The full-size SUV is very often the vehicle of choice when it comes to ferrying the brood to and fro, and to that end, keeping the little ones entertained is key. These days, the solution is very often some sort of digital entertainment, and as such, GM offers a rear seat media system across its lineup. Meanwhile, GM rival Ford has ditched the rear seat media with the launch of the 2025 Ford Expedition, instead adopting a far simpler solution. Which leads us to ask – should GM follow suit?
Let’s start with a brief overview of the GM Rear Seat Media System (RPO code UW9) available in the refreshed 2025 Chevy Tahoe, 2025 Chevy Suburban, 2025 GMC Yukon, and 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The system includes:
- Dual 12.6-inch diagonal color-touch HD screens
- Two Bluetooth headphones
- Two HDMI ports on the back of the center console
Pricing for the system varies across GM’s lineup depending on whether or not it’s included as standard, or requires optional packages. In the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, the system costs between $4,920 and $9,935, while in the GMC Yukon it costs between $5,585 and $12,400, and is included as standard in AT4 Ultimate and Denali Ultimate trims. In the Cadillac Escalade, the system is $1,995 in select trims, but included as standard in Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum, and Escalade-V models.
Although you can’t put a price tag on peace and quiet, there may be a far simpler solution. The 2025 Ford Expedition ditches the rear seat media system entirely in favor of a simple clamp-style device that attaches to the seat back, providing a spot to mount a smartphone or tablet. Not only is this far less expensive, but with most families bringing their own technology anyway, why complicate things with an entirely different digital system?
Check out the system details in the Ford Authority Podcast below, starting at the 18-minute, five-second mark:
Which leads us to ask – should GM follow the 2025 Ford Expedition in ditching the rear seat entertainment system in lieu of a simple clamp to hold a tablet or smartphone? Let us know what you think in the poll below, and be sure to voice your opinion in the comments as well!
Comments
Such a big deal about little. You should see the Ford fan sites making a mountain over this.
GM should offer both and from there make a decision…simple
Do you want a stupid karoake system like Ford is supposedly planning? I would rather not have it.
This… Just have a clamp system for those that don’t have the rear entertainment and then it gets replaced if they rear entertainment is added. Easy peasy. Then the customer can choose which they want and make it an option across the board.
GM should keep it just to make Ford dealers mad.
We need more diesels in people’s hands
Ditch it. You got 2 massive screens, on on your left, one on your right. And the images are in ultra high definition, almost like they’re real!!
Based on gm’s current trends, I’m guessing they will soon require each user to have a unique identity to access the entertainment system so that they can track them throughout life…. I mean provide relevant content.
“With most families bringing their own technology anyway, why complicate things with an entirely different digital system?”
Also applies to OnStar, everything in the dash touchscreen, and all the stuff GM’s marketers think we’ll subscribe to.
I have a better idea. Stop sticking a f***ing screen in your kids face. My son is almost 4 and doesn’t need a screen in his face. Every drive we take he is entertained with the simple scenery of the world. My best friend on the other hand, his devices are owned by his 7 year old daughter. He can’t even have a proper conversation with me because he has to give up his device to his daughter.
My father NEVER understood the point of rear seat entertainment during a trip…a worthless waste of money according to him.
i wish gm would look into having a rear seat entertainment like in the BMW i7 with BMW Theater Screen. that 31″ inch screen in a escalade would be crazy.
In order to get super cruise in a Tahoe, you must buy the rear entertainment system. That is what stopped me from ordering super cruise.
Every factory installed system I’ve had (Caravan ES, Suburban, Navigator) broke and became obsolete. As soon as my kids had iPads, they had zero use for the in car system. Give me a clamp and a USB port on the seat for power and we’re done.
Why every time ford do something (remove rear screens and split rear hatch) y’all act like GM need to follow? First off GM full size suv are the top sellers, so why ask should they follow the loser? Plus fords are more expensive without the screens they when they had them.
No why should they. The SUV’s are for families and passengers in the rear to enjoy themselves watching a movie or playing a games from both screens with a tap on the screen. Get vehicle info like maps for the trips. No extra cables plugged in to charge up…