Our favorite SUV of the last 40 years is undoubtedly the Chevrolet Suburban, especially when equipped with diesel power. A long succession of Diesel 'Burbs hauled our camera crews around throughout the 80's and 90s'.  The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel hits the road in a few weeks, and the Tahoe will deliver an EPA-estimated 28 highway, 21 city and 24 combined mpg in rear-wheel-drive models, making it the most fuel-efficient large SUV out there.  EPA-estimated fuel economy for four-wheel drive models is 26 highway, 20 city and 22 combined mpg. This is Chevy’s first diesel inline-six engine for full-size SUVs, and the brand’s first diesel offered in full-size SUVs since 1999. 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.

With an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, 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. 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. A standard exhaust brake is available in tow-haul mode and can provide additional driver confidence when towing.

“The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel brings responsive torque and a smooth driving experience, ideal for those who tow or spend many hours behind the wheel,” said John Barta, assistant chief engineer for the 3.0L Duramax. “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.”

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. 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.