From the vehicle’s Silverado face to its new frame and independent rear suspension, the introduction of the 2021 Chevy Tahoe has been met with mixed reactions by reviewers and customers alike, giving people a lot to talk about. Although the new design starts from a brand-new chassis and works its way up, there are consumers who say that it’s not worth the price Chevy is asking. We went further into customer comments and industry reviews to get an idea of the general perception of the 2021 Tahoe and how it squares with what we know.

Best face forward?

The most talked about aspect of the new Tahoe is the use of the Silverado’s front end and grille instead of the prior style shared by the Tahoe and Chevy Suburban. Chevy fans don’t seem to be a fan of the new look. Some wondered why there was no effort made to design a new style for the front end rather than piecing together two designs.

Others went so far as to suggest that Chevy is in competition with other automakers to make the ugliest vehicle, and that the new design has “upped the resale value” of previous-year Tahoes. Peppered among the scathing commentary were a number of Chevy customers who are generally excited about the release of the new model, but positive comments about the borrowed Silverado face are conspicuously absent. 

Worth the price?

Along with the front aesthetic, users appear to be concerned about the price point of the Tahoe, implying that the cost is not worth what is apparently the same vehicle with a slight upgrade. According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Tahoe starts at an MSRP of $49,995 for the basic trim, and tops out at $73,995 for the highest trim – the High Country. The main competition, the Ford Expedition, has not yet released its pricing for the 2021 model; however, the 2020 model was more expensive than the Tahoe, with prices ranging from $54,205 standard to $75,330 for the Platinum trim.

The 2021 Tahoe’s pricing is slightly higher than the 2020 model, with some justification. Chevy has made some notable improvements, including an all-new chassis for increased leg space, larger cargo space, and a more sizable back door. The larger frame also creates greater wheel space for enhanced maneuverability, an important trait for a large bodied SUV. The most exciting improvement, however, is Tahoe’s unique independent rear suspension, which is engineered to provide an extra smooth ride. The suspension, which comes standard with all trims, is the first of its type in the full-size SUV class, and it will likely set the bar for everything that comes after.

How big is too big?

According to Consumer Reports, the Tahoe offers some downsides, including the increased size of an already large vehicle. Even if the enhanced rear suspension helps with maneuverability, a vehicle this large is going to be hard to use in typical urban settings. What’s more, the rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning features are not available in standard trims, which CR worries could be a liability in a vehicle of this size. 

Despite some safety concerns, customers who prefer full-size SUVs like the Tahoe are unlikely to be worried about the size increase. In fact, commentary on various social media sites and blogs largely indicates that to Tahoe fans, bigger is better. 

The consensus

Overall, customers seem to be least concerned about the functionality of the Tahoe and most concerned about the exterior appearance. Coupled with customer’s opinions that the Tahoe is overpriced, this could hurt their market when the 2021 Tahoe is released later on in 2020. A concerted effort to focus on the Tahoe’s enhanced technology and new frame with an independent rear suspension could go a long way toward improving the outlook. Although the appearance may take some getting used to, fans of the Tahoe may still be won over by the larger interior and smooth handling of the new model.