General Motors unveiled the refreshed 2025 Chevy Tahoe and refreshed 2025 Chevy Suburban late last month, debuting a long list of important updates and changes compared to the preceding 2024 model year. Among the updates was the introduction of a new diesel engine for the Tahoe / Suburban lineup. Critically, the new diesel powerplant will be available for the off-road-oriented Z71 trim level for both full-size SUV nameplates.
For those readers who may be unaware, the fifth-gen Chevy Tahoe and twelfth-gen Chevy Suburban, both of which first hit primetime in conjunction with the 2021 model year, did not previously offer a diesel engine option for the Z71 trim level. The diesel engine offered prior to the latest 2025 model-year refresh was the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax, which was available on every trim level except Z71.
Per a GM Authority exclusive, the reason behind the decision not to offer the 3.0L I6 LM2 in conjunction with Z71 units came down to the off-road trim level’s unique front fascia, which features a higher approach angle that, according to Chevy engineers, obstructs the LM2 intercooler piping.
Luckily, this is no longer an issue for the 2025 Chevy Tahoe and 2025 Chevy Suburban, both of which will offer the new 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine in conjunction with the Z71 trim level. Compared to the outgoing LM2, the LZ0 produces more power and more torque, rated at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet, an improvement of 10 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively.
That said, it should be noted that the LZ0 diesel engine will not be available until the 2025 calendar year. Until then, both refreshed SUVs will only be available with either of the two gasoline engine options, specifically the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 and the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87.
Even so, diesel fans who enjoy the occasional romp in the dirt will no doubt rejoice at the thought of the new LZ0 under the hood of the refreshed 2025 Chevy Tahoe Z71 or 2025 Chevy Suburban Z71.
As a reminder, both SUVs ride on the GM T1 platform, and both are produced at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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Finally, now get rid of the stupid belt driven oil pump and put a solid rear axle back in it so I can pull my big boat. I’ve got 217k on my tahoe. All the minor repairs I’ve had to do hasn’t added up to one oil belt change.
Literally the reason i didnt go with the diesel on either of mine. that and the stench in the garage (yes all diesels smell, even the "new" ones)
the independent rear is ok (you can still tow 10k if you need as they always derate it for liability reasons) but it just looks stupid with the control arms squatting down low like a minivan. the shape to get the rear shocks to fit makes the underside look goofy.
otherwise the ride is ages better than the solid axle tahoe which jumped around like a tractor so i see why they made that switch
I like the diesel aroma better than the smell of the gas kind.
Gas doesn't produce nearly as much smell either way. And gas is a lot less limiting, which is more important.
Big mistake on your part. The diesels do not smell. I owned a Yukon with the diesel and there was virtually no smell from the tailpipe, it was great. My current Tahoe with the 5.3 has plenty of noxious fumes.
You don't need a solid rear axle. IRS is better and does the job.
A very good diesel engine marred by that belt driven oil pump in the rear bumped up to 200,000 miles replacement so have at least a couple thousand saved up by then for it. Put $30 aside every month should cover it by that time.
Nobody cares about the belt driven oil pump. 99.9% of original owners will not own the truck to see 200k.
Sure kills the value of the truck though.
GM is screwing the pooch in so many ways….it won’t be long until it’s owned by Fiat as well…pertaining the to Burb…which I am on my 5th….put it on a 2500 series frame and suspension, ditch that dumb IRS, put the Duramax 6.6 in it.
Heck, if they were worried about CAFE, I’d even settle for a commercial version that could be easily converted to passenger. Think 80s vans. The aftermarket would fill the gap.
Now they need to come up with next generation 5.3 and 6.2 ASAP. Both engines have fallen behind in both power and mileage
Did they really add a 3.0 to z71 but not super cruise you can get in the other trims