• Since 1995, the Chevy Tahoe has been the ultimate family SUV for those ready to leave boring minivans in the dust. It combines roomy comfort for passengers with serious towing capabilities, perfect for hauling trailers or campers.  The fifth generation Tahoe (2021-Present) takes things up a notch with the return of the rugged Z71 off-road trim.

• Standard 4WD with two-speed transfer case, beefy mud terrain tires, unique front fascia to enhance approach angle, sturdy protective skid plate, and Z71 specific appearance enhancements – Chevy’s large family SUV improves its off-road prowess thanks to the Z71 trim. 

• Unlike the Z71 package on the Silverado or the Traverse Z71, the Tahoe Z71 trims lack specialized off-road suspension components as standard. However, the Z71 trim unlocks the “Off Road Capability Package,” which includes Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Air Ride Adaptive suspension, and electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD). The air suspension adds an extra two inches of ground clearance when fully raised.

Overview

A generous serving of V8 power, rugged aesthetics, 4WD capability, a commanding ride height, and a spacious interior with plush seats. This has propelled the Tahoe as the best-selling full-size SUV in the U.S.

Chevrolet rolled out the fifth generation of the Chevy Tahoe, along with its larger yet identical sibling, the Suburban, for the 2021 model year, bringing a slew of changes including the re-introduction of a specialized Z71 off-road trim.

We cover all the details of the Tahoe Z71 in this article. But before that, here’s a snapshot of the key specs. The 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe starts at $63,000 and comes standard with the 5.3-liter V8, though you do have the option to upgrade to a 6.2-liter V8.

2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Specs	Details
MSRP (With Destination Fees)	$68,295
Powertrain (Standard)	5.3L V8 engine
Horsepower	355 hp @ 5600 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain	4WD
Seating Capacity	7-8
Max Towing	8,300 pounds
Max Cargo Volume	122.9 cubic feet

What does the 2024 Tahoe Z71 Offer?

The Z71 is the Tahoe’s most off-road-oriented trim, falling below the Premier and High Country in terms of starting price.

Building off the LT trim, the Z71 adds extra off-road capability with:

• Distinct front fascia to improve the Tahoe’s approach angle
• Standard 4WD with Autotrac two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing
• Hill descent control
• 20″ machined aluminum wheels with all-terrain blackwall tires
• Front skid plate for underbody protection
• Red tow hooks
• Heavy-Duty Air Filter

The Tahoe Z71 might not be a hardcore rock crawler, but it brings a rugged charm that’s always a welcome for large family SUVs. It combines road-trip comfort with the capability to venture off-road without falling apart.

The upgrades start with functional off-road tweaks. A sturdy skid plate and a redesigned front fascia improve protection and boost the approach angle from 24.5 to 31.5 degrees, making it easier to tackle rocks and ledges. However, aside from this improved approach angle, the rest of its off-road dimensions match the standard Tahoe.

Cosmetic upgrades include black emblems, roof racks, and wide tubular side steps that aid entry without sacrificing ground clearance. The all-terrain tires look ready for action, complemented by bright red recovery hooks,

Performance-wise, the Z71 comes equipped with standard 4WD and an AutoTrac 2-speed transfer case. In AUTO mode, the system stays in 2WD until it detects wheel slippage, seamlessly switching to 4WD for added traction. This shift-on-the-fly capability ensures you’re ready for whatever the terrain throws at you.

While the Tahoe Z71’s suspension handles rough terrain well, it doesn’t feature a factory lift for extra ground clearance. For enhanced ride quality and off-road prowess, the optional Off-Road Capability Package is a worthy upgrade, transforming the Z71 into something more capable.

Available Off-Road Capability Package

For just $2,995, the Off-Road Capability package for the Tahoe Z71 offers incredible value, turning this SUV into a more versatile and adventure-ready machine without breaking the bank. Here’s what you get:

It adds:

• Adaptive Air-Ride Suspension: This electronically-controlled system adjusts automatically to road conditions, delivering a smoother ride, especially on uneven terrain. You can also tweak it manually—lowering the SUV for easy entry and exit or raising it by an extra 2 inches for a ground clearance of 10 inches, significantly better than the standard 8 inches.
• Magnetic Ride Control: These magnetically adjustable shocks make a noticeable difference, providing excellent ride quality on highways and trails alike, taming this big SUV’s bulk with finesse.
• Electronic Limited-Slip Rear Differential (eLSD): Replacing the traditional mechanical LSD, the eLSD enhances traction and stability in challenging conditions.

f you’re willing to splurge a bit more, the $6,000 Z71 Off-Road package is worth considering. This package combines the Off-Road Capability kit with additional features from the Luxury, Max Trailering, and Driver Alert packages. With just one upgrade, you unlock a suite of premium amenities and functionality at a discounted price.

Other features on the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 

• Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system with connected Navigation and 10.2″ diagonal color touch-screen
• Bose 9-speaker audio system
• 10.2″ diagonal multicolor reconfigurable Infotainment screen
• SiriusXM^® with 360L 3-month Trial Subscription
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto capability for compatible phones
• Wi-Fi^® hotspot capable
• 10-way power driver and front passenger seats Driver memory
• Heated driver and front passenger seats
• Keyless Open
• Remote Start
• Wireless Charging
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Inside rearview auto-dimming mirror

Despite the Tahoe’s considerable size and truck-based foundation, Chevy didn’t skimp on refinement. The cabin offers not just acres of space but also features high-quality materials and a wealth of creature comforts. 

Plus, there’s a host of cutting-edge tech and entertainment features, along with a range of standard driver assistance safety features.

Chevrolet gives you three engine options for the Tahoe:

• 5.3L V8: A reliable choice for everyday power and performance.
• 6.2L V8: Perfect for speed enthusiasts, this engine packs extra punch for thrilling drives.
• 3.0L Inline-Six Turbodiesel: Ideal for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and torque, but there’s a catch—you can’t have it on the Z71 trim. The off-road bumper design creates cooling challenges, making the diesel unavailable for this rugged model. 

How Much Does the Tahoe Z71 Cost ( And is it Worth the Extra)?

The 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 starts at $68,295, including destination fees. For just $1,600 more than the LT trim, this version not only packs off-road enhancements but also brings a distinct, rugged appeal.

While it doesn’t match the Silverado Z71’s off-road prowess, the Tahoe Z71 is well-equipped for adventurous trails. Features like four-low, Off-Road mode, generous ground clearance, a trail-friendly bumper, and multiple obstacle-viewing camera angles ensure it’s more than capable of handling moderate challenges.

Opting for the off-road capability package is a smart move. With air springs and magnetic dampers, the ride quality improves dramatically, whether you’re cruising on highways or tackling rough terrain. These additions also enhance the overall versatility of this Chevy SUV.

In essence, the Tahoe Z71 is a well-rounded performer. It can tow heavy loads, handle challenging paths without breaking a sweat, and carry substantial cargo—all while delivering a supremely comfortable ride for long journeys. While it’s not built for extreme off-roading, it’s more than ready for the adventures your family or camper might demand.