The New 2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71 Is a Big Heavy SUV that Can Finally Off-Road - But With One Exception!

[@PatrickRich]

Man, 33-inch tires used to look big.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Patrick Rich back when, 1968?

[@PatrickRich]

@@JeepCherokeeful I'm not even that old for a kick-off. No, I remember 10 years ago 33's were enough of a tire upgrade for anything but serious crawlers. Now 35 is the new standard and 37's are required to do trails you used to only need 33's for. Size classes may have all moved up but the trails are all still the same and the rocks don't care about interior volume.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Patrick Rich I used to cruise the streets in the early ‘90’s on 44”’s;)

[@trailrunnah8886]

They still look big on certain vehicles, it's just on these newer huge vehicles they look tiny. Put 33s on a old Ranger, S10, or an XJ, or even a CJ, and they still look pretty big. I had 31s on my 1st gen Grand Cherokee, and they looked pretty big. Now my 5th gen 4Runner comes stock with 32s, and they look small.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@slickkapone 3rd gens are the best! I feel like 33s don't look much bigger than stock on a 5th gen, you really need 35s to start noticing the difference. 33s look great on a 3rd gen, and 35s look huge on them.

[@dynasty2295]

In all honesty chevy has made a perfect mall crawler. Not hating it looks great, costs too much to dent, and doesn't have a locker. 🤷‍♂️

[@killroy2993]

Not even a clutched diff. Honda pilot had had that for a decade. No posi, air lock for the air suspension..... It's only 75k between friends right

[@AmanAman-ri9kk]

69 likes

[@1fast10r]

What no g80 locker anymore?

[@WilliamStewart1]

@@killroy2993 I don't understand why they didn't even put a G80 out back at the very least. This with a tad more lift and proper lockers would be really nice in my eyes.

[@Subzero-ji5ys]

@@WilliamStewart1 i think it's the independent suspension. With a new differential housing G80 is long gone, nd those air springs those are land rover gimmicks

[@SeanDuu]

No suspension travel, no lockers, good luck taking it off road.

[@treymetzger]

Not much off road about it!

[@joshkiej6601]

well, 95% of them (if not more) would never go further than a dirt road anyways

[@treymetzger]

Joshkiej it’s a Z71 though. Thats the point. I could understand in an LT, LTZ

[@joshkiej6601]

@@treymetzger yeah it sucks, but it definitely makes sense for chevy. They save 1-2k for every suv by not installing those things. Yeah they might lose their loyal 15 offroad customers but they make hundreds of thousands more profit

[@samduran5180]

This thing is going to kill it in sales no doubt!... Wanna off road get a ZR2!

[@TheCoffeeField]

I feel like GM, once they have a great final product on their hand, they have a meeting and they ask themselves, how can we mess it up? In this case the meeting attendees decided to eliminate the locker from Z71

[@boltrunner1560]

It’s an additional option if you want

[@jsnadrian]

@@boltrunner1560 where? it's not on the configurator, and it's still laughable that the Z71 *Off Road* package doesn't include it.

[@kisong1960]

​@jsnadrian Sequoia TRD Pro did not have a locker either. It is just not how a full size suv is used.

[@GeekyDad84]

I can't even remotely begin to say how disappointed I am in GM for not making the G80 standard on the Z71. I'm getting flashbacks to when I turned 16 and got to buy my first truck, after working multiple summers saving up. I bought a nice 89 RCSB Silverado Z71. I'll never forget the day I learned the hard lesson of assuming my 4wd Z71 wouldn't be open diff in the rear. My neighbor drove his 2wd f150 into a really soft spot of his back yard after multiple inches of rain and got stuck. I immediately jumped on the opportunity to show him the awesomeness of my cool Z71. I quickly threw my truck in 4low and eased back into his yard, no problem. The second I hooked to him my truck immediately showed it's weakness and was 1 wheel peel in the front and the rear. Now I'm stuck in wet grass as well.. f my life... Lol.. we ended up hooking multiple chains together to reach his gravel driveway and my uncle's late 70's 2wd Chevy eased up both out at the same time. Moral of the store, open diff 4wd vehicles are worthless the second you put any amount of strain on them, especially if there's any notable suspension flex..

[@Subzero-ji5ys]

all that muscle and no balls

[@Subzero-ji5ys]

wat a waste of time this has been waiting for the tahoe

[@GeekyDad84]

@@Subzero-ji5ys as a current owner of a Tahoe, and general GM truck fan, I was excited to see the new design. GM finally stepped up on many levels but this is quite an oversight. Offering an off-road oriented model with a neutered 4wd system is shameful. Lol..

[@TheMnfrontierman]

@@GeekyDad84 yeah I'll keep my 2003 Z71 tahoe with Falken MTs and a G80, its unstoppable in these MN winters in the country. She also has 293k, runs like a top. This new Tahoe ia a major disappointment

[@trailrunnah8886]

LOL, same thing happened to my dad when I was a kid in the mid 80s. I remember we visited some friends of my parents in Maine, they got their four-wheel drive Dodge pickup stuck in their side yard during mud season. My dad had a K5 Blazer, he backed up to pull him out and got stuck as well. They ended up hooking a chain to my parents friends wife's Malibu Station Wagon, one of the old rear-drive ones. That got the K5 out, but there wasn't enough chain to reach the Dodge, so they left it back there till the ground dried up a little bit.

