Chevy Tahoe VS. GMC Yukon: Car and Driver's Extra Close-up Comparison

Making large SUV lovers happy everywhere, the very latest Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon have just lately been announced. They are both currently on schedule to be released this summer as 2021 models, and some were under the impression that the only real difference between the two was the branding badge. Car and Driver ran a feature on their blog last week discussing the differences and similarities between the two, and after checking it out we realized some new attributes about features and styling cues. After checking out this comparison, you can make your choice based on what traits and appearances suit you best.

Both vehicles ride on GM's brand-new T1 truck platform, which also currently rests under the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado trucks. Both of these new SUVs are larger than their predecessors on the outside and offer more room and comfort on the inside as well. The Tahoe and Yukon are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission across the board, with three choices of engines. The base variant is a 5.3-liter V8 that cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and there's also a 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Both carry over from the last generation of Yukon and Tahoe, but the new versions feature smarter cylinder deactivation systems and start/stop systems. The third available engine is the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six that was first seen on the Sierra and Silverado pickups. It generates 277 horsepower and also nails down a 30 mpg highway EPA fuel economy stat. The Yukon now also features the advanced Active Response 4WD system, using a limited-slip differential that manages the distribution of power and traction. The poised and always track-ready Camaro and Corvette also used Active Response, and it is one quality that can tend to make the Yukon a better choice for off-road adventures.

On both new models, the only strong similarities in the exterior design are the nearly identical top-down and side views. Aside from that, the Tahoe now has a wider grille, and the headlights are much higher up and narrow in comparison to the Yukon. In the rear, the SUVs now have different liftgates and taillights, as opposed to the ones on the outbound models that were the same. Now on the Yukon, every trim except for the top-of-the-line Denali does have the same climate control panel, screen setup, and switchgear on both SUVs.

The Denali has a completely different dashboard setup, where the screen sits lower on the dash with two larger HVAC vents above it. You'll also find a most definite step up in the form of nicer leather and wood materials in the Denali trim. During your January test drive here at Jim Butler Chevy, you'll also notice that both SUV models come with 15-inch head-up displays, active grille shutters, optional air suspensions, and a long list of safety and driver-assist features!

Future Chevy Bolt EUV Spy Shots Presented Via GM Authority

When it comes right down to the all-important scoop on vehicles that are still in development and not coming until a way down the road, GM Authority is obviously one of the most dialed-in and concise resources out there. They offered up the current scoop last week regarding the Chevy Bolt EUV, and the best look yet at the prototype via spy shots. At least what we get to lay our eyes on here is a model that has traded its heavy vinyl camouflage for a bit tighter-fitting graphic material, allowing the key elements of design to be more visible. 

Most of what can be seen here are identical to an image of an incoming GM electric vehicle that was leaked in late 2017 by means of a special GM presentation. At the time these were leaked, the vehicle just did not bear a logo, making it difficult to fully discern whether or not Chevy would be the ultimate producer. The front end also features a new fascia, which is flanked to the left and right by boomerang-like daytime running lights and housed turn signals.  The grille is divided into a slim upper and a bigger lower portion, with a fairly flat hood when compared to the current Bolt EV.

We can still make out that the C-pillar design is a bit slab-sided, with some distinguishable upright cuts over the rear door. The roof appears to have the appropriate cutout space for a sunroof, and there are what looks like integrated turn signals in the wing mirror. In the rear, the Chevy Bolt EUV prototype features a tail light treatment that spans the entire vehicle's width, and the taillight design wraps around to the rear haunches similar to the leaked image. You won't spot any exhaust pipes, a telltale sign of the automotive future where batteries will begin to play a larger role than ever in power source.

The trademark was filed for this name in the third quarter of 2019, and all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis expect the vehicle to repackage the Bolt EV platform and electric drivetrain into a completely different body style. A reveal is expected to take place soon, with a launch as a 2021 model showing up at the end of this year. The vehicle is expected to be put together at the Orion, Michigan factory, which has received a large investment from the automaker for production.

