Im sorry guys, but us diesel fanatics need a reality check. Yeah, Im all for it, because it would be "COOL"...but is it feasible/realistic option? NO. Bear with me here......
The new tahoes are rated at 23mpg highway. A 4.5 V8 duramax would probably get high 20's AT BEST highway fuel economy. If the diminutive 240hp 3.0 V6 diesel in the new half ton Ram's cant even get 30mpg, theres no way a 4.5 liter 310hp V8 is going to do any better.
So you guys are telling me that you'll pay an extra 8 grand for an engine option that burns more expensive fuel, costs more to maintain/service (oil changes, DEF, etc), and costs a shitload more to fix when its out of warranty....all for less than 5 mpg better fuel economy???? Are you nuts?
By the time you've driven enough mileage to offset the cost of the diesel with its slightly better fuel economy, you'll have already paid out the butt for maintenance and out-of-warranty repair costs that you'll want to burn the truck to the ground.
I can go to any junk yard and buy a good used 5.3 for the cost of one duramax fuel injector.
The gas engine burns cheaper fuel, is arguably more reliable, DEFINITELY cheaper to fix, and the LSx small blocks have proven themselves to be basically just as long-lasting as a diesel.
Do the math. It doesnt add up. And THATS why we havent seen a diesel tahoe/suburban, and most likely never will. It isnt because "GM IS DUMB" or "GM DOESNT LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMERS".
Ben