2025 Chevrolet Suburban And Tahoe: The Diesel SUV(s) You Never Knew You Needed

• December 24, 2023
• Story By
  Mike McGlothlin

The full-size SUV segment is a highly competitive place for automakers. Luckily for GM, its Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe offerings are at the top of the heap in terms of sales. For 2025, the General plans to stay out ahead of the pack with all-new versions of these two best-sellers. And separating itself from the rest of the field, GM is the only U.S. manufacturer offering a diesel engine in this class of vehicle—a point that the General is capitalizing on.

Not only can its 3.0L Duramax achieve 30-mpg on the highway, but it also brings a tow-friendly 495 lb-ft of torque to the table, which complements the LZ0 diesel’s respectable 305 hp rating. Factor in 8,200 pounds of potential towing capacity, a fresh exterior look, an all-new interior and state-of-the-art driver assist technology and you have the makings of another GM homerun. Enjoy this inside look at what you can expect from a diesel-powered ’25 Suburban or Tahoe, coming your way in 2024.

A Fresh Look, Inside And Out

Chevrolet’s best-selling Suburban and Tahoe lines receive an inside-out redesign for the 2025 model year, and the most noticeable is the new front fascia across all trims (LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country). The daytime running lights also feature a more integrated appearance for ’25, with a thinner yet more pronounced look of the top DRL “thanks to an angled prism within the lighting signature that creates bold illumination in a sleek housing.” A dual, C-shaped headlight design retains the family appearance present in other Chevrolet vehicles. Exterior color options also grow to include Cypress Gray and Lakeshore Blue Metallic.

Higher Output 3.0L Duramax

Following in the footsteps of the Silverado 1500, the new Suburban and Tahoe will be optionable with the latest 3.0L Duramax. The second generation inline-six diesel, RPO code LZ0, turns out 305 hp at 3,750 rpm and 495 peak lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm (vs. 277 hp and 460 lb-ft previously). Aside from subtle tweaks and changes to improve reliability at higher horsepower and torque, of particular note is the fact that GM added steel pistons to the LZ0 engine. Highly efficient, the high-pressure common-rail injected, aluminum block and head I-6 diesel has proven capable of achieving 30-mpg highway in ’23-newer Silverado trucks. Expect the same in Suburban or Tahoe form.

8,000+ Pounds Of Towing

As far as towing with the Duramax diesel option is concerned, a formidable 8,200 pounds of trailering capacity is available on Tahoe (rear-wheel drive models). On Suburban, 8,100 pounds of maximum towing is on the table (again, in a rear-wheel drive configuration). GM’s Max Trailering Package includes an integrated trailer brake controller as well as Hitch View, Hill Decent Control and Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering technologies. Due to the added weight of 4x4 models, a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds is available on Tahoe, and 7,800 pounds on Suburban. And while class competitors can out-tow Suburban or Tahoe on paper, there is no denying that a diesel—with its exceptional low-rpm luggability— will handle a max GCWR workload much better than the competition’s gasoline engines will.

Cutting-Edge Tow-Assist Features

Further improving the safety of the towing experience, the ’25 Suburban and Tahoe will feature a handful of advanced trailering assist technologies. Forward Path Indication indicates the width of the trailer and the trailer’s path in order to help the driver navigate with their trailer in tow, while Trailer Tire Health serves to help prevent tire blowouts as well as issue overspeed warnings. Chevrolet’s Mobile Trailering App Load Rating Info, available anytime and anywhere, provides access to the vehicle’s load rating. Then comes the new, Boat Ramp Assist and Trailer Navigation, which provides a checklist and step-by-step instructions to prepare for towing, launching and retrieving a boat, and calculates routes based on trailer size using built-in Google Maps.

First-Class Interior

Sweeping lines and a lower instrument panel have the effect of a roomier feel inside the cabin, and check out the sizeable, best-in-class 17.7-inch (diagonal) infotainment screen. It’s accompanied by an 11-inch (diagonal) driver information center that provides tremendous visibility. Other interior updates include a new steering wheel design and a redesigned center console with new storage options. An authentic wood décor is available on High Country trim (shown)—a first for Tahoe and Suburban—as well as wingtip perforated leather seats and a unique Jet Black/Mocha color combination.

Z71 Trim Now Includes The Diesel Option

For the first time, a Duramax-equipped ’25 model year Suburban or Tahoe will be available in conjunction with Z71 trim. As in years past, the Z71 package will include select underbody skid plates, and a high-approach front fascia will improve the SUV’s approach angle considerably. Also retained are the Z71 trim’s red recovery hooks up front, as well as 275R60/20 all-terrain tires. GM’s Air Ride Adaptive Suspension remains available on Z71, too (along with High Country) but will also be available with RST for the first time. The automaker’s air-ride system boasts automatic load-leveling and ride-height adjustment, with driver-selectable ride heights providing added ground clearance any time their travels take them off the beaten path.

Multiple Wheel Options (From 18s To 24s)

Another first for Suburban and Tahoe SUV’s is the inclusion of the 24-inch wheel option on RST and High Country trims. A 22-inch wheel option comes standard on High Country, RST and Premier models, with 20-inch rims standard on Z71 and Premier (but also available on 1FL, LS and LT trim). Eighteen inch wheels come standard on 1FL, LS and LT. Regardless of whether they’re 24s or 18s, the wheels conceal the same size brake rotors (13.5 x 1.2-inch up front and 13.6 x 1.0-inch units out back). All wheel options remain aluminum.

Built Side-By-Side In Arlington

Both the ’25 Suburban and Tahoe will be built exclusively at General Motor’s Arlington, Texas assembly plant, a facility that’s received nearly $2 billion in investments over the course of the last decade. In the near future, GM plans to pump $500 million more into Arlington Assembly in an effort to strengthen its industry-leading, full-size SUV operation. The half a billion-dollar investment will be spent on new tooling and stamping, body shop and general assembly equipment. In 2024, GM will celebrate 70 years of production in Arlington.