2025 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition is a Family Sized Camaro

Few SUVs can boast that they are popular go-to vehicles for large families, law enforcement, and the criminal underworld. If three black-painted Chevy SUVs with dark-tinted windows suddenly roll up to your driveway, chances are your day is about to go bad, depending on who steps out, which could be anyone from an FBI agent to a button man for the cartel. 

These big, V8-powered full-size SUVs offer Costco levels of utility. I was recently invited to test drive the mid-cycle refreshed 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and experience the new changes and performance updates. After spending two days driving them through the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I learned that when it comes to the full-size Chevrolet SUV, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—just make it faster.

We’ll begin the highlights of what’s new on the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban: 

• New front grilles specific to trim levels and LED headlamps
• New wheel designs are available for every trim level, including 24-inch wheels for the RST and High Country 
• A new optional AutoSense Power Liftgate allows users to open the rear hatch by merely walking up to it with the key fob.
• New 17.7-inch diagonal center touchscreen display and instrument cluster and optional 15-inch head-up display
• Chevy’s hands-free Super Cruise technology now available to the LT and RST trim levels
• 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel V6 Engine power increased to 305 HP / 460 lb.-ft and available with Z71 Off-Road Package 

Powertrains 

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe lineup’s powertrains remain the same: two gasoline V8s and an updated version of the 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel V6. Each engine is monitored by a 10-speed automatic transmission with available four-wheel drive.

You can still option your Tahoe or Suburban with the 355 hp 5.3L V8 or the 420 hp 6.2L V8. The dubbed “Babymax” turbo diesel engine increases in performance from 277 hp to 305 hp, with 460 pound-feet of torque delivered in a steady stream of acceleration. In addition, the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine is now available for Z71 4×4 models.

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition 

One interesting trim level is the RST Performance Edition, which turns the Chevy Tahoe into a family-sized Camaro. Featuring the 6.2L V8, the optional performance package turns the screws to increase power to 433 hp and 467 pound-feet of torque and adds a set of Brembo heavy-duty disc brakes decorated with red calipers.

In addition, it features a “performance calibrated” steering wheel and brake pedal to let you feel the SUV’s upgraded suspension setup, which includes a lower ride height on a Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) spec chassis with upgraded springs, dampers, and a stabilizer bar. The Tahoe RST Performance Edition also rolls on standard 22-inch wheels wrapped in Firestone Firehawk Pursuit tires. The cherry on top of this muscle SUV is a Borla tuned exhaust system that adds significant decibels to the 6.2L V8’s rumble.

Driving the Tahoe RST Performance Edition on the highway had me yearning for any gap in the relentless Dallas traffic to lean on the throttle and enjoy its intoxicating V8 howl. This SUV qualifies as a sleeper as only a trained eye would notice the upgraded brakes and subtle RST badge with the letter T painted black.

If you want a muscle car aesthetic but need room for little league practice, this is one family vehicle that may check all your boxes. 

2025 Chevrolet Suburban 9 Passenger SUV

However, if you’re looking for space over speed, the Suburban can offer three rows of seating with room for nine passengers. The entry-level Chevrolet Suburban LS I drove featured cloth upholstery with a center console that lifts up to unveil a third seat belt for someone to ride between the driver and the front passenger. 

The second and third rows also provide seat belts in sets of three, and there is enough room in the rear to accommodate baggage from a party of nine.

Still a King of the Road 

Overall, I was impressed with how these large SUVs handled the road, even with 24-inch wheels. One would assume the ride quality would be hampered, but GM engineers made sure the suspension ironed out all the ruts, potholes, and bumps before the vibrations reached your seat. 

Additionally, I like that you can buy a naturally aspirated V8 at a time when so many rely on fewer cylinders and more turbochargers. 

These covered wagon-style trucks offer plenty of reasons to feel like the king of the road. They can haul families while towing more than 8,000 pounds and provide the satisfying surge of power only a muscle car can produce with a lumbar cuddling ride control.  

Pricing for the 2025 Chevy Suburban starts around $63,000 for the entry LS and crosses over the $80,000 mark in the top-spec High Country models. Similarly, the 2025 Chevy Tahoe starts at $60,000 and ends in the $80,000 range. 

Set to arrive at your local Chevrolet dealer before the end of 2024.