[@jamesngotts]

The term off road worthy being used loosely

[@codybruh7791]

The term off road shouldn't be used for a dirt road either, my Crown Vic could make it up that road.

[@michaeldegenhart1695]

agreed

[@KT_One]

Off road as in a few feet off the asphalt at the mall or an unpaved driveway at your new construction McMansion?

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Next up: Kia Telluride is off-road worthy

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Ironically they were still driving on a road. A dirt/rocky road but it's still a road.

[@chrisamyhunt4321]

So not even a solid axle in the rear and no locker in the rear....Not worth the price for a generic 4x4!

[@1fast10r]

As a die hard Chevy fan and a 2006 Tahoe z71 4x4 owner. Ima have to agree with you. Wtf are they thinking? I guess I'll keep my 06 until they bring back the g80 locker. Even tho I upgraded mine to a true track lol

[@20tea]

I remember having issue with the solid rear going to independent as soon as it was rumored. Problem is that the majority of customers want more cargo capacity, 3rd row leg room and a smoother ride over durability and performance. You'd think the flaws of the new blazer would've changed perspective, but must've not done enough. I've lifted my awd 07 Denali and sits on 35s and does fine for my family needs when camping. I got a project crawler samurai for the real offroad stuff with lockers, cage, reduced gears, winch, ect which still costs less combined for what's offered here.

[@jcpoiuy]

@@1fast10r what is true track?

[@michaelhite1433]

Limited slip is standard on these, maybe the press version just came with an open diff so they wouldn’t beat on it. I’m sure you can get a locker in the aftermarket. When considering there isn’t to many full size suvs based on trucks left, not bad. The Hummer proved that irs can work.

[@40calDeathPunch]

So do you feel the same way about the Expedition or just being antifa?

[@mikec5820]

Thanks for the demonstration at 7:05. It's shocking that GM didn't include a locker or a really aggressive traction control system in this beast. I can imagine that sort of situation arising at a snowy driveway or trailhead.

[@JEDss454]

Shocking? Is it, really?! This is GM we’re talking about, after all...

[@rocker6883]

I have the G80 in my 2016 Silverado LT. Can’t believe they didn’t put it on a Z71.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

Right! My first land rover discovery (2002) with no center diff lock and just traction control would walk up that. This thing should actually have an advantage as it doesn't have a center diff, it has a chain drive so anytime you out put in 4wd the front and back together and the traction control only has to worry about two slipping wheels vs 3 slipping wheels on the old disco with the open center diff.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@rocker6883 right! Thought all z71s wpuld have the venerable g80.

[@williamgonzalez8061]

Its due to the weak independent rear suspension the g80 locker is way to aggressive it will destroy the cv-axles. I have the g80 in my 2021 gmc 3500 an after many soft sand an mud holes with a trailer connected i have destroyed the first set of gears hopefully I can make these last longer 😅

[@scotturich]

How is that GM keeps making their “OffRoad” versions less capable; first it was the G80 locker that you can’t control and now you don’t even at least include that. Makes me worried for the ZR2 update. GM can’t figure out why they keep loosing market share. The people running GM are brainless.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

Facts. Here they are tryna scam the customer into thinking they have an off-road vehicle.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

General Mayhem. Yes, they are idiots;(

[@DrOldsmobile91]

I know I used to be more of a GM fan but the more they pull stupidshit like this and especially with the Blazer I just lose even more respect. Not to mention killing off probably the most badass Cadillac they've made in recent times

[@badgerpa9]

Mary is trying to destroy the company, she seems to really hate it.

[@JonBecker81]

Most people just want to look cool for Instagram. GM knows exactly what they’re doing. They spend millions on market research. Function is a thing of the past it’s all about form now and big corporate has caught on to that. It’s a huge money making opportunity for them. It’s really easy and cheap to make something look cool but to have actual functionality is expensive. The people like us watching these reviews may be loud about our disapproval but we are the minority.

[@TEC_Stuff]

The auto industry has been moving back in a direction of more capable off-road SUV's - Rubicon, Mojave, Bronco, Defender, Passport, TRD Pro Sequoia, etc.; yet GM comes out with the "Blazer", and now this purse-carrying Tahoe Z71! When will GM realize how wimpy their offerings have become relative to the competition? Don't even get me started on ultra low front plastic valances and push-button transmissions! I could live with the loss of the solid-axle if the vehicle had other items, such as a locking rear differential, and a terrain management system, but GM just doesn't get it. One step forward, two steps back is General Motors, and hence Chevrolet's mantra. Wish the same team that developed the new Bronco (with thoughtful consideration of the history, dimensions, and capabilities of the original Bronco), were able to give lessons in how build a tough, capable off-road SUV. This parasitic thinking of just making vehicles comfortable for all people who are driving to the local Target store parking lot needs to stop. GM of you are reading this, make this your wake up call to rethink your direction. Off-road vehicle need to be superior off-road!!!

