New for 2020: The Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-running vehicle nameplate today, first debuted in 1935, the Suburban nameplate is 85 years old. It not only established the full-size, carry-all segment but remains a leading competitor with an all-new fifth-generation for 2021, featuring substantially more usable space. With a 4.1-inch increase in the wheelbase and a lower cargo floor, the new Suburban promises to have the most passenger and cargo space of any SUV. Despite the increase in length of less than 1 percent, the legroom has increased for both the second- and third-row passengers. Maximum cargo volume has gone up 19 percent as well.
For the first time, Suburban’s second-row seat can slide, adjusting approximately 10 inches forward or rearward. Both the second and third-row seats also fold more easily, and the load floor is now both flatter and lower than prior models – improving the ease of loading and unloading. The headline change for the new Suburban, though, is a new architecture that equips the Suburban with an independent suspension setup at the rear, another first for the behemoth. An optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is also available and works in tandem with the Magnetic Ride Control to deliver an even more plush ride alongside better handling.
Sharing an overall design similarity with the recently redesigned Silverado, the new Suburban sports a bluff-faced grille that leads into an otherwise-familiar profile. Behind that grille lie three engine options, all paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 2021 Suburban will go on sale in mid-2020 in North America.
SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Reveals 2021 Suburban and Tahoe
Table of contents
- 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Powertrain
- 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Features And Pricing
- Chevrolet Suburban Recommended Trim
- Chevrolet Suburban Fuel Economy
- Chevrolet Suburban vs Ford Expedition Max
- Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota Sequoia
- Chevrolet Suburban vs Nissan Armada
- Q & A
- Detailed Specs
- Editor's Verdict
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Powertrain
General Motors has always had a slightly different approach to offering powertrains on its vehicles and the Suburban is not different.
Like it’ s smaller sibling, the Tahoe, and close cousins, the Yukon twins, The 5.3-liter V8 will be offered as standard. It makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It will be on all trims except the High Country, namely, LS, LT, Z71, RST, and Premier models. The new High Country Trim will be available with the 420 hp/460 lb-ft 6.2-liter V8. Both engines will feature Dynamic Fuel Management technology, with cylinder deactivation, automatic stop/start technology, direct injection and variable valve timing for better efficiency.
There is also a new Duramax diesel in the mix displacing 3.0 liters with six cylinders in a line. Although it lacks in power with 277 hp, it makes 460 lb-ft of torque. The same as the 6.2-liter V8. And it will also be the most fuel-efficient in its entire lineup. If you, the customer, so choose, you can ‘upgrade’ to the Duramax diesel on all trims except the off-road biased Z71 which comes with the 5.3-liter V8 only.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Features And Pricing
Although the pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, Chevrolet has divulged the details on the trims that will be offered with the Suburban. It will be available in six trims.
LS and LT
The LS and LT variants bring up the base trims on the Suburban and are mostly equipped with only the standard kit. The LED headlamps and tail lamps are offered as standard. So is built-in 4G WiFi hotspot along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet’s infotainment system with a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is also standard, along with a 4.2-inch driver information center. The LT model also includes a wireless phone charger.
RST
The RST is essentially the LT in fancier clothing. The RST gets a sportier-looking black front grille along with RST stitching in the cabin. The biggest change are the 22-inch wheels that it rides on.
Z71
This is the off-road-focused package and features various changes. The front, for example, is different to give it a better approach angle. You also get skid plates at the front. 4WD is standard and it also gets a two-speed transfer case, as well as hill descent control. All-terrain tires are mounted on 20-inch wheels, and the trucks are fitted with tow hooks as well.
Premier
The premier is the luxury trim of the Suburban lineup. The Premier trim will come with magnetic ride control, navigation, an 8-inch-diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster, a premium Bose 10-speaker audio system, 12-way power vented and perforated front bucket seats, power releases for both rows of rear seats and a heated steering wheel. In terms of safety, it gets blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning. It also gets the supremely convenient (in our opinion a necessity) park assist feature that should make parking this behemoth a breeze.
High Country
The High Country is the top of the line trim on the Suburban. Chevrolet has carried over this new top trim over from the Silverado truck and it comes with some exclusive features. The chief among which is the 6.2-liter V8 which is only available on the High Country. It also gets the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Adaptive cruise control along with the Magnetic Ride Control for the plushest and most convenient ride possible. Apart from that you also get trim specific upholstery and seat embroidery.
Other features include pedestrian detection in addition to the safety suite along with HUD, HD surround vision and a rear camera mirror.
Chevrolet Suburban Recommended Trim
It will be hard to determine which trim level we most recommend until we drive it and have full pricing for each model, but on paper the high-tech Premier with the optional torquey and efficient Diesel seems like the most tempting package.
Chevrolet Suburban Fuel Economy
No fuel economy ratings are available yet, but the Diesel should prove to be an attractive choice to drivers looking to optimize both mileage and towing performance.
Chevrolet Suburban vs Ford Expedition Max
A large SUV with a smooth powertrain has long been considered an ancient item, but the Ford Expedition Max is surprisingly refined and punches above its weight class. It stands out for its combination of smooth ride and quiet interior comfort, spacious third-row, 5-star safety ratings and full-size-truck hauling ability. The Expedition’s 9,200-pound tow capacity when equipped with an optional Heavy-Duty trailering package makes it the best in its class.
Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia delivers just as much capability with nearly as much style and luxury features as many high-end luxury-brand SUVs, and although it wears a Toyota badge, it has an interior well-equipped enough to feel like a Lexus. The Sequoia’s interior is spacious, comfortable and surprisingly flexible for people and cargo, and thanks to a 4-wheel independent suspension and tubular anti-roll bars, it rides and handles quite well. It offers brawny towing capability and has smooth, powerful V8 options. There’s also a new off-road-focused TRD Pro version for 2020. Base SR5 models are especially strong value, starting at a little under $50,000.
Chevrolet Suburban vs Nissan Armada
With its 390-horsepower V8, the Nissan Armada is a leader in the struggle for power among full-size SUVs. The engine allows for towing up to 8,500 pounds, all while carrying eight passengers in comfort. Against the likes of other large SUVs such as the GMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban, the Armada’s refinement sets it apart. A deep menu of advanced technology and safety features, buyers can configure an Armada that works for them. A durable and competent off-roader that feels equally at home on the highway.
Detailed Specs
| Price Range / | $55,000-$82,000 |
| Engine / | 5.3L V8/ 6.2L V8/ 3.0L inline-6 turbo-diesel |
| Power (hp) / | 355/ 420/ 277 |
| Torque (lb-ft) / | 383/ 460/ 460 |
| Transmission/Drivetrain / | 10-speed automatic/RWD/4WD |
| Fuel Economy / | NA |
Our Final Verdict
The Suburban is one of the best-selling models in their class, and the new 2021 fifth-generation is expected to continue that success. Compared to other full-size SUVs, they stand out for their ride quality and efficient engines, and Chevrolet claims that it’s the most fuel-efficient model in the full-size SUV class, thanks to tech such as direct injection and cylinder deactivation. They’re also very rugged and versatile and can be outfitted for off-road toughness, tow ability and interior luxury as needed.
With an all-new generation featuring independent rear suspension, improved ride quality, and handling, along with increased cargo and passenger room, the Suburban should easily find its place among the best vehicles in the full-size SUV segment.