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

Man, 33-inch tires used to look big.

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. 🤷‍♂️

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

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

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..

The Z71 package should come with a freaking locker

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.

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

The term off road worthy being used loosely

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

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 :-)

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

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.

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!!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

A Z71 without a locker ? What good is it ?

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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!!!

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?

Soccer moms will love this thing.

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.

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?

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

Nice looking for the mall only

TFL killin' it today with the real SUV uploads.

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

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

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.

Love you guys for HONESTY.keep it up!👍💪

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.

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

The rear independent suspension would probably explode with a locker

Just drove those trails in my h2 last week. My God is that beautiful country.

Thanks again for a great video! I was positive that the Z71 package offers the G80 as in the previous models. Why no locker on this one baffles me. Just for the heck of it I have configured a 2021 Z71 Tahoe on Chevrolet's website and it did state on the features : " Mechanical limited-slip rear differential When the differential senses a significant difference in wheel speed, it locks to turn both rear wheels in unison for added traction Redistributes power to the drive wheels, providing you with more control Helps your vehicle power through the tough terrain by keeping the rear wheels moving together"

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.

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.

Great review! It looks like that little storage next to the screen replaces the storage compartment behind the screen on the old model

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

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.

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

Whats interesting is the Navigator also has front and rear independent suspension. But it has a traction control system that works really well per the test you guys did a while back. Its unfortunately that the offroad version of this doesnt have the G80 or a traction control system to properly apply the brakes on spinning tires.

Love the way you two get along.

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

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.

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

Nice job reviewing guys!!!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Great video with beautiful scenery. Can you please advise what exterior color is it?

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.

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

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

Good drone footage, too.

Another benefit of IRS is lower driveline vibrations and longer life of some components with the rear end being attached to the frame, also unsprung mass is lowered.

20" wheels are not off road wheels, sorry.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Hahaha that Prius really kills the off road vibes. I used to soft road the shocks off of an ‘85 GTI RABITT . It handled washboard great as long as you were going 45mph or more. That is a cool rig.

I have the 2021 HC Tahoe with the 6.2...its awesome

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

My Prius could do that! 😂

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.

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

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

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

Great review. The Z71 should have a locking rear axle.

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

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

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

I am interested to know how flat the back is with all the seats down. Also interested to know how many watts the 120 volt plug has (if it has one or more)? I know this is not the topic of this review. So no problem. Thank you so much for your reviews and hope you guys are making some money and continue this channel for a long time. Stay safe and all the best!

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

"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.

💡gm quality sucks , buy Toyota 4runner

"Down travel" is droop. And ABS traction control is very passive in 4WD High on most vehicles. 4WD Low generally starts clamping down on the spinning wheels pretty aggressively.

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.

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".

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

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?

Quick question the 4x4 system is the same that silverado? I mean the same capacities?