[@ryanmartinage]

The TRD Sequoia has fully independent suspension and no lockers also. It’s probably one of the worst offenders..

[@michaelbayliss1794]

I belive GM isnt looking at the true off road people. Let's be realistic how many people that can afford this Tahoe , are going to go rock crawling with it . If you need a capable off road truck , get a Gladiator . I bet GM will sell more Tahoe's then Jeep selling Gladiators .

[@warriorsingodsarmy8950]

Gm had the hummer and didn't sell shit to offroad drivers they did super poorly so why would they entertain the idea of catering to an offroad community that's already got everything it needs lol they wouldn't be up to par for one and they wouldn't sell again the same thing would happen bro oh but guess what they are doing they're coming out with the electric hummer truck pure horse shit they're still trying to make up for poor fuel economy fifteen years ago smfh is a shame I used to be a chevy guy but I've moved on to an actual competitor FORD...

[@vadim9342]

Ugh...those plastic valances completely hinder the ground clearance. Especially the 2014-2020 Tahoe/Suburban. They give off the appearance as if they sit very low. In fact, the actual advertised ground clearance of that generation was 7.9 inches. Quite pathetic that a Nissan Rogue has more than that!

[@aaron5222]

@@ryanmartinage but you can also get the 4 runner. But the after market for the sequoia exists.

[@rondail5675]

I liked it until the point where you got stuck against the rock. Maybe you should have asked the Prius guy for a tow! Tahoe Z71 is nice for show, not for go!!

[@WW-wf8tu]

I have disowned chevy for awhile now. But this only enhances the reason people should take a Prius over chevy to wander about the fire roads. Goes just as far for a lot less money.

[@joshuakurian5994]

Prius is very stupid, can’t tow, and can’t go off-road.

[@weekendwarrior8179]

Why does this exist? Z71 is just a pair of red tow hooks.

[@prod1192]

Because GM has no idea what they're doing

[@JonBecker81]

Next model will be a unibody. Watch it happen. With a turbo 4cyl.

[@prod1192]

@@JonBecker81 3 cylinder hybrid

[@Inferno45]

Jon Becker OK boomer..... be glad that it still has both v8’s in this redesign.

[@JonBecker81]

ELITE RACER45 your KZbin channel is about video games. Will you be learning algebra this year in school?

[@thedefinitive6296]

It looks great, but it cost way too much to not at least have a rear locker. Off-road, the freakin' Colorado would eat this thing's lunch.

[@Dwealdric]

Exactly correct. No locker, and not even an effective traction control system, on a vehicle with a huge premium for being "off road". Also no gas tank skid. This is a thinly veiled yuppie-mobile. No surprise. GM has been doing this kind of crap for ever with their "off road" editions. Exception to the rule being the ZR2 Bison.

[@andymorton1737]

The current Tahoe with a G80 would probably have climbed up that little test spot in 2 wheel drive.

[@tomsammon2918]

I think the guy driving don't know what he's doing. I can literally go anywhere in my. 04 Silverado with a 4.8 V8 4 x 4 stock tires. Not saying I'm going to go to the mud bogs. But Out in the back woods I literally can go anywhere.

[@itscwillis1523]

Dwealdric Off road means anything that’s not those asphalt roads you see everywhere. Any car can go off-road. Great vehicle from Chevy. Stop hating.

[@edwardclement102]

@@itscwillis1523 To a point, but when you say 4 by 4 people think hill-climbing, rocks, mud, snown, etc. This is nice, but not the offroad monster some people want, this is for snown and family and Chevy sells. Some want it all a ZR2 SUV.

[@jacobberlin614]

The Z71 package should come with a freaking locker

[@jacobberlin614]

did you try it with the traction control on to see if like the Land Rover it tries to use the brakes to reduce wheel speed and transfer power over to the other wheel because that would be the only saving grace for this vehicle considering it's the off-road version

[@JonBecker81]

Especially since it’s an independent rear now.

[@rb3tactical145]

and fog lights

[@natetrimble339]

Hell yeah locker should automatic with 4*4

[@blackstaticband]

or at least whatever is in the trailboss rear end

[@mrgreen8357]

I like the looks of the z71 Tahoe but way to expensive and it should have the g80 locker

[@voided3]

I'm confused because when you look at the 2021 spec sheet on the Chevy website, they list "mechanical limited-slip rear differential" as a standard feature on all trims, both 2WD and 4WD, yet in the video it was acting like an open diff.

[@baderalmubarak7517]

Ed Ricco Music well maybe the g80 locker available but only works in 4 low

[@voided3]

Bader Almubarak I do wonder if it had to do with the traction control or transfer case settings as the 2021 does have an off road mode. At the same time, though, even the 2WD models are supposed to have the limited slip diff. Very strange.

