Something that keeps automotive enthusiasts, well, enthusiastic, is all the rumor and discussion about future models coming from major automakers. For example, folks waited with anticipation when Chevy first announced a major remodel of its flagship Corvette sports car for the 2020 model year. They were not disappointed when they saw how Chevrolet had taken a leap into the future by changing the Corvette from a front-engine sports car to a mid-engine performance car, able to take on the street-legal mid-engine speedsters coming out of Italy, Japan and Germany. The fact that the Corvette maintained a reasonably affordable price tag despite the significant redesign didn’t hurt matters either. That is why when we look at the 2021 Chevy Models – Confirmed and Rumored; it is crucial to separate fact from fantasy. It is also important to keep an ear to the ground, paying close attention to the word coming from Chevrolet headquarters in Detroit. In the following, we will give you an update on the new models coming your way in 2021. We will let you in on the latest rumors, and whet your appetite for your next visit to your local Chevy dealership, where you will have the opportunity to test drive these cars, trucks, and SUVs as they start to arrive. Now that is something worth looking forward to!
2021 Colorado ZR2
One of the most exciting rumors that we can confirm is the updating of the entire Chevy Colorado midsize pickup truck line, with special attention to the Colorado ZR2. For those who don’t know, the ZR2 is the fully loaded, off-road version of the Colorado, and the new ZR2 should take pride of place as the top choice for off-road enthusiasts. Aside from a more aggressive look, the 2021 Colorado ZR2 will also feature standard red tow hooks, Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks, front and rear electronic locking differentials, off-road rocker protection, multiple skid plates, and cast-iron control arms. The DSSV shocks will give you the ability to take on the most challenging track without causing your passengers to toss their cookies. This move also signals a change to the entire Colorado line, with improved looks and lines that give Chevy’s midsize truck a more aggressive and modern look, helping it stand out from the increasingly crowded field of midsize pickups.
The End of an Era with Impala
We can also confirm a sad rumor, as Chevrolet decided to discontinue making its full-size sedan, the Chevy Impala. 2020 marks the last year for this model, with the final Impala rolling off the assembly line on February 27, 2020. This move was not unexpected, as most automakers have moved from large sedans to full-size SUVs to meet the changing tastes in the marketplace. The Impala had a great run, with ten generations of Chevy vehicles sporting this name dating back to the 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala, considered by many vintage car enthusiasts to be a classic model. Fans of the Impala can take heart in the fact that this will be the third time Chevy has discontinued the model, with prior production lapses from 1985 to 1994, and 1996 to 1999. I am sure we will see a Chevy vehicle with the name Impala at some point in the future, but not in 2021.
Changes to the Chevy SUV line for 2021
As the late David Bowie once sang, “changes are taking the pace I’m going through.” And such is the case with Chevy’s line of award-winning SUVs. Three of the biggest and most popular ones in the line, the Trailblazer, Suburban, and Tahoe, are set for significant changes for the 2021 model year. The all-new 2021 Trailblazer has been given a sleeker and sportier look, after being off the market for a few years, which should make this the coolest looking two-row midsize SUV on the market. If you want to go all-out on the looks, the ACTIV trim level features a two-tone roof that is sure to turn eyes. The ACTIV also features unique tires and suspension, making it off-road capable. Inside the new Trailblazer, you will be taken in by its roomier interior, providing greater comfort for you and your passengers. The 2021 Trailblazer will also feature the latest Chevy infotainment system, and a host of standard safety features, most of which would cost you extra if you decided to buy a similar model from one of Chevy’s competitors. Chevy has announced two engines for the 2021 Trailblazer, a 1.2-liter turbo, and a 1.3-liter turbo, the latter of which is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The new Trailblazer will be front-wheel drive standard with available selectable all-wheel drive, allowing you to choose whether to activate the AWD system depending on driving and weather conditions.
The Trailblazer’s big sisters, the Tahoe and Suburban, are also set for significant model changes for 2021. These are two of the biggest and best three-row SUVs on the market. On the exterior, both SUVs have been given a bolder and more aerodynamic look. The changes to the interior should make the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban the roomiest three-row, full-size SUVs on the market today. For example, passengers in the third row of the Tahoe will get an extra ten-inches of legroom. That is a fantastic number when you consider that most three-row SUVs (other than Tahoe and Suburban) only give about 25 inches of total legroom to third-row passengers. This makes the third row in the Tahoe actually usable by people other than just little children. There will also be more cargo space in both full-size SUVs, roughly 19% more behind the first row of the Suburban, and an incredible 66% more behind the third row of the Tahoe. This will give you the best of both worlds. You will be able to transport all your stuff and up to 7 of your closest friends and relatives at the same time.
The changes to the Tahoe and Suburban are not just cosmetic. Both vehicles have been built on an all-new chassis with an independent suspension and longer wheelbase. This is how both Tahoe and Suburban have more cargo and passenger space while providing a better overall ride. This gives them the most advanced available suspension in the full-size SUV market segment. There will also be three engine options on the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban, each matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can choose from a 5.3-liter V8 with up to 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with up to 420 horsepower, and an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel, with up to 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The future of other Chevy vehicles
There had been rumors that Chevy was going to make significant changes to a number of other vehicles for the 2021 model year. Included in this speculation were the Silverado, Equinox, and Traverse. However, with General Motors stepping up to produce masks and ventilators for the COVID-19 pandemic, preparations for the changes to the 2021 Chevy Silverado, Equinox, Traverse, and Bolt were all pushed back for the time being. Expected updates to the 2021 Corvette C8 will also be delayed, including the introduction of new paint options Red Mist Tintcoat and Silver Flare.
In the case of the Traverse and Equinox, these changes involved a major refresh of the entire model line. Chevy intended to introduce a new model of each for 2021 alongside the Trailblazer, Suburban, and Tahoe. However, this has been officially delayed until the 2022 model year. In the case of the Equinox, the new model will be given a sportier look with more available safety features and the addition of an RS trim level. The 2022 Equinox is rumored to have a choice between a 1.5-liter turbo engine and a 2.0-liter turbo engine, with the former paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and the latter with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 Traverse may also be getting a major facelift, including redesigned front and rear fascias, standard LED headlights and taillights, new standard safety features, and additional cargo space. Chevrolet has announced that they will share the dates of release for both vehicles as it gets closer to the launch date.
