It’s that time of year again for the automotive industry. With the introduction of new model year vehicles comes critic evaluations, industry rankings, and vehicle segment awards. One of the most prominent awards has announced its semifinalist roster of vehicle contenders. And it’s an award that both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban are being nominated for this year. There’s now double the chance that the bowtie brand earns yet another piece of award hardware for the mantle.

Why the North American Utility of the Year Award is a big deal

The North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) Awards are quite prestigious in many automotive circles. Every year, the organization considers any vehicles that are either entirely new or “substantially new” based on redesign efforts. This year, the officials took late entries to allow manufacturers stalled by COVID-19 to get their vehicles in the running. 

This year’s flock of vehicles, according to the NACTOY officials, are making bold statements, with groundbreaking new technology or game-changing features. The organization’s president, Gary Wizenburg, said many are all-electric or possess “off-the-chart capabilities,” according to GM Authority. As the NACTOY officials begin their evaluations, Wizenburg thinks it will be interesting to see which risks will pay off for the automakers.

This year’s award contenders include the Chevy Tahoe & Suburban

The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) Award officials announced their selections as semifinalists this year. In the Utility of the Year category, you’ll find both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban. These sibling SUVs qualify as a single entry due to their similarities in design and ingenuity. But the competition is fierce and includes the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe belongs in the running

The Chevy Tahoe isn’t new. In fact, it came on stage in 1995 and was known as the Blazer back then. But, it’s been a powerhouse contender in the large SUV space since its introduction, and 2021 is bringing big changes.

The 2021 Tahoe has undergone a complete redesign, making it larger, longer, and more spacious than previous generations. Also new for this new generation is the availability of the 3.0-liter diesel engine. Even the ride and handling get a boost with the adoption of the new independent rear suspension. This new Chevy Tahoe looks and feels entirely new.

The 2021 Chevy Suburban earns head nods too

Both the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are in the running for the Utility of the Year Award but as one entry. The 2021 Suburban, much like its sibling, has been completely re-engineered and redesigned. The Suburban is entering its 12th generation and will offer three engine variations. Choose between the 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas, the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas, or the new 3.0-liter I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine.

Much like the Tahoe, the 2021 Chevy Suburban now features that first-ever, independent rear suspension that will offer a more comfortable ride. As expected, the Suburban comes handsomely equipped with must-have driver assistance features as well as countless infotainment extras.

The semifinalists have been announced, and the jurors for this prestigious award are already begun their evaluations. Judges will vote on finalists for December, and the winners in each of the vehicle categories will officially be announced in January. But you may not need to wait to hear which SUV takes home the trophy. Knowing that the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban are completely redesigned and full of great amenities, you may just want to go ahead and buy one for yourself this year.