The Suburban name dates all the way back to 1935, and after 87 years it’s as well known as Coca-Cola. Now in its 12th generation, this behemoth full-size, body-on-frame SUV continues to offer three rows, seating for up to eight passengers, and towing capacity aplenty. An abridged version of the ‘Burban, the slightly shorter Tahoe, is reviewed separately. A 355-hp V-8 is standard, while an optional 277-hp inline-six turbodiesel and a 420-hp gas V-8 are available. All engines are lashed to a telepathic 10-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel-drive—except for the four-wheel-drive-only off-road-focused Z71 trim. Suburban cargo space is massive, with a 20 cubic foot over the Jeep Wagoneer advantage with their third rows folded. An available air suspension allows the Suburban to comfortably roll with the pavement’s punches. The interior styling and materials are ho-hum, but at least the 10.2-inch touchscreen handles climate and navigation with speed and clarity.
Vehicle Overview
| Passengers: 6 | Iphone Charger: Yes | Fully Insured: Yes |
| Interior: Black Leather | On Board Drinks: Yes | Smoking: No |
| DVD Player: Yes | On Board Snacks: Yes | Surround Sound: Yes |
| On Board Wifi: Yes | Bag Capacity: 6 | LCD Screens: Yes |
Chevy Suburban is mostly the same this year, GM’s highly capable Super Cruise hands-free driving tech becomes available on Premier and High Country trim levels. New exterior colors such as Silver Sage Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat are now available. Finally, Suburban LS, LT, RST, and Premier can be equipped with a blacked-out grille. A pair of V-8s and a diesel six-cylinder complete the Suburban’s engine lineup. All of them hook up to a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. A 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 is the default engine on all but the top-tier High Country model. It gets a standard 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, but that trim also can be equipped with the optional diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder. While the latter only pumps out 277 horses, its 460 pound-feet of torque ties that of the bigger V-8. The Suburban also can be fitted with adaptive dampers and an adjustable air suspension. The latter allows the Suburban’s ride height to be both automatically and manually lowered or raised. This enables improved passenger accessibility, aerodynamics, and ground clearance. Those looking for sporty styling such as blacked-out exterior trim and 22-inch wheels should see the RST model. The more rugged-looking Z71 trim level has 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires, under body skid plates, and a two-speed transfer case that provides traditional four-wheel drive.
We’d recommend the RST for its sporty appearance, which includes blacked-out exterior trim and 22-inch wheels. It also features desirable standard goodies such as a Bose stereo, leather-appointed first- and second-row seats, heated front seats with memory settings, and a power-operated liftgate. Given the choice of all three engines, we’d choose the diesel engine for its fuel efficiency and effortless muscle.