When it comes to towing and hauling heavy loads and/or providing plenty of room and comfort for up to eight passengers, the Chevrolet Tahoe deserves to be on your consideration list. Now entering its fifth decade, this big rig is eclipsed in size only by the Suburban in the automaker’s utility vehicle stable.
The current-generation Tahoe and Suburban received their last significant redesigns for 2021. The overall dimensions were increased for both, resulting in greater passenger and cargo volumes. But unless you look closely, it’s difficult to discern the size difference between the two since the latter’s dimensions were adjusted only slightly compared to the Tahoe.
For 2025 the Tahoe has been given a mild styling refresh, while the overall shape remains big and blocky. The stylish grille along with subtle door and fender creases add to its rugged good looks.
The revised dashboard comes standard with a 17.7-inch infotainment screen (up from the previous 10.2-inch unit) and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the 8-inch screen. An available heads-up display projects key driver info (vehicle speed and GPS mapping, e.g.) onto the windshield.
The Tahoe’s second-row bench seat or optional high-back buckets adjust fore and aft to tailor legroom.
According to Chevrolet, the Tahoe’s suspension has been revised for 2025 to deliver a more comfortable ride. New wheel options include extra-large 24-inch versions, which are the largest ever offered for this vehicle.
The powertrain lineup starts with a 5.3-litre V-8 that puts out 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It feels snappy and it effortlessly gets the 5,800-pound Tahoe up to speed. The engine has a throaty but subdued tone. Optional is a 6.2-litre V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet.
For 2025, the available 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel now makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet. Previously it was rated a 277 horsepower, and 460 pound-feet. The turbodiesel’s peak 1,500-rpm output makes it ideal for heavy-load trailering up to 8,400 pounds.
A 10-speed automatic transmission connects to all three powerplants
In Canada the base Tahoe LS is rear-wheel-drive. The remaining trims – LT, Z71, RST, Premier and High Country – all come with four-wheel-drive.
Fuel economy for the 5.3-litre V8 (RWD) is rated at 15.7 l/100 km city, 12.0 l/100 km highway and 14.0 l/100 km combined. The real fuel-economy champ is the four-wheel-drive turbodiesel at 11.5/9.7/10.7. Expect those numbers to increase when adding payloads and/or when trailer towing.
Prices start at $79,900 for the rear-wheel-drive LS, including destination charges. It’s your only choice if you require a front bench seat.
The least-expensive four-wheel-drive LT ($87,450) adds a hands-free power tailgate, power adjustable and heated driver and front-passenger seats, Bose-brand audio system and wireless phone charging.
The sportier RST gets a blacked-out grille, wheels and roof rails plus black perforated leather seat covers.
The Premier and top-level High Country versions are topped up with magnetic ride control that constantly adjusts the suspension according to surface conditions and driving style. For all trims there are numerous standard active safety technologies including lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
The all-terrain Z71, which lists for $92,450 comes with tow hooks, protective skid plates, side running boards, 20-inch all-terrain tires and a unique front lower fascia to gain clearance for off-roading. The Z71’s four-wheel-drive system comes with a two-speed transfer case. Along with the RST and High Country trims the Z71 can be ordered with an air spring suspension system. With it the driver can raise or lower the ride height, which is useful when encountering obstacles off-road.
Given their relative sizes, unless you require the absolute maximum in interior space and cargo capacity, a case could be made for selecting the less expensive Chevrolet Tahoe over the slightly bigger Suburban.
