History/Overview
Chevrolet revealed the redesigned 12th generation of its Suburban full-size SUV in late 2019. Originally set for a 2020 model year introduction, the coronavirus pandemic forced Chevy to delay the truck’s launch by a year. As in past generations, the Suburban shares its underpinnings with the Silverado pickup truck.
Available Trims
Chevrolet offers the new Suburban in LT, Z71, Premier and High Country trims. The first three use a 5.3L V8 engine, while High Country upgrades to a 6.2L powerplant. Both engines come hitched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. LT starts with 2WD and can be optioned to 4WD; the other three trims get 4WD as standard.
Standard Features
All Suburban trims include driver assists like forward collision warning and pedestrian detection with automatic braking, a following distance indicator, rear park assist, and active hill hold assist.
On the outside, Suburban LT comes fitted with transmission and engine oil coolers; a limited slip rear differential; 18-inch alloy wheels; heated/power-adjustable side mirrors; hands-free power tailgate; LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights; automatic high beams; and rain-sensing wipers.
Inside, there are 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, a 10.2-inch infotainment display, 120-volt power outlets, a 4.2-inch driver info display, a nine-speaker stereo with satellite radio, Bluetooth, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, passive keyless entry, remote engine start, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, three-zone climate control, leather seating, front and rear USB ports, an integrated garage door opener, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.
Z71 trim adds a front skid plate, heavy-duty air filter, hill descent control, recovery hooks, 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, and black roof rails.
Premier models get dual exhaust outlets, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with all-season tires, a driver’s side auto-dimming mirror, chrome door handles and side mirrors, ventilated 12-way power front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, front park assist, blind spot monitoring with lane change alert and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, power-folding third-row seats, and power-release second-row seats.
Finally, the High Country package brings the 6.2L engine, 22-inch wheels and tires, surround-view cameras, Chevrolet’s camera-based rearview mirror, a head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert.
Key Options
LT and Z71 trims can be optioned with much of the upscale kit that’s standard in posher trims. The LT Signature pack adds power-folding seats, a panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch wheels. A luxury package gets the surround vision cameras, rear pedestrian alert, power steering column, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power-folding side mirrors with driver’s side auto dimming. A driver alert group brings the full suite of driver assists, and there are two trailering packages.
A Premier Premium package gets a panoramic sunroof, trailering equipment, and adaptive cruise control. In High Country models, this package also adds power-retractable side steps.
Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s fuel consumption estimates for the Suburban are 14.3/11.8 L/100 km (city/highway) for the LT 2WD model, and 15.3/12.4 for LT 4WD, Z71 and Premier trims. Suburban High Country and its 6.2L engine is rated 16.8/12.4 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
As we write this, the Suburban is one of the newest full-size SUVs in a class that includes GM’s also-new and very similar GMC Yukon XL. Other big utilities worthy of consideration are the Ford Expedition, Toyota’s Sequoia, and the Nissan Armada.
