Chevy Tahoe Z71 Diesel, Suburban Z71 Diesel Now Possible Thanks To These Changes
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The 2021 model year introduced an all-new generation for the Chevy’s full-size SUVs, with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe debuting the Tahoe’s fifth generation, and the 2021 Chevy Suburban debuting the Suburban’s twelfth generation. Critically, both full-size SUVs introduced the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine to the lineup, but neither nameplate offered the new diesel engine in conjunction with the off-road-oriented Z71 trim level. Luckily, that’s about to change with the forthcoming model refresh planned for the 2025 model year, and now, GM Authority is explaining the changes making the new Tahoe Z71 diesel and Suburban Z71 diesel a possibility.
For those readers who may not remember, the reason why GM did not initially offer a Tahoe Z71 diesel and Suburban Z71 diesel was down to packaging. Per a series of GM Authority interviews with Chevy’s engineering team, the LM2 engine’s intercooler and associated piping did not fit within the confines of the Z71’s high-clearance bumper, and as a result, the diesel engine was not made available for the Z71 trim level on either of the full-sizers.
Now, however, that is changing, as the forthcoming 2025 model year refresh will indeed offer a new Tahoe Z71 diesel and Suburban Z71 diesel. What’s more, the diesel engine itself will be new, with the outgoing LM2 replaced by the new 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax, offering more power and greater refinement.
When asked about the introduction of the new Tahoe Z71 diesel and Suburban Z71 diesel models in conjunction with the 2025 model year, Todd Brown, the advertising and marketing manager for Chevy’s full-size SUVs, said it “is a big win for us, and we’re really happy with that.”
In an interview with GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, Brown addressed the changes that enabled Chevy to offer the new Z71 trims with a diesel engine. The changes include a redesigned front end, new cooling, and new packaging, as well as a redesigned skid plate that provides additional room for the new diesel engine’s cooling system.
The new 3.0L I6 LZ0 diesel engine is rated at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, as compared the 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque produced by the LM2. Highlights include new steel pistons, a retuned turbo compressor, and new fuel injectors. The LZ0 will connect to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission. To note, the 2025 Chevy Tahoe and 2025 Chevy Suburban are expected go into production in November of 2024, while the new Tahoe Z71 diesel and Suburban Z71 diesel won’t be available until the 2025 calendar year.
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Great news! Now we need to know what the tow ratings will be and will the max tow package be offered. Probably not due to the stupid independent rear suspension.
What are these designers thinking with that ‘mouth’ around the tow hooks? Such a good-looking truck and then they do that. It should be black, or color matched to the truck.
What is the consumer thinking? Got to remember, all car designes are consumer tested with a closed group of selected individuals. Many consumers must have reacted positively to this.
Glad to see they did this, just wish they could raise that fugly rear suspension.
What color is this Tahoe in pics, it looks Dark Green, but then I only see the Light Sage Green offered?
I hope the reliability will be better with the new LZ0 engine. My brother’s silverado has been in the shop none stop and its on the 3 rebuild. He loved it when it worked though