The 2025 Chevy Suburban RST Sets the Bar: Review

Slicing through Chicago traffic, I came to a surprising revelation. There’s a gravity control device in the 2025 Suburban RST. Chevrolet calls it Magnetic Ride Control with Air Ride Adaptive suspension (retuned for this year) but I’m not buying into that gimmicky marketing crap. This SUV has some kind of nano-atomic fusion generator that spews out mini black holes to keep this three-ton vehicle remarkably poised over potholes. After a week and 1,100 miles on the road, it’s the only possible explanation I could muster.

Too bad the Suburban sucks fuel like an unclogged drain. Such is the price for a burly 6.2-liter V-8 turning stylish 24s, bolted to a seven-passenger SUV that comfortably fits a grown adult in every seat—third row included. 

Before diving into that magic carpet ride, though, let’s review the changes for Chevrolet’s latest galaxy-class SUV. Its refreshed exterior brandishes the kind of mild tweaks you won’t notice until you know exactly what to look for. The grille is a bit straighter, and the headlights are now stuck midway in those weird C-shaped notches. Filling their place up top are daytime running lights. At a glance, it’s the same as last year’s model. But as your eyes linger, the newest Suburban appears a bit more symmetrical. Symmetry is good.

The RST adds a plethora of black trim and, in this particular instance, optional 24-inch carbon wheels shod with 40-series tires. I’m not a fan of big wheels, but I’m forced to admit they look really good here. And the blackout treatment, while often tacky on many vehicles, fits well with the RST’s persona. It’s not a performance SUV by any means—it’s way too isolated from noise and driving feedback for that. But you feel badass driving it.

The interior changes are far more significant. The Suburban finally gets Chevy’s large screen layout: a 17.7-inch landscape display in the center with an 11.0-inch unit for the driver. The two screens aren’t connected into a single physical panel, but the dash flows together in a tidy, satisfying manner. The big center screen is super easy to navigate while driving. Digging a couple of menus deep can be accomplished with peripheral vision if you absolutely cannot pull over. And yes, you still have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at your disposal. So far, Chevrolet’s promise to omit the tech from its entire lineup hasn’t come to fruition.

Pros: Extraordinary Ride & Handling, Comfortable For Seven Adults, User-Friendly Interior

That said, my Android phone was connected but seldom used. Chevrolet’s software suite is excellent on its own, with Google Maps that was as up-to-date as my phone for Chicagoland traffic. Spotify can be downloaded if you prefer your own road trip playlist, and Alexa is available on command. 

Speaking of commands, voice control could be better. Responses were often delayed, and there was a humorous moment where neither myself nor the six family members on board could get the nav system to recognize Skare Road. It’s a reminder that, despite all our advances in AI and technology, something as simple as a non-traditional spelling can muck up the works.

But the GPS had no problem finding Larsen’s drive-in Christmas Light Show in the distant northwest suburbs of Chicago, and with all seven seats occupied—including my six-foot-one brother-in-law nested in the back—everyone was comfortable. 

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

Every occupant had clear views of the show thanks to the big panoramic moonroof. And the 10-speaker Bose stereo was righteous with the simulcast music synced to the lights. My nephew likened it to being at a hockey game. All I know is that the sound was loud, rich, awesome, and proof you don’t need a gazillion speakers (I’m looking at you, Cadillac Escalade) for a bangin’ stereo. 

The only passenger complaints I heard came from the very back. Exterior visibility while traveling is pretty lousy. The Suburban’s big C-pillars are smack in the line of sight for third-row occupants wanting to see the countryside. The automatic climate control is a bit fussy as well. When the rearmost windows started fogging up, I had to resync the system from the front and go full blast on everything to get enough airflow. 

Beyond that, every stop on this family outing reminded me why this SUV has been around for nearly a century. Everyone exited and entered the truck with grace, never needing to flip up the center seats for extra space. Also, my niece loves having USB-C charging ports way back in the third row. Being middle-aged and not hip to the coolest new mobile games, I trust her opinion.

En route to destinations, there was room for everyone to stretch out. The ride remained exquisite and well-managed despite the full complement of passengers. And at the very back, there was still 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space—enough to handle the most unhinged shopping trips. Is there anything the Suburban can’t do?

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

Cons: 16.7 Miles Per Gallon, Dumb Column Shifter, $87K Doesn’t Include HUD Or SuperCruise

Well, yes, but nothing you probably didn’t already expect. I averaged 16.7 miles per gallon over this 1,100-mile trip, much of it at highway speeds. Thankfully, Chevrolet fits a 28-gallon fuel tank so I didn’t have to make regular pit stops. But be prepared for a hefty fuel bill regardless of the engine you choose. You could do a little better with the 3.0-liter diesel, but the higher price of diesel fuel largely offsets the mileage gain. 

You’ll need to expand your awareness when it comes to crowded areas. At 19.0 feet long and almost 7.0 feet wide, of course it’s big. But here’s the thing. It doesn’t feel that big behind the wheel. The 6.2-liter V-8 is subdued to a whisper. The 10-speed automatic is always in the right gear. Visibility is excellent from the front seat, and with up to 14 exterior cameras available, there’s little that can hide from view. This is why your awareness needs expanding. It’s so easy to drive that you might be lulled into a tiny parking lot or narrow drive-thru where space quickly becomes a problem.  

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

There are a few tidbits I can’t let slide, however, and I’m sad to say it’s typical General Motors nonsense. I hate the digital column shifter. I hated it when I drove the Suburban in Texas. I hated it on the 2024 GMC Acadia. And I still hate it. After decades of intuitive PRNDL column shifters with park at the top, it’s just dumb to have reverse there now. And I know others feel the same way.

GM has offered heads-up displays on vehicles for over 30 years, but sadly, this $86,980 Chevrolet didn’t have one. In fact, it was missing quite a bit of equipment you’d expect at this price point, SuperCruise included. Meanwhile, a $30,000 Hyundai has a freaking HUD. 

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

On the RST, it’s held hostage in the Advanced Tech Package, a $4,130 package that also adds Super Cruise and the rearview mirror camera. Keeping SuperCruise separate makes sense, it’s a notable tech upgrade. But a HUD? Adding that package to the already expensive RST pushes it past $90,000. At that point, you may as well get a GMC Yukon XL Denali or even a Cadillac Escalade.

But—and I hate to admit this—I do understand the RST’s appeal, even at 86 grand. It has an edge to it. The black trim, the 24-inch wheels, the handsome interior. It feels way more sporty than its specs would indicate. Perhaps more importantly, it makes the driver feel sporty. 

If you want a full-size SUV with exceptional space, comfort, confidence, and cool factor for less than $100,000, it’s your only game in town. And what a great game it is.

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Christopher Smith / Motor1