[@donleamon8653]

@@baderalmubarak7517 - Yeah, that must be it! 🙄

[@xlthumper]

When it was introduced they said "Electronic_locker" so that means its brake operated. If it still had the G80 it would be great for what it would be used for. Cottage road. Boat launches and winters.

[@dahub6929]

I really wish that GM would just left the Tahoe with the solid rear axle equipped with the G80 locker. That would’ve made the Tahoe a badass off-roader/family hauler

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Agreed 100%

[@andybub45]

If you sat in the third row I guerantee your opinion would change.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

@@andybub45 I have a Yukon with a solid rear axle and the rear row is fine.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@andybub45 I have, your knees are in your chest. I had an 06 land rover lr3 and ita 3rd row was way more comfortable despite being a much smaller vehicle.

[@TSL73]

Andrew M If you want a comfortable 3rd row get a suburban.

[@TheSkskitey]

The air lift only lifts the body and those rear suspension trailing arms are subject to damage when they hit rocks . If it dose not have any lockers it's not fully off-road worthy :-)

[@waynerhea6649]

They took away the solid axel which limits travel they could have at least given the truck a locker

[@Nicktheguy24]

Wayne Rhea well which is more important? More rear seat leg room or capable off road? You tell me 👌

[@R777-RLM]

@Robert Blackford GM shouldn't market it as off road. It should be Z71 High Ride, or something stupid like that.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@Nicktheguy24 well, you can have both in other full size suvs. Namely the sequoia. Its a little outdated but still a damm good vehicle and more capable offroad than the expedition or Tahoe z71 or the Armada.

[@brandonbrown3600]

They have a E-LSD available at least on the GMC models.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@brandonbrown3600 thats crazy that they wpuld offer that on the gmc but not the Z71 offroad package of the tahoe. Really all of them should at least odder the elsd with a locker on offroad oriented models like the Z71.

[@waynememmlersr3799]

A Z71 without a locker ? What good is it ?

[@MrJamesLuz]

Like the trail boss, it’s more about the appearance package

[@JonBecker81]

Look cool pulling into the Target parking lot.

[@waynememmlersr3799]

Should get you over the speed bumps

[@JonBecker81]

Wayne Memmler Sr you know there’s going to be some douche or soccer mom who uses the air suspension to go over speed bumps because they think that’s what it’s there for.

[@quintili1]

@@MrJamesLuz I mean the Trail Boss is kind of a joke, but it will still do some reasonable off-roading. This fake off-roader Tahoe is a pure mall crawler.

[@TeamRudyProject]

Yet again GM cheapskates the off-road capability by not putting a G-80 locker. It begs the question what else did they cheapen out on?

[@geoffmooregm]

My Sequoia uses traction control to fake a locker and in all honesty it works everywhere I have taken it. There is no way I would I would ever take it where I take my off road built Trooper with ARB'S front and rear. My Sequoia is just too nice. That being said I wonder if this thing has different drive modes that will get more aggressive with the traction control?

[@rb3tactical145]

No fog lights on such an expensive SUV is ridiculous too

[@vadim9342]

It's like a body on frame crossover with an off road package.

[@I_Santos_]

It reminded me of a crv or outback when it got stuck. What an embarrassment. Such potential and yet this is what was vomited out.

[@chrisamyhunt4321]

Z71- nothing but better than standard shock, tow hooks and extra skid plates.

[@vadim9342]

@@chrisamyhunt4321 Precisely! I have a Land Rover Discovery Sport that I am currently leasing. Which is infinitely better off road than the Tahoe displayed here. When the lease is up next Spring, I was debating on whether or not to grab the Tahoe Z71? I think I will go with the 4Runner instead. At least that actually does have proper lockers, a solid rear axle.

[@frankielin2]

What a turd! I'm not impressed. It looks pretty cool but they should have thrown some lockers in it or something

[@corbylambert9429]

@@frankielin2 hahaha what a turd!!! My thoughts exactly after watching, it's sad because I think they look great.

[@upshifter5316]

Chevy: “*How* stupid do we think our customers are...?” Also Chevy: Off Road package = no locker + plastic skid plates + irs

[@40calDeathPunch]

Its the same with the Expediton.

[@thebigempty_5792]

lol - but the Z71 badge is bigger

[@edwardclement102]

Chevy only looking at big family four-door sells, and you can think the Jeep Cherokee and later Japan crossovers for that, and you get no two-door offroader from Chevy because of it. Money and sales have taken a pioneer in 4 by 4 Chevy away from the game. Just look at all the offroad tech the S10 Blazer had, sadly today it is all family sells in Chevy SUV, I get money, but would love to see a new S10 or something two offroad Blazer from Chevy.

[@jessenewman2181]

Skid plates are aluminum but you almost had it bud.

[@braydenwilde6895]

The front skid plate is plastic for looks. But once you get farther back it is metal

[@allenx71]

Ladies and gentleman this is the new age minivan just worse in fuel economy and just as off road capable as a minivan. Good job destroying the full size suv gm. Guess 2014 was the last of the good ones.

