Test Drive and Review of the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country – Automotive Addicts
General motors continues to set the benchmark for large SUVs with body-on frame construction. The lines between Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac are blurred. I found this out when I drove the new Chevrolet Suburban High Country. It is the top trim of the large SUV with a long wheelbase. The blurred lines can be clarified by those who study the finer details, but Chevrolet has not been as aggressive in its luxury offerings until the High Country trim of the Suburban and Tahoe. The Suburban is a big vehicle, so there’s plenty to take in. However, the main course of this meal includes a number of items that are desirable and that many people would not pay extra for. The Suburban High Country trim has many of the same features that would cost more in the GMC Yukon XL Denali and Cadillac Escalade. The lines are blurred again until you look at the details of the interior materials. This is something that some people can overlook. Essentially, the function is nearly the same, but the form becomes the main underlying difference between the three large GM SUVs – which then contributes to a pricing difference therein.
Performance and Driving Character
Refreshed for the 2025 model year, the Chevrolet Suburban continues to offer the same powertrains, but the diesel option now has a bit more power. For the Suburban High Country test vehicle this week, I get to enjoy the prided 6.2-liter V8 engine still producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, which remains plenty of power for the large Suburban.
With the proven 6.2-liter V8 over the base 5.3-liter V8, there’s an appreciated level of power that doesn’t come with any unwanted surprises. The V8 is always reliable and mated with the latest 10-speed transmission and four-wheel drive on automatic. It’s easy to appreciate the power of the V8 that can get the Suburban to 60 mph within 6.7 seconds. Also, the braking on the Suburban feels substantial and assured, more so than I remember with previous generations.
Another characteristic of the new Suburban’s performance is a slightly improved balance of the vehicle that’s somewhat attributed to the latest height-adjustable air suspension setup, which is aided by its Magnetic Ride Control adaptive shocks. This setup is essential for the best ride that adapts in milliseconds according to road conditions. It keeps the Suburban’s large body in check, and it never sloppily flies around. The ride is smooth and quiet, even though the new Suburban High Country has some of the biggest wheels on a production car – massive 24 inch alloys with quiet, surprisingly grippy, all-season Bridgestone Alenzas. The big 24-inch wheels look great and don’t seem to affect the ride. The new Suburban High Country is not overly blingy and looks great, especially in its Lakeshore Blue Metallic color. Chevrolet makes it easy to drive with its active safety features (lane departure warning/lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning/emergency brakes, rear cross path detection/emergency brakes, etc.). Fuel Economy
As one can imagine, fuel economy on a large SUV is a bit of a problem. However, Chevrolet has managed to keep the numbers consistent, with the EPA estimating 14 mpg for city driving, 18 mpg for highway driving, and 16 mpg in combination. The reality is that I was able to exceed the EPA estimates for highway driving, averaging nearly 19 mpg during a 115 mile highway drive. This was mostly done at speeds below 70 mph. The Suburban High Country’s 6.2-liter engine is capable of achieving consistent highway figures, even though the numbers on paper aren’t great. This is also due to the dynamic fuel management system, which deactivates four of its cylinders automatically when there’s no load. Filling up the large 28-gallon tank with oddly required premium unleaded fuel will get you a highway cruising range of just over 500 miles.
Interior and Technology
Apart from the drivetrain, the major differences in the large GM family of SUVs remain to be the interior appointments. The interior appointments are the main difference between the large SUVs. While the majority of equipment is similar, it is how you use the equipment that makes the biggest difference. The 2025 update of all large GM SUVs has a number of upgrades to be appreciated, including the Suburban High Country’s new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and updated 11-inch digital gauge cluster. The system is easy to use and responds quickly to most interactions. The system is a good one for displaying primary functions, but I think it stumbles a bit by obscuring features such as the trip computer which could be displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The larger screen area is well used for split-screen setups, etc. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless, USB-connected Apple CarPlay are all still available, along with a wireless, active-cooled charging pad. The climate control system is accessed via a few physical buttons below the large touchscreen. Other welcomed amenities include a large head-up display, integrated Google Maps and Google Assistant functionality, and the availability of GM’s semi-autonomous driving feature – SuperCruise.
The cabin of the Suburban is vast as it remains one of the largest SUVs you can buy. The seating positions remain the same as in previous years, offering plenty of adjustability and heated and ventilated seats for the front row, along with heated second-row Captain’s chairs. The third-row seats keep with a tradition of allowing an accommodating space for three adults, which can be power-folded down to open up the 41.5-cubic feet behind the seats in place to a vast 93.8 cubic feet and an astonishing 144.7 cubic feet by power-folding the second-row seats, all accessed by a smart-opening power tailgate.
Pricing
Reiterating the blurred lines once again, the Chevrolet Suburban High Country doesn’t come cheap, as my test vehicle prices out at $95,000. The Suburban is still a great value in lower trims. Starting at $59200 for the base LS trim, you get a large SUV with a V8 engine and long wheels. At the high end, however, it is worth considering if the Suburban High Country, with its price that almost matches its GM counterparts the GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV which have also increased their pricing for the 2025 model-year refresh, is the best choice. The 2025 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4WD is priced at $100,170. A Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxe 4WD costs about $117,000 and you can compare the ‘luxury details’, service options, and brand cachet.
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