The Chevrolet Tahoe is a staple of the Bowtie's lineup of SUVs. It's been on sale in some way shape or form since the 1995 model year, and for the 30th anniversary, the fifth-generation model is getting an update. The most obvious changes are to the exterior, with the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe gaining reprofiled front and rear styling with revised headlights (following the design motif that's appeared on other Chevy SUVs) and a slight reworking of the taillights. There are also updates to the Tahoe's technology features and a more powerful version of the optional diesel engine. These should all make the Tahoe an even more compelling choice for a three-row large SUV as it faces off against the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer and Toyota Sequoia.
What's under the Tahoe's hood?
The revised Tahoe sees minor changes under the hood for 2025. The optional 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel makes more power (305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, up from 277 hp and 460 lb-ft), and it's now available in the off-road-oriented Z71 trim. The only catch is it won't be offered until the 2025 calendar year, so you won't see it right away when this refreshed Tahoe hits dealers at the end of 2024.
The Tahoe's two other engine options remain totally unchanged. A 5.3-liter V8 serves as the standard engine in the LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier trims and still makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Top-of-the-line High Country models get the larger 6.2-liter V8 as standard, though it is available in the RST, Z71 and Premier trims. It makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and send their power to either just the rear or all four wheels.
How does the Tahoe drive?
Folks who stick with the base V8 that's standard on all but the top-trim High Country will be pleased with its nostalgic grumble and respectable performance, and GM's transmission is so quick to respond that you can go from loafing along at 1,500 rpm to snarling and charging forward in half a second at the flex of a foot.
Because the quick transmission means you can get into the powerband of the 5.3-liter whenever needed, the 6.2-liter almost feels superfluous. The soundtrack is a bit better and you have access to more grunt off the line and at full throttle, but in everyday driving, the standard engine is plenty sufficient.
If you can swing it, our pick would be the diesel. GM is the only automaker to offer one in a large SUV. From the driver's seat, there's only a hint of that characteristic diesel clatter at idle but a good roar under load. Chevy says even with the additional power it should be good for a similar 26-27 mpg highway and 644 miles of range as last year's truck. Compared to the 18-20 mpg highway and about 460 miles you'll likely get from the V8s, that sounds worth it to us.
What's the 2025 Tahoe's interior like?
Though the engines haven't changed much, the front portion of the Tahoe's interior gets a major overhaul. The dash now mimics that of the Chevrolet Blazer EV with its dual-screen layout and brand-new steering wheel. The new instrument panel screen measures 11 inches, while the center screen balloons from 10.2 inches to a massive 17.7 inches. It also gets a new software suite built off of Google's Android operating system.
The overall design of the rest of the cabin hasn't changed that much, but the much-improved dash leaves a great impression, as does the new screen. It's high-resolution and is able to display menus, maps and other information with excellent visual fidelity. Luckily, though, Chevy hasn't stuffed everything into those menus, and there are still redundant physical climate controls. The center console also gets a slight redesign with a new storage layout and a repositioned wireless charging pad.
How's the 2025 Tahoe's tech?
Tech improvements were also a focus of the refresh. Google is now the built-in voice assistant on the Tahoe, and there's standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (Remember, phone mirroring is something General Motors has begun to phase out of its newer products, but we're thankful the refresh hasn't gotten rid of these features here.) High-tech options include a surround-view camera, a head-up display, and a dash cam that uploads recorded footage to a cloud-based file system.
When it comes to safety tech, the Tahoe will get Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of active and passive safety systems, as standard. It includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, and automatic high beams. For those who tow often, there is also a new trailer tire health indicator, a boat ramp assist feature, and a system that will show guidance lines for the trailer as well as the Tahoe itself.
How's the Tahoe's storage and towing?
The Tahoe remains a massive SUV with the option to seat up to eight passengers. It also offers up to 25.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the third row folded down. With the second row also down, it offers a cavernous 72.6 cubic feet of free air to work with.
The Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds with the standard 5.3-liter V8 when properly equipped. The 6.2-liter V8 and the 3.0-liter diesel motor can both tow up to 8,200 pounds.