[@s_ak999]

allenx71 Totally agree

[@XX-km7up]

A minivan would probably bottom out first

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

They need toake the Z71 ofgroad worthy and build a heavy tow 3/4 ton like they used to.

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@XX-km7up They should have asked the Prius driver how it was getting along. ;)

[@darienmiller1032]

The Mitsubishi Delica is pretty legit offroad though, especially the bushmaster. Vans can be off-road capable with minimal effort, but it's an area very few of them attempted out of the delica, the mazda mpv, and the astrovan.

[@jnieto490]

This Tahoe has a Z71 badge and doesn't even have a locker in the rear🤦‍♂️

[@itscwillis1523]

Oh wow. Let’s all panic over an automobile.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

Maybe we'll get a ZR2 Tahoe with lockers. Either way, I still prefer my 4Runner TRD Off Road.

[@JonBecker81]

I wish Toyota would do another v8 for the 4Runner.

[@geoffmooregm]

Any you should. This truck is fine for gravel roads, maybe a bit of sand. But full size trucks and SUV'suck for real off road. Barely anyone even takes their new Rubicon off road. They are too expensive and too nice to destroy. Second and third owners are the ones who will modify and work them to destruction.

[@WW-wf8tu]

If you want long term reliability and capability, stick with your 4Runner. ;)

[@corybradshaw1588]

4runner isn't full size

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

Cory Bradshaw yeah but I was talking about off road ability.

[@jerrodcorey25]

All Z71s should have a locker in the rear MINIMUM. VERY DISAPPOINTING!! Seriously GM, that's actually embarrassing!!

[@D41Michigan]

Thats due to the aluminum diff housing. It'll explode locking up

[@irvgotti94]

Man all these new electronics scare me. How long can these last

[@nathankoroush7918]

3 years tops, than you can find them at any used dealer lot for less than 12,000.00 with zero down. haha

[@weedmastersr]

until warranty expires, then off you go to the next lease, being a perpetual slave of debt.

[@nowayoutstp4]

Hey I’m seeing on the window stickers for the Z71 2021 model it says mechanical limited slip differential with an explanation saying it spins both wheels when it senses wheel skip. Therefore, I’m wondering if your locker test needs redone? Bring out the rollers ASAP!

[@LukeEdward]

The new front end look really works in this Z71 configuration, and just a little bit of lift (at full up with the air suspension up). Can’t wait to see these things on the road, with aftermarket lift kits on them - especially the Suburban.

[@markg1495]

and a locker. and real skid plates. and maybe a SAS if were lucky

[@mikebas7325]

I'm no engineer but I was behind one of these the other day and just can't stand the rear lower control arms. They seem to hang way down and can only imagine how easily it would be to keep hitting them if you did any real off-roading. Pretty sure those could have been designed better for better clearance.

[@Eternal-2740]

Soccer moms will love this thing.

[@thehammer5164]

So the z71 starts at $58,000? That’s too rich for my blood. It should be 40 tops. I don’t care about all the cameras and gadgets but I’m sure I’m the minority.

[@kevinblock2307]

Tommy would love to see you do a slip test on one of these Chevy’s with the “auto” button just to see how well that option works

[@pacificwarrior7679]

I was going to take a shot every time I heard "locker or Jeep Wrangler Rubicon"...well I am on the floor after 6 shots of Maker's Mark for lockers.

[@alienation-e6h]

Love me a good Makers & 7.

[@cmadk3423]

The rear independent suspension would probably explode with a locker

[@geoffmooregm]

Like any axle is depends on the size of the diff and shafts.

[@D41Michigan]

Maybe it not having a locker is due to the diff housing being aluminum.....just saying aluminum housings and lockers don't play nice

[@prooutside6558]

hmmm the chevy website says it has a mechanical locking rear diff if you build a 2021 thaoe z71 without any options says so on your build summarypage, also in fine print says the air suspension is notavalible till late.... late what?

[@KT_One]

7:07 is just sad. Z71 without LSDs? Shame on you GM. My '84 Suburban would have easily climbed this in 2 high.

[@jaretboston20]

Because your 84 is a tank and built to last forever. These new SUVs can’t even compare to the ones from the 80’s and 90s

[@3bd0o0l]

10:32 that’s the sacrifice when you prioritize 3rd row legroom and ride quality over ground clearance

[@dmegahan]

Z71 vs fx4. Curious how they are compared to each other off road. I

[@MrJamesLuz]

Expedition has an optional rear locker

[@henryford2736]

My F150 FX4 has rear locker. I think the Tahoe is going to struggle in the snow.

[@dmegahan]

George Suchenstein correct but not the ground clearance. So I think it would be an interesting battle.

[@8__D]

It would be interesting, the expedition will have a locker which will help it a lot. But the Tahoe has better ground clearance keeping it from getting bottomed out and becoming a snow plow

[@henryford2736]

7:00 ground clearance won't do you any good if the wheels are spinning. That's so pathetic get stuck on dirt road.

[@JC-zm1qe]

Hey guys just wanted to tell you I bought the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Redline. I can't tell you how much I love it the ride, the comfortability, suspension, its loaded I can't wait to take it off-road. By far the best Jeep I've ever bought, love the videos keep up the good work. Maybe a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk video soon from you guys?

