Used 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban is all-new for 2021, marking a full revamp for a sport utility vehicle whose name dates to 1935. The Suburban is Chevy’s largest SUV, with a length that outstretches its full-size Tahoe sibling. With room for up to nine passengers plus their gear, this 3-row SUV has long been the go-to vehicle for big, busy families. The Suburban differs from mainstream crossovers like the Chevrolet Traverse in that it has a rugged and trucklike body-on-frame chassis. That, combined with its powerful engine options, make it ideal for towing and hauling.

This new version of the Suburban is more appealing thanks to fresher technology, additional safety features and enhanced ride manners. That latter aspect comes thanks to an independent rear suspension, a modernized setup already put in place by the Suburban’s primary rival, the Ford Expedition Max. In addition to still winning the size and cargo-capacity war over the Ford, the Suburban further stands out with its V8 engine opposed to the Expedition’s twin-turbo V6. Also newly available for the Suburban is GM’s 6-cylinder turbodiesel that is regarded for its towing ability and fuel efficiency.

The Suburban is big in every way. Its size can be a handful in tighter confines and residential garages, while its starting price of nearly $52,000 is also larger than sedan-based crossovers. A loaded Suburban can eclipse $80,000, but it also brings a lot of metal for the money.

Driving dynamics are a big part of the updates to this new model. Chevrolet has completely reworked the underpinnings of the SUV to deliver a vastly improved driving experience.

Gone is the live axle out back. It’s been replaced with a far more comfortable multilink suspension setup. You may think this means a lower towing capacity, but that’s not the case. The Suburban is still fully capable of handling the hauling with loads as high as 8,300 pounds. The lowest tow rating is 7,500 pounds. And, interestingly enough, it comes on the more powerful 6.2-liter V8-equipped versions of the big SUV. That engine produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The base engine is a 5.3-liter V8, which makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel available, and that mill produces 270 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s the chassis changes mentioned above that make all the difference here, though. The ride is smooth and comfortable. And you can upgrade the ride further, as the Suburban is available with a magnetically damped suspension and an adaptive air suspension as well. The Suburban remains flat and composed when you’re just out cruising or if you’re hauling a trailer down a mountain pass.

Like its sibling the Chevy Tahoe, the all-new Suburban comes with three rows and can seat up to nine people. The latter setup is only available on the base LS trim and if you opt for a front-seat bench. As such, it makes the Suburban a viable alternative to a commercial-type van for large families.

Most buyers will opt for an 8-passenger setup or, with second-row captain’s chairs, the comfortable 7-seat option. Passenger space is the same as that of the also-new Tahoe except in the third row. The Suburban’s last row has slightly better legroom and is now comfortable enough for adults. Where the Suburban really sets itself apart is in cargo room. Its extra length gives it an enormous 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space even with the third row up – 16 cubic feet more than a Tahoe.

Even more space is created as you fold rows. Setting down the third row creates 93.8 cubic feet, while folding the second row opens up 144.7 cubic feet. These numbers are all better than those of the Ford Expedition Max.

Up front, the Suburban’s cabin is updated yet familiar. Audio and climate controls still have easy to see and use dials, while the standard touchscreen has grown to 10 inches. Cool options include a digital rearview mirror that uses a camera feed for a wide-open view and a power-operated storage console between the driver and front passenger. Materials range from cloth seating to perforated leather.

As with its interior, the 2021 Suburban’s exterior is familiar yet fresh. It remains a giant rectangle with enough new elements to make it interesting. Among them are boomerang-like running lights up front between the massive grille, and forward-angled c-pillars on the sides.

All models except the base LS get a hands-free power-operated liftgate. The Suburban is over a foot longer than the Chevy Tahoe. This new model stretches 225.7 inches, nearly 19 feet. If you plan to park this in your garage, grab your tape measure first.

MODEL VARIETY
From the High Country model that could nearly pass for a Cadillac Escalade to the Z71 off-road variant and the aesthetically menacing RST, there’s a Suburban for a variety of tastes. Six trims in all are available, plus plenty of options for your tastes.

DIESEL ENGINE
It’s been decades since the Suburban was offered with a diesel engine, and this new one is the powertrain many have been desiring. Though only 3.0-liters in size, this 6-cylinder turbodiesel has outsize power.

The new Suburban is available in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. The least-expensive Suburban LS includes tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless open and push-button start, power front seats, remote start, and premium-cloth seats. The standard infotainment setup includes a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a 6-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

If it’s within your budget and unless you need the 9-passenger option, we recommend stepping up to at least a Suburban LT trim. This model includes features that make life easier and more creature comforts. Among them are a hands-free power liftgate, leather interior, 9-speaker Bose audio, memory driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage remote, and heated front seats.

All Suburban models include GM’s subscription-based OnStar connected services, plus 4G LTE integration with in-vehicle Wi-Fi.

One option we highly recommend is the Driver Alert Package. For $790 it adds active safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors to the Suburban. This package comes standard on Premier and High Country models.

Suburban RST models include 22-inch wheels and darkened aesthetics. The off-road-oriented Suburban Z71 comes standard with the 4-wheel-drive (with a 2-speed transfer case) that’s optional on other trims, plus hill-descent control, all-terrain tires, and front skidplate.

The Suburban Premier has magnetic ride control, 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, power-release rear seats, navigation, 10-speaker Bose audio, and 8-inch digital instrument cluster. The new Suburban High Country includes the 6.2-liter V8, head-up display, surround-view camera, and rear camera mirror.

Air suspension is available on Z71 and High Country models. For towing duties, the Max Trailering Package adds a more robust radiator and cooling fan, plus hitch guidance and hitch view in the backup camera. Adaptive cruise control is reserved for top models.

The new Chevy Suburban offers a choice of three engines. Standard on all but High Country models is GM’s familiar 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 horsepower. If you want the bigger and more powerful 6.2-liter V8 you’ll have to buy the top-line High Country model. New to the lineup is GM’s 6-cylinder turbodiesel. It is optional in all but the Z71.

All of the engines are tied to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban is rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and offers 4-wheel drive (4WD) across the line. Four-wheel drive is standard on the Z71. The Suburban’s towing capacity maxes out at 8,300 pounds.

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 mpg (RWD), 15/19 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (RWD), 14/19 mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6
277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (RWD), 20/26 mpg (4WD)