Not everyone can get by with a mid-sized pickup or SUV. Extra space equals more comfort, livability, and gear storage—exactly what some overlanders or those with larger families need.
We traveled to Dallas, Texas to test Chevrolet’s latest full-size truck-based SUVs. The refreshed 2025 Suburban and 2025 Tahoe trims have a ton to offer, but there are some differences. Here’s our summation:
The Chevrolet SUV Lineup
Chevy has been hard at work refreshing its SUV line over the last 18 months. The design team focused on integrating Chevy’s truck attributes into its SUVs, blending the overall portfolio together with cohesive style.
The auto manufacturer said it pioneered this segment, with the Suburban being the longest-running nameplate—90 years in 2025. It’s been the best-selling full-size SUV for over 45 years. It’s also been 30 years since the Chevrolet Tahoe debuted, too.
With a 55% loyalty rating and a 36% “conquest” ranking, meaning they’re gaining new market share with new-to-the-brand customers, Chevrolet is poised for another great year.
Chevrolet breaks down its six Suburban and Tahoe trims in the following manner:
- LS base model
- LT middle trim
- Z71 off-road ready SUV
- RST urban sporty vehicle
- Premier luxury-minded SUV
- High Country top-trim luxury SUV
The Suburban trims offer 144.5 cu. ft. maximum cargo volume while the Tahoe SUVs have 122.7 cu. ft. of storage space. Respectively, the Suburban wheelbase is 134.1 inches; the Tahoe wheelbase is 120.9 inches.
Tahoe prices start from $58,500 for the base 2WD LS trim to $81,200 for the 4WD High Country premium SUV. The 4WD off-pavement Z71 starts at $68,500—prices don’t include destination charges, upgraded features, or packages.
Suburban starts at $61,500 for the 2WD LS trim up to $84,200 for the 4WD High Country premium model and the 4WD Z71 is listed at $71,500. These prices also don’t include destination charges, upgraded features, or packages.
But if you’re looking to jump on one early, you’ll be glad to know that both SUVs are being produced now and will be on dealer lots very soon.
What’s New for 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe Trims?
The new 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe lineup has many new features. Not only do they have a refreshed exterior design and updated lighting, but they also boast new grilles and front facias. Note: different trim levels get unique grilles.
Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs also get new and improved safety features, new AutoSense power liftgate (no under-rear-bumper kicks needed), and new wheels options. There is also expanded Super Cruise auto-driving availability, although it’s not available for the Z71 or LS.
Additionally, there are towing enhancements for those who pull trailers, boats, or campers. Another notable feature is available four-corner adaptive air ride suspension and a new diesel engine option for Z71.
A Trio of Engine Types
The 2025 Chevrolet full-size Suburban and Tahoe have three engine choices:
- 5.3L V-8 EcoTec3 gasoline (producing 355 horsepower and 383 ft.-lb. of torque)
- 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 gasoline (generating 420 horsepower and 460 ft.-lb. of torque)
- 3.0L DOHC inline six-cylinder turbodiesel Duramax (making 305 horsepower and 495 ft.-lb. of torque)
Diesel enthusiasts can now choose from all models and trims to get the available second-generation 3.0L turbodiesel Duramax. This engine produces 10% more horsepower than current models and is available starting early next year.
All engine types are paired with a 10-speed transmission. Approximate fuel tank capacity is 28 gallons for Suburbans and 24 gallons for Tahoes. EPA-rated fuel economy hasn’t been released yet, but we spied around 20 MPG combined on our diesel-equipped Tahoe Z71 tester after 200 miles.
The LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier trims get the 5.3L V-8 gasser as the standard powerplant. Higher models can get all three engine options, but 6.2L V-8 is standard on High Country and available on RST, Z71 and Premier levels. Every Suburban and Tahoe trim can be ordered with diesel.
If you can spring for the 6.2L V-8, it’s got better performance but may use more fuel. The 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel is extremely quiet when in the cabin and has great low-end torque.
Maximum Trailering Stats
Maximum trailering for the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban trims follows:
- 8,200 lbs. (2WD) – 5.3L
- 8,000 lbs. (4WD) – 5.3L
- 8,000 lbs. (2WD) – 6.2L
- 7,900 lbs. (4WD) – 6.2L
- 8,100 lbs. (2WD) – 3.0L diesel
- 7,800 lbs. (4WD) – 3.0L diesel
The most you can pull with the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs are:
- 8,400 pounds (2WD) – 5.3L
- 8,200 pounds (4WD) – 5.3L
- 8,200 pounds (2WD) – 6.2L
- 8,100 pounds (4WD) – 6.2L
- 8,200 pounds (2WD) – 3.0L diesel
- 8,000 pounds (4WD) – 3.0L diesel
Interior Amenities
The infotainment system includes a new 17.7-inch full-color diagonal touchscreen infotainment system with an 11-inch diagonal driver information center. This setup includes built-in Google maps and HVAC controls as well as available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. HVAC and volume use tactile knobs or buttons (vs. touchscreen) controls for quick adjustments.
