Combo Body, Increases Electric Truck Applications
Rizon now offers a combo service body that combines lockable storage and a spacious cargo bed in a single zero-emission vehicle. The body supports unique options including cranes, ladder racks, generators, lift gates, and work lighting for a wide range of vocational applications.
Read More →
MFTBC Establishes FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center to Strengthen Network Capabilities in Middle East & Africa
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation’s new FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center will support technical and non-technical capability development. It features enhanced training infrastructure to improve service quality, uptime, and readiness for advanced vehicle technologies.
Read More →
Paccar Updates MX-11 and MX-13 Engine Software to Enhance Customer Operations
Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company will update software for vehicles equipped with Paccar MX-11 and Paccar MX-13 engines to ensure they comply with EPA guidance on diesel exhaust fluid inducements.
Read More →
GM #1 in U.S. Sales for the Second Quarter of 2026
General Motors said it was America’s #1 automaker in U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 with total sales of 714,896 vehicles, down 4.2%. GM led in full-size pickup and large SUV sales and reported growth in fleet sales.
Read More →


