The Chevrolet Tahoe will be getting a major redesign for model year 2021, as its fifth generation rolls out. Changes include a new diesel engine option, a ten-speed automatic on all trims, and an independent rear suspension. The new Tahoe will offer even more interior space, new technologies and features, and what Chevy calls “the best driving dynamics in the full-size segment.” Will all that technology include Android Auto?

Android Auto

Android Auto is the vehicle infotainment software developed by Google. Like Apple CarPlay, it helps drivers use their tech in a hands-free way. Android Auto makes the vehicle’s touchscreen function similarly to the Android phones’ icons and menus. One of the most important functions is the Google Maps navigation app, which can access the saved destinations on the phone. It also stays up to date and means the vehicle doesn’t need to have its own native navigation software.

Android Auto also lets drivers access their songs and podcasts plus make phone calls and send texts. It includes Google Assistant, which uses verbal commands to take care of lots of functions. The Assistant can be controlled by voice by saying “Hey, Google” and making a request or asking a question. The Assistant can help you find a gas station, play what you request, set a reminder, read a schedule, or check the weather. The voice commands also let drivers reply to messages verbally by using speech-to-text capabilities.

Android Auto also works with lots of phone apps, including Waze, Pandora, Spotify, and Skype. It does not control vehicle functions like climate control, radio stations, and driving modes, although Google is working adding on these functions. Android Auto works with all Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher that have the Android Auto app. Phones with Android 10 have Android Auto built in and don’t need a separate app. The phone should be connected to the vehicle with a USB cable. Some phones and vehicles will support wireless Android Auto.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe infotainment systems

A recent press release from Chevrolet introduced the newly redesigned 2021 Tahoe and Suburban and revealed the details of the new tech to be included. There will be five display screen options. The 2021 Tahoe will come standard with a 10-inch color touchscreen. There will be an available eight-inch instrument cluster, which comes standard on Premiere and High Country trims. A 4.2-inch driver information center comes standard with the LS, LT, RST, and Z71 trims.

There is an available 15-inch Head-Up Display that is standard on High Country and available on the Premiere trim. There are dual 12.6-inch LCD touchscreen displays available for the rear seats. These two screens are positioned to be seen well by passengers in both the second and third rows. They can play different content or the same, mirror Android phone content, and send navigation locations to the central screen in the front row.

Tech in the Tahoe

All this new tech is made possible by a new digital vehicle platform. The new system processes data five times faster than current Tahoes and has cutting-edge cybersecurity protections. It’s faster plus it can receive over-the-air updates. The new Tahoe will also include a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trim levels. It will have multiple USB charging ports plus wireless charging (except on the LS trim). Drivers will have nine camera views, which will be a help with trailering.

Safety features

The 2021 Tahoe will have 30 safety and driver convenience features, including standard automatic emergency braking and standard forward collision warning. Optional features include HD surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control.

There will now be six trim levels to choose from, up from three for the 2020 Tahoe. They’ll all let you enjoy using Android Auto. The new fifth-generation 2021 Tahoe will be available in North America in mid-2020.