As for power, Chevy continues its deletion of the much-needed 12-volt DC outlet, an important component to keep many devices powered. But it offers a combination of six USB A and C ports throughout the cabin.
Chevy also includes an AC outlet behind the center console facing the second-row seats, and another one in the rear cargo area (though it’s uncertain if that’s standard or optional equipment).
The lower trims include cloth seating whereas the upper levels include upgraded materials, including the High Country’s wingtip perforated leather seating surfaces.
The Suburban and Tahoe can seat up to nine passengers when equipped with a three-occupant front bench seat. Otherwise, you can get both lineups as an eight-person hauler with front bucket seats and a second-row bench, or a seven-passenger setup with second-row captain’s chairs. No matter which model or trim you select, the third-row seating configuration remains the same.
Both model lineups include standard Chevy Safety Assist5—with features and technology like:
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
They also include IntelliBeam, where the vehicle can automatically turn its high beams on and off at speeds above 25 MPH according to specific conditions. Additional standard safety features boast HD Surround Vision with multiple cameras, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and more. Other features, like driving modes, can be actuated as part of the button control panel on the driver’s lower left dash.
The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 and Tahoe Z71
Not only do the Chevrolet Suburban Z71 and Tahoe Z71 have increased approach, break-over, and departure angles, they also come with skid plates, updated 20-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT all-terrain tires, bright red tow hooks, and a two-speed transfer case for low-range action (four-wheel-drive is optional on all trims except Z71 where it’s standard).
Both Z71 model lineups have available Autotrac 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. Note: The Autotrac single-speed transfer case offers four-high only on LS, LT, and RST. The two-speed transfer case, with four-low, is standard on Z71 and optional on Premier and High Country.
Along with the entire line-up, the Z71 series offers independent coil-over shocks front and rear and a stabilizer bar with available four-corner air control and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) for increased ride height and a smoother, more controlled experience (like on the Radiant Red Tahoe Z71 we drove).
Optional running boards include improved lighting but should not be considered the same as rock sliders for off-roading protection. They’re merely a functional upgrade to help occupants get in and out of the vehicle and may get damaged with trail-hazard impacts.
Overall Impressions (Featuring Z71 Models)
After driving all three engine types, the 5.3L V-8 EcoTec3 gasser gets the job done and drives smoothly but could be punchier at take-off. Trims including the larger 6.2L V-8 gasoline powerplant feel more adequate with their power-to-weight ratio and shifted smoothly.
They had enough passing power to maneuver across seven lanes of Dallas, Texas rush-hour to catch exits in time. The 3.0L DOHC inline six-cylinder turbodiesel Duramax has plenty of up-front grunt and pulling power yet gets up to speed relatively quickly. It’s as comfortable as a cruiser as the other two powerplants.
Overall, the Z71 Suburban and Tahoe SUVs are competent, compliant, and comfortable. Both models allow for tons of storage space, have supportive heated seats, and showcase an updated, modern-looking cockpit. Although we didn’t test their towing capability, nearly all trims have a maximum of 8,000 pounds or more of trailering ability.
While they’re not as capable as a Jeep Wrangler 4x4, they can get you to many off-pavement areas within reason thanks to the all-terrains, ample ground clearance, and a standard limited-slip differential.
On the other hand, both model’s brake pedal felt spongy, and the side visibility is reduced when looking over your shoulder if equipped with the headrest-mounted middle-seat monitors. The ride quality was comfortable but overly stiff, perhaps due to them being body-on-frame SUVs set up for trailering. We’d like to see more power potential for small devices, especially with at least one 12-volt outlet, too.
Manual Mode with an L Button
Same as with other GM-made vehicles, the Z71 and other trims offer an “L” button on the steering wheel, used to engage paddle shifters. L stands for “low” gears. It’s GM’s way of saying manual mode. Once pushed, the paddle shifters come alive to allow for driver-controlled shifting—a feature nice to have when off-roading or trailering.
However, this may be confusing to some as L can be referenced as low gearing or low range, not manual mode. We wish GM would switch this to “M” for manual mode so the two aren’t confused. Once engaged, the transmission stays in manual mode and shifts when the paddles are used, though our testers would lag in response at points when pushed. Additionally, we’d like to see the paddles be bigger in size.
In Short
The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe full-size SUVs are solid contenders if you’re in the market for a spacious adventurer. Both models are packed with lots of tech, safety features, and other accoutrements that’d help make them next-level travelers. Chevrolet has had a successful formula for their full-size SUVs for decades, and 2025 may be no different.
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