Skip to main content

Chevy finally did it. Finally, it made the mighty 6.2-liter V8 engine optional in more version of the Tahoe. For 2021, it was only available in the sporty RST trim version. Now, it’s available in other trims, and for this big SUV, it makes sense to have a big, powerful, spirited V8 moving you along. Does it make sense to step up to the 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 for the most powerful Tahoe on the road?

Is the Chevy 6.2 a good engine?

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST driving down the road
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | Chevrolet

The 6.2 liter V8 engine has earned a lot of fans in the last few years, and not just because of its monstrous power. Wards Auto named it one of the 10 best engines winners in 2019 when it came out because it’s powerful, sure, but also because of its unique Dynamic Fuel Management system that helps it save gas. Compared to the older versions of the big V8, the newer versions earn 13% better fuel economy. And, ask anyone who drives a big truck, that fuel economy savings adds up.

According to 4WheelDriveGuide, the 6.2-liter is a stout motor that, with regular service, can go 250,000 miles. Sure, you can order other engines for the Tahoe. The Duramax 3.0-liter diesel is still available and the 5.3-liter EcoTec V8 is also available. But, they are far less powerful.

How much horsepower does a 6.2 Chevy motor have?

The 6.2-liter isn’t subtle. Nope. It’s makes 420 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. The diesel makes the same amount of torque, but it makes a paltry 277 horsepower. While the Tahoe can tow a maximum of 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter, with the 6.2-liter, it can only tow 8,100 pounds. That difference is likely caused by the extra weight and complexity of the big 6.2. With that, the fastest Tahoe it can get to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The 6.2-liter was all-new for 2019 and was dropped in the 2021 redesigned Tahoe. At launch, it was only available in the street-focused RST trim. Now, it’s available RST, Z71, High Country and Premier packages. The RST is the sporty model and commands a premium with its high-performance brakes and Magnetic Ride Control shocks. With the performance of the 6.2, it makes sense, but some of us would rather be swaddled in the Premier’s leather.

But what about gas mileage?

Chevy Tahoe RST interor
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | Chevy

The 6.2-liter gets the same mileage as the 5.3-liter V8. That’s thanks to the new Dynamic Fuel Management system, which deactivates some cylinders. But, there is one issue that won’t be saving you too much money at the pump. The 6.2-liter asks for more expensive premium gas, while the 5.3 can make do with basic 85 octane.

How much is the 6.2 liter V8?

a red Chevy Tahoe
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST | Chevy

The Tahoe is not an inexpensive SUV, with a base price of $56,095. It is, however, well-equipped in any Tahoe trim. The diesel engine adds about $1,000. You have to step up the Z71 trim to get the 6.2, and that SUV’s base price is $66,195, however that bumps up to $74,800 for the 6.2-liter. Yes, that’s a lot of scratch for 65 more horsepower, but not everyone can say that their truck engine is based on a Corvette’s.

Related

4 Great Chevy Tahoe Alternatives Under $55,0000

Best in Trucks & SUVs
Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.