The following review is for a 2022 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.

Introduction

The aptly-named Chevrolet Suburban is a big three-row SUV with a spacious interior, strong V-8 or turbodiesel power, and impressive towing capacity. 

This long-running nameplate was last redesigned for 2021 and enters 2022 with wider availability of its most powerful V-8 engine and a traction-aiding electronic limited-slip rear differential. 

The Suburban continues in LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and High Country trims, with prices ranging from about $54,000 to upward of $75,000. This model shares its boxy lines with the GMC Yukon XL and the Cadillac Escalade. 

A 5.3-liter V-8 rated at 355 horsepower is standard, while a 6.2-liter V-8 that puts out 420 hp is optional. Some models offer a frugal turbodiesel option, and the Suburban can be configured to tow as much as 8,200 pounds. 

Safety-wise, the Suburban scores four stars from the NHTSA. The IIHS has not yet tested it. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder, rear parking sensors, and a Teen Driver app that allows owners to monitor teen driving behavior and limit distractions. 

Fuel economy varies from a high of 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined for turbodiesel models to just 14/19/16 mpg with the larger 6.2-liter V-8. With the more popular 5.3-liter V-8, the Suburban is rated at 17 mpg combined. 

Lineup

Suburbans start at around $54,000 in rear-wheel-drive LS trim. While not decadent, these SUVs are nonetheless well-equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a wi-fi hotspot, power-adjustable front seats upholstered in cloth, remote start, satellite radio, USB ports, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A three-seat front bench is optional for a maximum of nine passengers, but most Suburbans have front-row bucket seats separated by a console for an eight-passenger capacity. 

The LT trim runs about $5,000 more for leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a power liftgate, a Bose audio system, and a wireless smartphone charger. 

With its higher suspension, off-road styling add-ons, and all-terrain tires, the $66,500 Suburban Z71 is aimed at outdoorsy types. Roughly the same money buys the city-slicker RST with its big alloy wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. 

Suburban Premier versions cost $71,000 and build on LTs with magnetic suspension dampers, Bose audio, and 20-inch alloy wheels. At the top of the lineup, the High Country trim can be had with a height-adjustable air suspension, 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror camera. Fully equipped, it can top $80,000. 

Walkaround

Boxy, purposeful lines give the Suburban classic appeal. Each trim level has its own identity, though splitting the difference between LS, LT, and Premier trucks will come down to knowing which model comes with which wheels. 

Suburban Z71s are the most differentiated with their unique front fascia treatment that allows for an improved off-road approach angle, just in case you choose to send this big SUV down a dirt road. 

Wheel sizes stretch from 18-inchers all the way up to downright massive 22-inch alloys on the costliest versions. 

Interior

These SUVs are tech masterpieces with a 10.2-inch touchscreen positioned high up in the dash, and an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for all but the base LS. 

Chrome-like plastic trim and faux wood brighten up wide swaths of black trim, while the push-button gear selector integrated on the dash between the steering wheel and touchscreen saves some center console real estate for items such as a wireless phone charger. 

The Suburban is huge inside, with ample room for adults in all three rows. Maximum cargo capacity stands at a capacious 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows fold down. 

Driving Impression

It may be big, but the Suburban has remarkably deft moves over the road. Underhood power is prodigious no matter the engine. The base 5.3-liter V-8 delivers good grunt bested only by the sheer thrust of the optional 6.2-liter. The available turbodiesel is a towing champ, a confident hauler that belies its still-impressive rating. 

A 10-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the rear or all four wheels, the latter option consisting of a conventional two-speed transfer case with a low range for off-road use or for lugging a boat out of a lake. 

Suburbans ride well thanks to their long wheelbase. Opt for the magnetic dampers on higher-trim versions and you'll find an even smoother ride. The optional air suspension can soak up the road below while reducing body lean in curves, too. 

Summary

Though minivans and crossover SUVs may be more practical for many users, there's nothing quite like the Suburban. This big, muscular SUV can do it all without breaking a sweat. 

 

-by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions by The Car Connection.