You’ve seen the headlines. Every year, car companies claim they’ve "revolutionized" the SUV. Usually, that just means a slightly pointier headlight or a bigger plastic screen on the dashboard. But 2025 is actually weirdly different.
We are seeing a massive shift in how these machines are built. It isn’t just about looking cool in the Costco parking lot anymore. Manufacturers are finally killing off the engines that stayed past their prime and replacing them with tech that actually makes sense for how people drive.
Honestly, the new SUV redesigns for 2025 are less about "refreshing" and more about an identity crisis. Are they rugged trucks? Are they rolling iPads? For the first time in a decade, the answer is "both."
The 4Runner Finally Enters the 21st Century
If you know anyone who owns a Toyota 4Runner, they probably treat it like a religious relic. The problem was that the previous generation felt like driving a literal relic. It had a five-speed transmission that belonged in a museum.
The 2025 4Runner redesign is the one everyone is talking about because Toyota finally pulled the trigger on a total overhaul. Gone is the thirsty V6. In its place is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. I know—people are going to complain about "no replacement for displacement," but the numbers don't lie. The standard i-FORCE engine kicks out 278 horsepower. If you opt for the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, you’re looking at 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque.
That’s more grunt than the old V8s used to have.
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Toyota also added a "Trailhunter" trim. It’s basically a factory-built overlanding rig with Old Man Emu shocks and 33-inch tires. They even kept the power rear window that slides down into the tailgate. It’s the one thing they knew they couldn't touch without causing a riot.
Why the 2025 Nissan Armada is a Total Pivot
For years, the Armada was the "oh yeah, that exists" option in the full-size SUV world. It was big, reliable, and about as modern as a flip phone.
The 2025 redesign changes the math.
Nissan ditched the V8 for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. It delivers 425 horsepower. That’s a significant jump from the old engine, and it’s paired with a new 9-speed automatic that actually knows what gear it wants to be in.
Inside, the change is even more jarring. They’ve gone from a cluttered mess of plastic buttons to dual 14.3-inch screens. It looks more like a luxury lounge than a family hauler. They even added a PRO-4X trim for the first time on the Armada, which gives it an electronic locking differential and adaptive air suspension. It’s clearly aiming for the people who want a Land Cruiser but don't want to pay the "Toyota Tax."
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Big Gains for the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban
Chevrolet didn't reinvent the wheel with the 2025 Tahoe and Suburban, but they fixed the one thing everyone hated: the interior. The previous dash felt a bit cheap for an $80,000 vehicle.
The 2025 models now feature a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen that is angled toward the driver. It’s huge. But the real "expert" secret here isn't the screen—it's the diesel.
The 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel has been updated to produce 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. If you are towing a boat or taking the family on a cross-country haul, this is the engine to get. It’s smoother than the gas V8s and gets significantly better mileage. Chevy also finally made the diesel available on the Z71 off-road trim, which was a weird omission in previous years.
The Ford Expedition Gets a Split Tailgate
Ford’s 2025 Expedition redesign focuses on "usability," which is usually marketing-speak for nothing. But here, they actually did something clever.
They introduced the "Ford Split Gate." The top three-quarters of the tailgate opens up like a normal SUV, but the bottom quarter folds down like a truck tailgate. It can hold up to 500 pounds. It’s perfect for tailgating or just sitting on while you change your kids' muddy soccer cleats.
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Inside, there is a 24-inch panoramic display that sits high on the dash, almost near the windshield. The idea is to keep your eyes closer to the road while checking navigation. It’s a smart move, though it takes a minute to get used to the scale of it.
The Quiet Rise of the Honda Passport
The Honda Passport has always been the "middle child" between the CR-V and the Pilot. For 2025, Honda is leaning hard into the "rugged" look.
The new TrailSport trim isn't just a sticker package anymore. It has a revised suspension, actual skid plates, and recovery points. It still uses the 3.5-liter V6, which is one of the last naturally aspirated engines in this class. There's something to be said for the reliability of an engine that doesn't rely on turbos, even if it isn't the fastest thing on the block.
What to Actually Do Next
If you’re looking at these new SUV redesigns for 2025, don’t just look at the MSRP. Here is the move:
- Check the Towing Tech: If you tow, the 2025 Expedition and Tahoe have massively upgraded their "hitch assist" cameras. It makes a solo hookup 10x easier.
- Wait for the "First Batch" Bugs: With the 4Runner and Armada switching to new turbocharged powertrains, history suggests the first six months of production might have some software or cooling kinks. If you can wait until late 2025, do it.
- Compare the Screens: Go sit in the new Armada and then the Tahoe. The interface on the Nissan feels more integrated, while the Chevy screen feels more "in your face." It’s a personal preference that pictures don't capture.
- Don't Ignore the Diesel: If you’re buying a Suburban, the Duramax is the smartest financial play for long-term fuel costs and resale value.
The SUV market in 2025 is finally moving away from the "bigger is better" era and moving into "smarter is better." Whether you want a trail-ready Toyota or a tech-heavy Ford, the options have never been this distinct.