Preview: Freshened 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Boast More Clever Tech

There is no reinvention here, just refinements to keep the models fresh and appealing. 

When we last tested a Tahoe, we found it had much to offer, with oversized functionality and comfort. It was quite compelling when compared against its main rivals, most especially the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. 

Our chief criticisms centered around elements that are largely inherent in full-sized SUVs, such as handling agility, braking, fuel economy, visibility, and high step-in. Of those, Chevrolet has revised the suspension, and visibility is aided by numerous cameras and their smart integration, along with pedestrian and cyclist detection. 

We applaud that these large, family-focused SUVs will offer GM’s new Interior Motion Detection system, designed to sense micro-movements that can identify whether a child has been left unattended. 

We would have been more excited if there was a hybrid powertrain version. Nonetheless, we look forward to taking the updated Chevys for a spin.

The exteriors of these SUVs are given a light update, literally, with headlamps that evolve from the current versions. New grilles and lower fascias further the transformation, with each trim having its own unique touches. The change is rather subtle, but it does nudge these models in a more modern direction. 

Gigantic 24-inch wheels are offered on the RST and High Country trims. 

To the rear, an “AutoSense” liftgate can automatically open the liftgate when it senses the key fob behind the vehicle. 

Underneath, the suspension has been updated to improve ride and handling, and again, an adaptive suspension is available using GM’s clever magnetic shocks to respond to road conditions and driver demands. Taking it a step further, an air suspension is available on the High Country, Z71, and RST models that can automatically level the SUV and allow ride-height adjustments.

As seen on other recent GM models, the dash on the Tahoe and Suburban is dominated by screens. The instrument cluster uses an 11-inch display, while the infotainment system employs a massive 17.7-inch display that is canted slightly toward the driver. It is running Chevrolet’s latest infotainment software with integrated Google Maps and services. There are still physical knobs for key functions like temperature and volume.

There are other changes around the cabin, including a new steering wheel design and a reconfigured center console that adds storage and moves the wireless charge pad (which we noted on the current version didn’t work consistently). The various trim levels gain specific embellishments, such as red stitching on the sporty RST and authentic wood on the upscale High Country—a first for Tahoe and Suburban.

The base engine remains a 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8. This is fitted to the LS, LT, RST, Z71, and Premier trims. (A Tahoe LT saw 17 mpg overall in our last test.)

A 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8 is standard on High Country and available on RST, Z71, and Premier.   

A more powerful second-generation 305-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine will join the lineup in calendar year 2025. First launched on the Silverado 1500 pickup, this second-generation Duramax diesel boasts 10 percent more horsepower and 7.6 percent more torque, at 495 lb.-ft., than the previous diesel. This will be available on all trims. 

All three engines are paired with the familiar 10-speed automatic transmission. And as before, these SUVs can be had in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. 

Certain to be thirsty, the Tahoe has a 24-gallon gas tank and the larger Suburban carries 28 gallons. 

Towing is a chief attraction for these SUVs, with a maximum tow capacity of 8,400 pounds for the Tahoe and 8,200 pounds for Suburban. These claims are not higher than the current vehicle, but the added grunt from the diesel may make pulling heavy loads easier. To further aid towing, there are several technologies available, such as a trailer brake control, a hitch-view camera, trailer-configurable blind spot warning, trailer tire pressure monitoring, a forward camera view with guide lines that account for the trailer’s path, trailer-friendly navigation routing, and a boat ramp checklist to help avoid embarrassing, and potentially costly, mistakes.

The Tahoe and Suburban feature standard Chevy Safety Assist, a bundle of active safety and driver assistance features that includes lane keep assistance, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Finally, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection that functions at highway speeds comes standard. Previously, only low-speed AEB was standard, with high-speed functionality costing extra.

Other notable features include active parking assist (that handles maneuvering into perpendicular and parallel parking spaces), a teen driver mode that can restrict certain functions (like speed and stereo volume), and a surround-view camera that allows crash recording and cloud storage of dash cam and other footage. 

Plus, these SUVs have GM’s new Interior Motion Detection system that can pick up slight movements in the cabin, intended to watch for a potential passenger who may have been left behind. 

After launch, Super Cruise will become available. This system provides hands-free driver assistance on more than 400,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. Current versions of Super Cruise performed very well in Consumer Reports’ tests.