The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe First Look: More Tech and Refined New Look
The Chevrolet Tahoe and its bigger sibling, the Suburban, got a subtle makeover with a ton of new tech and refined design. But should you wait for it?
Yes, All These Goodies Are a Year Away. Should You Wait?
We love the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. These SUVs, priced from $50,000 – $80,000 for the 2024 model year, were redesigned in 2021 adding great new features and improvements like the retractable center console that moves to make room for a handbag. And the third row that folds up or down via buttons on the front overhead console. And a roomier, better organized front console.
So when we heard there were going to be improvements for the 2025 model, we had to ask: Would it be worth the wait? It’ll be nearly a year before these updated SUVs are available.
Related: The Chevy Tahoe RST 3 Row SUV Powers Your On-Road Adventures
Technology Adds to a Lot of Already Great Features
I got a first look recently and was able to crawl through both the Suburban High Country edition and the Tahoe Z71 to see just what’s new. It’s a lot of technology, but the sort that is a game changer for some people, especially anyone who tows. And, the overall look, which was so elegantly redesigned for 2021, continues to be refined with subtle changes that make it even more elegant.
So, how to decide if it’s worth waiting for these 7, 8 or 9 — yes, 9, with the front row bench option!— passenger SUVs? Here’s what is new, and how to decide.
Related: 2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L: More Room, More Muscle
What’s New For 2025 That May Be Worth the Wait
Well, a lot. Some of the changes are obvious and some are not — until you see the differences, that is. And then, the changes are pretty clear.
The biggest improvement is in technology. Chevrolet added a new expansive multimedia screen and driver information display to the Suburban and Tahoe. This wide, curved screen spans the front dash and holds a lot of functions managed by the Google operating system. These include Google apps, navigation, “Hey Google” voice-activated assistance and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new multimedia screen also allowed Chevy’s designers to slim down the dashboard, which now has a lower profile for better visibility. The refinement extends to the center console which is also now slimmer and more elegant in its shape. The ZR1 and High Country models I saw on my first look tour showcased some beautiful materials, including leather and wood, that elevated the new design.
There’s a new steering wheel, a new driver information display and the gear selector is now a stalk on the steering column, similar to the stalk used by Mercedes-Benz, rather than a push-button panel on the dashboard. This move is one of the things that clears up space on the dash for the new screen.
Related: 2022 Lincoln Navigator Review: This Big Boy Will Wow You
Subtle Exterior Changes Refine the Suburban and Tahoe Look
I’ve admired the light signature of these SUVs since the 2021 redesign, so I expected to be disappointed with changes, but the changes are subtle, simply a bit more toned. The headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights still look distinctly Chevy. The new headlights are simply a bit slimmer, and the tail lights on some trims will be white unless illuminated. There’s a new ‘signature’ and welcome sequence, which you’ll see as you approach with the key fob. It’s a bit of a treat to be greeted as you arrive.
One other new exterior detail that I really loved, though, is the illuminated automatic running board. It pops out to greet you and a light on its underside illuminates the ground underneath. No more missing a step because it’s dark, a great thing for those who really depend on running boards.
Related: Are Full-Size SUVs Getting Larger? Yes — Here’s Why
“Connected Cameras” Let You See Your Car from Afar
Thanks to a new feature called Connected Cameras accessible via the myChevrolet app, owners will be able to do just that. Essentially a dash cam/crash cam/motion activated cam, it allows you to see inside the car and will notify you if it’s disturbed, from inside or out, and even record the action. The interior camera gives a full view of the cabin from the front of the car so you can’t see into the seats or the cargo area, but you can see if something is going on in the car. The exterior cameras use the existing rear, forward and side cameras for a 360º view.
Related: 2021 GMC Yukon: A Bigger, First Class Ride in Full-Size SUV Form
New Tow and Trailering Technology For More Confidence
Chevrolet also uses those cameras to improve towing and trailering. Cameras now can create a ‘forward path indicator,’ which uses guidelines on the surround view camera to estimate the turning path when turn signals are on. And with Chevrolet’s trailering app, the Tahoe, with up to 8,400 lbs. of towing, and the Suburban, with up to 8,200 lbs., can be monitored for trailer load rating and trailer tire pressure. And with Google Maps, the system can calculate routes based trailer size. These are in addition to standard trailer package features including trailer brake controller, trailer hitch view, hill descent control and blind spot monitoring with trailer view.
How Kids Car Seats Fit in the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban
The height of the Tahoe and Suburban create ample head room for lots of space to get into the rear seat to install the seats, or the kids in them. Center seats are on a rail so they slide back and forth to position them for everyone’s comfort. The rear seats are wide; center seats measure 19″ or so, and even the third row seats are ample, meaning there’s plenty of room, even for large car seats.
A rear facing child seat will easily fit behind the front passenger’s seat and you can likely get one behind the driver, too. However, it may not be possible to get past that rear facing car seat to access other seats in the car.
The Tahoe has either 2 or 3 full sets of LATCHES – lower anchors and upper tethers – for installing car seats without a seat belt. These are all located in the center row; there are 2 full sets with captains chairs and 3 sets with a bench. Kids car seats installed in the 3rd row can only be installed using a seatbelt – which is perfectly safe, just not as convenient – and there are 3 upper tethers, but only two head rests; there is not one for the center seat passenger.
Related: 15 Great Places to Put Your Handbag, Tote or Crossbody Bag in the Car
However, accessing the 3rd row can take a bit of strategy. Families with two kids in rear facing car seats should consider the center row bench option; this is the only way the 3rd row is accessible. And here is how they are best configured: The driver’s side and middle seat are a single unit, while the passenger’s side center row seat moves independently; this means ideally, two car seats fit behind the driver and in the middle seat, leaving the passenger’s side seat open for 3rd row access.
To access the 3rd row, the center seats flip and fold. This means that if an outboard center seat is needed for a kids car seat, that seat will probably need to be uninstalled for 3rd row access. Center row outboard seats do slide forward and tilt a bit, but not likely enough to squeeze into the 3rd row.
Tahoe or Suburban: Which One Fits Best?
If you’re among those who aren’t sure about the difference between the Tahoe and the Suburban, well, its cargo space and price: At 225.7” the Suburban is 15” longer than the Tahoe and it costs about $3,000 more for that extra space.
When it comes to cargo space, the choice is basically big or bigger. The Tahoe has a total of 123 total cubic feet with all the seats folded, 72.6 cubic feet behind the 2nd row and 25.5 cubic feet behind the 3rd row. The Suburban increases cargo space to a total of 144 cubic feet, 94 cubic feet behind the 2nd row and 41.5 cubic feet behind the 3rd row.
From there, though, the two feature the same 6 trims and options. Both offer base model LS and LT trims; sport trims include the RST, designed for people who prefer paved-road sports and the Z71 for those who opt for off-road trails; and two luxury trims, the Premier and High Country which are all about the spoilers for daily and long-haul driving.
Both come with the same engine options: A V8 with 355 HP or a more powerful V8 with 420 HP; in early 2025 Chevrolet will introduce a diesel option with a new engine that should deliver just over 300 HP. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production in late 2024.
All of which leads to the question at hand for those who have their sites set on a new Tahoe or Suburban in their driveway: Should I buy now, or should I wait? For those who can benefit from the tech updates, new trailering advantages or want the more refined look, and can wait, it’ll be worth it. If you need it now, the current model incorporates so many great features. You really can’t go wrong either way.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Chevrolet for this first look. Travel was provided but all opinions are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.
Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!
Categorized:SUVs
Read This Next
