GM refreshed the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban full-size SUVs for the 2025 model year, showing off a long list of important updates. Among them is new, truck-like styling, a wealth of new technology features, and a new optional diesel engine. Both refreshed SUVs also debut an overhauled cabin layout, but interestingly, neither SUV is equipped with a driver’s side A-pillar grab handle.
This simple omission is a bit strange, especially in light of the fact that the SUVs’ T1-based stablemate, the Chevy Silverado 1500, is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle on both the driver’s side and passenger side. In fact, a driver’s side A-pillar grab handle was one of the features that GM Authority readers said was needed from the most recent 2025-model-year refresh.
GM Authority asked various company representatives why the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban were not equipped with a driver’s side A-pillar grab handle, while the Chevy Silverado 1500 was. The answer we received was that the kind of customer who typically purchases the Silverado 1500 was different from the kind of customer who purchases a Chevy Tahoe or Chevy Suburban. Additionally, the Chevy reps point out that the SUVs feature running boards as standard, while air suspension capable of raising and lowering the vehicle height is offered as optional.
Nevertheless, all of that doesn’t really address the fact that ingress and egress can be difficult for some drivers.
“It can be difficult to get into these full-size SUVs, even with assist steps / running boards,” says GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft. “What you end up doing is having to grab the steering wheel, which doesn’t seem like a great idea for the steering components. Beyond that, the steering wheel isn’t a fixed object, since it moves around.”
“At the end of the day, you’re still stepping into a full-size, body-on-frame vehicle with a healthy amount of ground clearance,” Luft adds.
Do you agree that the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban need a driver’s side grab handle? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and make sure to voice your opinion in the comments section as well!
Comments
I’m 6’1″ and if my 2020 Silverado 2500HD didn’t have this grab bar and running boards, it would be difficult for me to get into the truck. Mine also has B-pillar grab bars for the extended cab. So, if you’re not really tall and you have a high ground clearance, you can hardly get in without some assistance. Maybe GM can include a ladder as standard for these Tahoes and Suburbans. Their supposed demographic might need a little help. lol
Workplace fleet had got in some new 2500’s/3500’s without running boards and… OMG. GM, please show me the land of 7 foot tall people you designed these for!
The first thing these trucks got installed were running boards. Not only should running boards be standard equipment, if these trucks get any taller 2-step boards will be necessary.
The Tahoe definitely needs a drivers side handle. My wife complains about this all the time with our 2023 Tahoe.
Yes, 100% needed
The GM stylists know best what the customers need. No point in consulting the folks that are actually using these vehicles.
The girls are running the circus. The K2 didn’t have it for what reason?
Just to save a dollar ……
GM eliminated medium and heavy duty product and the knowledge truck people some time ago. If you disagree ask today’s employees about GAWR, GVWR, and so on. Not only a grab handle is needed but front door closure assist , smaller tires or a means of lowering the suspension upon entry and exit . Tires and suspension could be an option for golden seniors. So, let’s not counter this comment with trailer towing etc. if it’s good for China then offer it in the US.
My wife does not want a SUV without the grab handle. No Grab handle = no GM SUV.
I believe the new Nissan Armada has one. Nissan here we come!
I’m guessing they leave it off because it would interfere with the spotlight handle on the police and special service vehicles.
I would not buy full-size GM SUV or pick up without the grab handle. Regardless, I still think these SUVs ride too high off the ground. I’m sure a lot of people like this and that’s their choice but I wish Chevy would offer a lowered version of the Tahoe like the police version, we’re both grab handles and assist steps are unnecessary. It seems like the RST would be the perfect candidate to ride lower to the ground. I’m tempted by the Traverse and Acadia just because they are easier to get in and out of. And while the current gen is the best ever, but I still don’t think they quite match the durability and safety of the full size SUVs.
Yes, it is needed.
‘same goes for the Yukon/ Yukon XL……much needed.
There should be grab handles on BOTH sides of the front seat! We have a ’21 GMC Yukon Denali. There is NO front passenger side grab handle. BUT if you buy the SLT there is one! The grab handle is deleted in favor of A pillar airbags on the Denali. I have often thought of adding an SLT grab handle and removing the airbag but that would negate the extra safety. Plus my interior is dark brown and the SLT grab handle is black and the plastic looks very cheap. Now the GMC Hummer EV SUV has grab handles on both sides but that is one butt ugly car with too many trade-offs compared to my Yukon Denali!
Wow I quit tahoes and suburbans when they went to independent rear axle and that’s after over 20 years of ownership. Not to mention the diesel I was waiting on with a rubber band driving the oil pump. Really disappointed in the changes made in the last 5 years or so. Currently looking for older low milage models.