Chevrolet Refreshes Tahoe and Suburban for 2025; Extra Tech and a More Powerful Diesel
November 30, 2023There’s likely a divide amongst viewers when we mention “full-size Chevrolet;” half of you thinking ‘Silverado,’ with the other half thinking of the Bowtie’s two utility entries, the Tahoe and Suburban. That’s because these nameplates have been around for quite some time; the Suburban in particular being the longest-used automotive nameplate in the world, produced in the 1935 model year and currently in its 12th generation. Both the Tahoe and Suburban have established themselves as revered people movers, proving to be best sellers for the brand.
And now they’re getting even better– Chevrolet has unveiled the upcoming 2025 Tahoe and Suburban, both receiving meaningful updates in terms of style, powertrain and features.
Propping the hood on these refreshed full-size utilities, you have the chance of spotting the second-generation 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel, paired up to a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered up on all six trims; and that includes the off-road inclined Z71 for the first time. This new diesel is said to produce 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, increases of 10 and 7.6 percent respectively. This engine was previously launched on the Silverado 1500, refined with a retuned turbo compressor, higher-flow fuel injectors, and steel pistons, among other changes. This engine option will be available in 2025, following the official launch of both models next year.
The diesel, however, is not the standard offering. That duty still goes to the 5.3-liter V8, mounted up in the LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier trims. The High Country takes things even higher with a standard 6.2-liter V8, available on the RST, Z71 and Premier. We can practically hear the collective sigh of relief as, at a time where bigger displacement blocks are being swapped out for smaller, turbocharged options, some enthusiasts are certainly glad to see the V8 chugging along.
Arguably, a powertrain is only capable of meeting max potency when supported by a robust suspension. Here, the independent multi-link rear introduced on the current Tahoe and Suburban has been updated, along with steering calibration improvements for “a confident drive experience across conditions,” according to Chevrolet. We won’t know until we drive it for ourselves, but the available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, returning options, are sure to smooth things out as good as ever.
Say you opt for the diesel (though, the same scenario could apply to the V8s)– what do you do with all that torque? Chances are, you tow. Whether you’re a master of the art or a novice learning the tricks of the trade, Chevrolet hopes to make the whole experience easier with new trailering tech. Available as an option, the Max Trailering package adds a high-capacity radiator and cooling fan, an integrated trailer brake controller, hill descent control, blind zone steering assist and a special Hitch View through the camera system. Other features include trailer tire health monitoring and boat ramp assist; trail avigation, which calculates the best route based on trailer size; Forward Path Indication, helping drivers navigate lanes and and showing the estimated turning path when the turn signal is activated; and a variety of other features through the Chevrolet Trailering app.
On the subject of cameras, the Connected Cameras option is a suite of interior and exterior cameras that can record what’s going on and store it to the cloud for later viewing. Chevy Safety Assist is standard, so expect Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert and emergency braking, among other features.
It’s all encased by an updated body, rocking a fresh front fascia and updated lighting elements. Certain trims will sport different exterior features; for example, the Z71 rides with underbody skid plates and a high-approach fascia with red recovery hooks, whereas the High Country uses chrome trim and available 24-inch wheels. Two new colors, Cypress Gray and Lakeshore Blue Metallic, join the palette.
The interior’s focal point is the standard 17.7-inch infotainment screen, facing the driver a little more than the front passenger. This screen is joined by an 11-inch digital instrument panel; however, there is a balance between these virtual planes and physical inputs. Underneath the head unit is a row of knobs and buttons for various functions, like HVAC, integrated into the redesigned center stack.
Unfortunately, there’s no official word on pricing or exact availability just yet; however, fortunately, assembly will be done at GM’s Arlington Assembly plant in Texas, receiving new tooling and equipment as part of a $500 million investment. The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will go on sale later next year.