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

About the only feature of modern "off roaders" is the crazy camera systems. This one and the one in the new defender make me wondering how I can add that functionality to my old rig.

[@NsOakland6]

Camera systems that will eventually be hacked into through the onboard wifi/On Star and remotely viewed.

[@jamesbxxl]

Whoever fly’s and films with your drone, needs a pay raise. Amazing!

[@AsianAndrew13]

You guys have to turn off traction control. The Tahoe a mechanical rear locker. So it has to have enough wheel speed on one wheel before it can engage. The traction control is kicking in and the brakes are not letting the mechanical locker engage. When you did the slip test you left traction control on and 4HI or 4A. I bet you can make it up that incline in 2WD with traction control off. Would love to see you do another video showing off the actual capability of a mechanical locker. Once you understand how to use it properly. This is also why when you off-road your guy’s trail-boss you should have TC off.

[@Alexander-fr1kk]

I’m a GM guy but this off-road package is pathetic...

[@john-okc450]

Dear TFL - In the real world driving off-road doesn't just happen in the daytime. How good are all those vehicle cameras at night? How well lit is the cargo area? Are the screens too bright? Can you easily turn off ALL the interior lights with the doors open? In the current Grand Cherokee the reverse screen is BLINDING at night, once you look at it you are night blind and the shape of the rear window means you cannot lookout it manually. It also has a flaw in that when you turn the car off you get a guage goodbye screen that is at full "daytime brightness" which blinds you as you go to exit. Please do some REAL WORLD testing of some the features of these new rigs at night.

[@mdk7376]

The older body styles with rear G80s and straight axles were amazing off road.

[@tumbleweed4185]

20" wheels and low pro tires on an off-road machine? Idiots. That thing is almost as off-road capable as a fork truck on solid tires.

[@djmaxwell1325]

Bruh those aren't low pros

[@tumbleweed4185]

@@djmaxwell1325 Compared to real off-road tires, those are low pros.

[@willieb.1700]

So basically the Z71 Tahoe is an appearance package. 20 inch wheels have no place off road, no- limited slip or locker. It's a mini bus.

[@vortecmacs]

Easiest way would have been to look at the RPO’s and look for “G80.”

[@3bd0o0l]

G86 for independent rear suspension, G80 for solid axle

[@b3119]

It’s a Chevy. They have never made a Real 4x4 and as long as you stay on 2-track that even a Lincoln could travel, you’ll be just fine. Remember GM is run by a “Soccer Mom” where everyone gets a trophy (not that there is anything wrong with being a soccer mom, I love them). She will only do what is safe and what the Boardroom lets her do. Those soccer moms spend a lot of money to sit up higher than a minivan and GM will not risk losing even one.

[@ripfletching]

Nice looking for the mall only

[@GTOGregory]

Beautiful scenery! The truck is very handsome, but locking differentials are a must, especially if it has the Z71 package! In years past a Z71 package meant lockers, Rancho shocks, skid plates and tow hooks. I've owned several Z71's.

[@craigluhr7243]

Lol! 20" low profile "off road" tires? I will stick with my dependable Toyota LC.

[@markg1495]

@slickkapone can't quite afford the LC but I bought the poor mans version! I'm on my 3rd first gen 4wd sequoia

[@craigluhr7243]

@slickkapone I have had LC's for the past 40 years. Started with an FJ40, FJ60, FJ Cruiser, and now have the best of all and one I have wanted for a long time, a 76 Series(not available in the states). When I return to the states, I will bring an 78 Series with me or an FJ 80. I'm still old school and like the solid front axle. Otherwise, I love the 4runner.

[@craigluhr7243]

There is a saying here in the middle east. "If you want to go into the desert, take a Land Rover. If you want to come back, you need to take a Land Cruiser!"

[@sabillonallan]

Totally off topic but I just gotta say it's so cool that you guys (dad & son) can work and do all of these amazing things.

[@UltumSmith]

It’s not an aggressive off-roader. It’s a package for looks, and just enough to do an easy trail for camping. That’s what I believe it’s intended for, and I think they hit the mark. I have this on order, and it was funny to hear the comment there’s only like 3 of these in the world lol. So true.

[@stithis]

Wonder if it wouldve locked if you switched to the offroad mode and 4L.

[@newtestamenttacticaloutdoo6880]

a heavy full size SUV good off road exists already, its a Land Cruiser

[@JonBecker81]

Waiting patiently for the Bronco.

[@thehayman7352]

Jon Becker not a heavy full size off-roader bud

[@newtestamenttacticaloutdoo6880]

Jon Becker I’m interested to see how the bronco holds up to moderate abuse over time but I am excited and hopeful on the midsize bronco

[@newtestamenttacticaloutdoo6880]

Robert Blackford closest second is the GX/Prado platform

[@ktpinnacle]

But it might be dead in the US, which means having to buy a Lexus with the silly body cladding and much higher price.

