2025 Chevrolet Tahoe to offer diesel power in Z71

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The jumbo Chevrolet brothers known as Tahoe and Suburban are getting a torque-y engine option for their 2025 restyle — including the Z71 trim, which includes a yaffle of burly off-road gear. But apparently, this decision – to make a diesel engine available in the sport-brutes – may not have always been a sure thing.

Originally, the diesel mill might not have played well with the rhinoplasty required for this trim. Incorporating skid plates and a high-approach front fascia was part of the Z71’s design brief, requirements which could have played a bit of havoc with certain mechanical bits (cooling, for example) which are specific to the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. Presumably, a few all-nighters and several gallons of strong coffee helped solve the problem, since the diesel will now definitely be offered on the Z71, in addition to the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 gasoline-powered engines.

Also fresh for 2025 in the Tahoe and Suburban is the level of grunt being hove out by that 3.0L Duramax mill. Tweaks now permit the thing to make 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, compared to 277 and 460, respectively, last year. The sole transmission choice remains the generally excellent ten-speed automatic, a decision with which this author is totally cool.

Personal experience with the Duramax in last year’s Tahoe and this year’s Silverado have proven the engine to be capable of returning excellent fuel economy in regular driving conditions. Cracking off an efficiency in the 8.0-L/100-km range is a trifle, with 7s being an equally easy task if one doesn’t stomp the loud pedal like a vintner stomps grapes. In fact, drivers can get into the mid-6s if they’re willing to employ hyper-miling techniques sure to irritate every single motorist on yer back bumper.

Elsewhere in the line, Chevy has added Super Cruise availability to LT and RST trims, marking a democratization of this technology beyond spendy trims like Premier or High Country.

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Also, expect to hear a great deal in the coming months from Chevrolet about its so-called Connected Cameras, a new foray into monitoring one’s Tahoe or Suburban from afar. The tech will surely appeal to fleet owners who use these things as shuttles – yes, it will apparently be possible to view a live video feed from inside the truck – but we visualize more than a few private individuals investing in a strategically applied piece of black electrical tape.

Interior trappings will be massively updated for 2025, taking cues from Silverado and Silverado HD cousins. The infotainment has more screen area, but is better integrated into the dashboard; gone is the standing-tablet display, replaced with a 17.7-inch unit and rethought controls for ventilation and other features. Observant readers will notice the new shifter, one which returns to the column (albeit in a more futuristic electronic design than sticks of yore) after a brief stint as buttons on the dash.

The new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are scheduled to go on sale late this calendar year.

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