2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe Now Slated To Brandish Off-Road Conquering Z71 Trim

Full-size is apparently the way that thousands of customers in the States love to roll, as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban both have steadily risen in popularity rankings over years past. It was just a few weeks ago when the all-new for 2021 model of each was unveiled, and along with it the excitement that these are all-new models up for the taking. There is now an independent rear suspension underneath both of these large-sized SUVs for the first time, and the well-versed staff of GM Authority have let us know this week via their blog that the Z71 model will also be part of the Suburban's lineup.

During the official reveal, Chevy spilled the beans and displayed the Z71 edition of the Tahoe, just not represented as a complete package. It is now official that the Z71 will be a model trim for both of these heavy-hitting SUVS, as the word has come down from the ranks of Chevy Truck Marketing Director Bob Krapes. Even though the brand we love to represent to much here every day at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis has been a bit quiet on this subject, the Z71 package has seen enough extreme popularity that having it available on both of these nameplates would make sense.

For the new Suburban, the upgraded elements are enough to make anyone who loves to pitch a tent along with a smoker and a boat rack rub their hands with glee. Standard-issue equipment should include height-adjustable Air-Ride suspension, skid plates underneath, and a unique front fascia that offers better clearance for approach angles. Grippy all-terrain tires to help with the task of navigating through loose shake and sand, and a monochromatic exterior treatment are also expected to be featured on both models.

As the seasoned writers on staff at Motor Trend claimed last month, “If the current Chevy Tahoe, offered in three trim levels, is a bestseller in the full-size SUV segment, then a new generation that is bigger, better-equipped, more dynamic to drive, and comes is six distinct flavors should be a slam dunk”. This will be the fifth generation of the Tahoe, with trim levels doubled and high-end luxury as enjoyed with the High Country treatment touted as huge assets.

The new Tahoe will boast 40 percent more third-row legroom and 66 percent more cargo room behind the third row, which should render it best-in-class dimensions when measured up to fierce competitors such as the Ford Expedition. There is another amazing milestone now making the Tahoe a “club of one”: GM is alone in the offering of a full-size diesel SUV in the U.S, thereby creating a slot of high-prowess efficiency and ability to haul with pride, a proven track record, and the best in industry warranty coverage available!

2020 Chevy Camaro Praised in Market Watch for “Relaxed Ride, Blistering Acceleration”

As any customer here on the lot at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis would love to hear regarding the scorching-fast and aggressive Camaro, “You don't have to spend a lot to get a lot.” This was the first sentiment that the good folks on staff at Market Watch reflected after a drive of the 2020 model. They first point out thoroughly that even the base LS trim offers performance and horsepower that a decade ago would be considered top of the line.

Today that spot is reserved for the ZL1, brandishing a 650-horsepower V8. It's no secret that customers are moving away a bit from cars and towards SUVs, and so all of our research and development staff work overtime to assure that the Camaro's epic history, big-box performance and longstanding rivalry with the Mustang and Dodge Challenger will keep fans wanting more. New for this year, the 10-speed automatic transmission is now available with the 3.6-liter V6. The LT Trim sees upgrades in the form of 20-inch 5-spoke wheels, Recaro sport seats and a suede-microfiber steering wheel. There's a brand-new LT1 coupe and convertible, and an entirely-new revised front end for the SS.

What the Market Watch team enjoyed the most were the aggressive good looks the Camaro has: there are more curves on the sightlines than the new Mustang, and it still holds to a retro theme. If you're on the search for more power, you can upgrade from the 4-cylinder to the 3.6-liter V6, which cranks out 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. The SS model is where things really start to get serious: you get to hammer through straightaways with the 6.2-liter V8, sporting 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The ZL1 boosts things up a menacing notch with the 6.2-liter V8 good for 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

All 2020 Camaro models come standard with a backup camera, anti-lock brakes, front-knee airbags, front-side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. During the all-important test behind the wheel, the group ranked the acceleration as “blistering,” and the automatic transmission seamlessly found the next gear with very smooth shifts. The roar of the engine is one of the car's great characteristics, and there are even sound resonators that pipe the cool effects right into the cabin.

We can attest that Sport Mode is where the abundance of excitement is: it firms the steering and suspension, and enables every gear to be held just a bit longer. It is no surprise that the Market Watch crew had such high levels of praise for the 2020 Camaro: once you get in and get to business, you are mastering the art of handling the most pristine pony in the auto biz, hands down!