Here’s a fun fact: The “baby” Duramax diesel was not an option for the 2024 Chevy Tahoe Z71. Luckily, Chevrolet has rectified this obscure deficiency for the 2025 model year, and for the first time ever, the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-6 diesel engine will be available under the hood of the off-road Z71. This means that all six Tahoe trims — LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country — can be optioned with the torquey, efficient inline-six Duramax. Look for the Duramax to become available in 2025, after the Tahoe’s initial launch.

Front 3/4 shot of the 2025 Tahoe Z71 on a beach

Furthermore, all 2025 Tahoe trims will get the second-generation 3.0-liter I-6 Duramax (LZ0), initially introduced in the 2023 Silverado 1500. The revised turbo-diesel makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, a bump of 28 horsepower and 35 lb-ft over the first version (LM2), which was rated at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft.

The 2025 Chevy Tahoe LS, LT, RST, Z71, and Premier come standardly equipped with Chevy’s 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the highest-trim High Country variant gets the 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. In a world dominated by four- and six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engines, the Tahoe only gets the pair of V8s and the Duramax diesel.

Group shot of 2025 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (left) and 2025 Suburban High Country shown on the beach

In exchange for its slight initial upcharge, the 3.0-liter Duramax returns more torque and better fuel economy — nearly double, in some cases — than the V8s. A slight diesel clatter upon startup gives way to a smooth, quiet ride in which the diesel aspect becomes arguably unnoticeable for the average driver or passenger. If you’re looking for a diesel full-size SUV or half-ton truck, GM is the only option. That makes the diesel Tahoe a pretty cool find for the diesel enthusiast; It’ll have everyone looking twice when you roll up to the diesel pump (a detail you’ll really need to reiterate if you throw the keys to a friend).

Be on the lookout for 2025 Chevy Tahoe Z71s sporting Duramax badges in the near future.