[@mbukukanyau]

dude, put the lockers front and back chevy, and charge for them, its not like you do not have them…. otherwise this is a stickers package.. and get the 6.2 as an option

[@JonBecker81]

Why why WHY do they put independent rear suspension on these???!!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Was kind of intrigued by this veh when I heard about it because of it’s size, but man that AWD drive system didn’t work well (that tire was spinning for days) and not even a rear locker offered?? Weird. And not worth it for me.

[@BYLRPhil]

Looks great, but you’ve got to at least have a solid rear axle. C’mon, Chevy. First the “Blazer” and now independent reads on the Suburban/Tahoe

[@brianbaker4745]

I’m a Chevy guy. I was so excited to get the new Z71 Tahoe then I found out the bad news. No locker, no adjustable pedals, no fog lights. I guess I will keep my 17. I don’t understand how you make a z71 without at least a G80 and fog lights.

[@nathankoroush7918]

20" wheels are not off road wheels, sorry.

[@rootssixtysix]

Wish they brought back the Trailblazer/Envoy. I've had one of each and they just wouldn't die. Even after 300k+ miles and my son totaled one, it still ran. It was the right size, could get 2 or 3 row seating, had the inline 6 or V8 available, full body-on-frame, true 4x4, rear locker, etc.

[@omgnothingisavl]

7:43 and just like that ... "Off road" went out the window. Pathetic 😂.

[@henryford2736]

Yes exactly. Ground clearance won't do you any good if the wheels are spinning.

[@braydenwilde6895]

I love how he was like there is only three of these in the world and at the time my mom had already has her 2021 black Chevy Tahoe z71 for over a month

[@ivochicr1]

And it got defeated by 10 inch hill... what a joke calling this off road package

[@dirtsailoroff-road5580]

the perfect mall crawler, The Z71 is just a suspension package, my neighbor has a Silverado Z71 and it's only a 2wd.

[@CoachCarter94]

Haha well it’s no 2021 Bronco 🤷🏽‍♂️ too much room and too much money for me. And no lockers lol

[@cmadk3423]

Z71 = offroad appearance package

[@nightryder21]

When is the video taking the Honda Passport on a real off road test going to come out?

[@anthonydurling4093]

Check out JonDZ Adventuring KZbin

[@nightryder21]

@@anthonydurling4093 I do already.

[@monales4749]

where this place is it looks spectacular.

[@TFLoffroad]

Near Webster Pass - Colorado.

[@marauderhot]

The rear lower control arms are begging for a date with a rock.

[@howardbardsley1705]

According to the Chevrolet web site, the Z71 is supposed to have a locking differential.Maybe your test vehicle didn't get one or it is inoperable.

[@chad59]

The Responses are Hilarious! I would guess less than half could afford this and the other 1/4 wouldn't do much more than a gravel road with it if they buy one.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

I take my vehicles offroad. But I use my 03 discovery to wheel with because I don't care if it gets scratched. If I buy a 4wd I plan on using it and expect it to be capable. This thing is garbage. Every other 4wd suc could have made it up that obstacle, even without a locker. What a joke. I could understand if this were a regular 4wd tahoe, and evem that would be embarrassing, but to call this thing a Z71 and it can't get over that simple obstacle is downright hilarious!

[@zonacrs]

I can afford it but would not touch it for a 50K starting price. Z71 used to actually mean something, this thing is pathetic from an off road stand point. Hell of a nice package for "soft roading" as someone pointed out. Too big for my tastes anyway.

[@neo16769]

I just got mine last week, sticker says it has a mechanical LSD in it although mine doesn't have the air ride option. Also, that cubby next to the screen I believe is for sunglasses. Felt lined and actually fits a pair.

[@DJR5280]

Wow. So disappointed. They nearly made the perfect Tahoe Z71 but forgot lockers. What an absolute joke. I know GM claims this rear end has an LSD but it did nothing to lock up both rear wheels.

[@JPGwinn]

The odd cubby hole next to the radio with clever door (squeeze to open) is a sunglass holder.

[@Kyle-nr6nm]

My Prius could do that! 😂

[@BlackPearl-bp]

The only thing makes me feel bad is the gear whenever I want to go forward or backward I need to finger that gear. I prefer the old column gear if they wanted it to be electric they should go with Mercedes-Benz route and use a small electric column shifter that would be better than that gear layout especially the space on the right of the steering wheel is still empty and not used. And RIP G80 auto differential lock which wasn't good but I guess it's better than not having any kind of lock.

[@12B0692]

"If you guys are fans of GM..." Thank you for this line. I'm laughing so hard. Laughing is so much nicer than crying...like I did every time my POS Chevy product left me stranded on a long distance drive or during a commute in rush hour making me the traffic villain. FK GM. Spend this $$$ on a Lexus.

[@damitbobby6677]

Lexus? Where lipstick as well?

[@12B0692]

mold man the great Lexus makes good vehicles. This is a soccer mom vehicle...and a bad one. If this is what you need, and this is your price point, then buy a good one. Lexus. Was the lipstick comment an insult? What if I did wear lipstick? 12 years service. 3 deployments. I’ll wear whatever I want.

[@damitbobby6677]

Sorry I just had so much bad luck with my wife's Lexus it was a bad decision for us to get one

[@12B0692]

mold man the great all good. Best vehicle I’ve ever had has been a Honda. Volkswagens have been about the worst cars I’ve owned. I didn’t mean to misread/mis-take your comment. I’ve been surprised by some pretty offensive comments towards me over really mundane things. People act weird on social media. We’re good. Thanks.

[@anantdabholkar685]

Just a suggestion, TFL tested the suburban on the Ike Gauntlet the lack of rear axle didn't create the "Elvis pelvis" while towing a heavy load. Great! Last year I took a Yukon XL up Old Fall River road comfortable in 4WD High without making 3 point turns and losing traction due to lifting a rear wheel. Can the new Suburban/Tahoe do the same? Can you compare RTIs? I'm looking to get one of these in 6 months.

[@rjsalameh]

stuck on a small rock on a small incline......lame!

[@tomsammon2918]

My 04 Silverado is probably one of the lowest sitting full size four-wheel drive pickup trucks ever made. It comes stock witha265 75 r 16. 4.8 V8 . And there ain't many places I can't go. She is open front and rear. I do not drop down in mud holes with it obviously. But I'm talkin the woods the Backwoods the pucky

[@Slickpete83]

💡gm quality sucks , buy Toyota 4runner

[@IdahoChevyDude]

I work at a Chevrolet dealer and we just received a 2021 Tahoe Z71 in stock. I looked at the window sticker and it lists it as having a mechanical limited slip differential. I have a picture of the window sticker to prove. Maybe yours was different or not working? Its listed as a G86 instead of the G80.

[@Tykrane30]

You do know how a mechanical clutch type LSD works right? you need to provide enough driver torque request to separate the pressure rings to couple the differential beyond the preload.

[@kasonolson1937]

Love it! Please do more videos on its capabilities to do off road! Put it through the tests that you do with other off road cars!

[@victoramaro9373]

I don’t like independent suspension in the rear

[@Donkarnage223]

HAHAHAHA First thing starting this episode. Dad Vs. Son disagreeing. "Son take the wheel." "No Dad no no no." It's a common theme and I love it! Thank you boys!

[@Cannibal440]

According to Chevrolet.com all trim levels of the '21 Suburban and Tahoe(2WD and 4WD) come standard with a "Mechanical limited-slip rear differential".

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Oh! But that's the "Marketing Department" telling you that! You don't believe it, do you? Reminds me of "The Last Year Of The Cadillac Convertible" of the late 70's/early 80's. GM got sued over that (too)!

[@youarerightboss]

Good drone footage, too.

[@bryanyoung2963]

That is probably the best looking Tahoe since the first they were made. just my opinion I know everybody's got one.

[@illinoistiger8694]

Hey - there's a discrepancy between the open diff in your tester vs what you can actually buy at a dealership. A mechanical limited slip diff is standard equipment on production Chevy Tahoe 4x4 models (all trims - including LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country). In fact, you can't actually opt for an open differential on the 4x4 models according to Chevrolet's website (Specifications section). Is it possible that the mechanical LSD in the Z71 Tahoe you are testing is malfunctioning? Or could it be that this is actually a preproduction model and possibly missing that feature? As you've pointed out, it's clearly operating as an open differential. Either way, a great demonstration for TFL would be to compare the new mechanical LSD against the electronic LSD that's optional equipment in the 2021 Yukon. Mechanical Limited Slip Differential is listed on the build sheet of every Tahoe I've found (we are car shopping currently and the Tahoe is at the top of the list). The E-LSD in the Yukon AT4 seemed to be pretty good according to your latest review. Looking forward to seeing how a Tahoe with a working mechanical LSD compares to it.

[@Deuteross]

I wish the new Trailblazer was a miniature of this fantastic beast.

[@stonecoldcustoms]

TFL killin' it today with the real SUV uploads.

[@ohaggdah]

Great job as always TFL!! According to Motor Trend, the new Tahoe and Suburban are supposed to have "a new mechanical limited-slip device supplied by American Axle operates with clutch packs designed with a certain preload that lock up above a certain left-right wheel-speed differential" . Is it possible that these first vehicles for sale don't offer that yet? Any word from GM? I find it strange that GM would build a Z71 without any type of locker, even with the new multilink rear axle. Yes I get that these are not meant for serious off-roading, but GM trucks have always had G80's optional.

[@Bradimus1]

The open diff issue was part of getting rid of my 2016 F-150.

[@XX-km7up]

I have a 1997 GMC suburban SLT with 158k. And It has a g80, it can go pretty far in just 2 wheel drive and it's almost unstoppable in 4low, and if I scratch the paint it won't make me have a stroke.

[@k2sb20033]

They reported that the G80 was replaced with a mechanical LSD with clutch packs... Looks like that was a bad call. Do you think they are doing that as a holdover to the new ELSD that was spec'd for the AT4 Yukon?