The Chevrolet Suburban, a brand mainstay since 1935, is the ancestor of all contemporary SUVs. Although it is still based on the large Silverado 1500 truck, the current design significantly differs from its predecessors. In 2021, an independent multi-link rear suspension replaced the pickup’s leaf springs and live axle, significantly improving handling and allowing additional internal space. Only full-size vans can match the Suburban’s 144.7 cubic feet of freight capacity, and it also offers a ton of interior space for passengers.
The value proposition of the Suburban was enhanced by Chevrolet last year with additional active safety features and new infotainment software. Additionally, it increased the availability of its powerful 6.2-litre V8, which was previously only offered on the High Country trim level but is now shared with the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The other significant change for this year is that GM’s semi-autonomous driving system, Super Cruise, is now an option on the High Country and Premier grades. The Yukon and Escalade do not, whereas Chevy separates off its full-size Tahoe as a distinct model from the Suburban. Instead, they refer to the Yukon XL and Escalade ESV as the brothers of the Suburban.
Although the Suburban’s mile-long list of choices makes it quite expensive, Chevy primarily caters to middle-class buyers and has few direct competitors. Its closest competitor for a while was the Ford Expedition MAX. Still, the new Jeep Wagoneer L is an even more appealing rival, offering greater passenger capacity and towing power but somewhat less luggage room. The Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer, and the standard Ford Expedition are additional large SUVs that compete with the ‘Burb, although all are closer to Tahoe-sized.
The low-end LS and LT only offer the outdated 5.3 and the diesel. In contrast, suburban purchasers may choose between two recognizable gas-powered V8s (of 5.3 and 6.2 litres) or an optional 3.0-litre turbodiesel six. Although it handles a vehicle like this neutrally, the Suburban never lets you completely forget its enormous size. The 6.2 produces the quickest car, but the 5.3 is the best for towing, with an 8,300-pound rating. With up to 23 combined mpg, the optional turbodiesel is the most economical.
Except for the 4WD-only, off-road-focused Z71, which also comes with a revised front-end design (for a better approach angle), skid plates, and hill descent control, every Suburban has optional four-wheel drive (4WD). The Suburban’s size, however, restricts what it can accomplish in rough terrain and makes navigating difficult, even with the optional (and highly recommended) surround-view cameras. It is 225.7 inches long with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. However, the Suburban only shares the top spot in many other categories with the Wagoneer L. Chevy, the best vehicle for hauling freight. At the same time, the Jeep is better for passenger comfort.
The Suburban received a new Google-based infotainment system and many additional active safety measures last year. All of them were excellent enhancements, and the infotainment system’s increased feature richness didn’t translate into increased complexity. Better yet, it is still simple to use and straightforward. However, several items—notably adaptive cruise control (and now Super Cruise)—remain costly. However, the Suburban’s size-to-price ratio is difficult to match. But be cautious when adding options; even at the highest trim levels, many amenities are still extra, and the top trims aren’t as luxurious as their pricing suggests.
Performance: Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban comes with three different engines from Chevy, although not all are offered on every trim level. A smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox is used in all variants. Except for the Z71 with an off-road motif, 4WD is an extra $3,000 option and is the standard setup.
With 335 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, Chevrolet’s long-standing 5.3-liter V8 engine is standard on most models. The 5.3 has the maximum tow rating (8,300 pounds), making it the most affordable Suburban option. This large vehicle seems underpowered, but not more so than in previous Suburbans.
The 6.2-litre optional V8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2, which has been a mainstay of the Cadillac Escalade for a while, is outdated technologically and guzzles petrol like a pelican searching the sea for crustaceans, but it provides the highest level of performance available in the Suburban. The less energetic 5.3’s towing capability is merely reduced by 100 pounds.
The third option debuted in 2021 is a 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel is a $845–$900 option on most other Suburbans, but it is standard on the High Country and unavailable on the Z71. This engine is revolutionary in fuel efficiency and destroys any previous ‘Burb on mpg. By diesel standards, it is also smooth and quiet, and depending on the model, it only loses 200 or 300 pounds of towing capability from the 5.3.
The Suburban handles quite well for an SUV the size of an aircraft carrier, but the optional surround-view monitoring system is a massive help while navigating. The Z71 has an adjustable suspension that significantly increases ground clearance, skid plates, tow hooks, and a shorter front bumper for a better approach angle. It also comes standard on the High Country. These features are good to have, but the Suburban’s size restricts where it can travel on challenging tracks, so the Wagoneer L could be a better option if you genuinely want to off-road a massive SUV like this.
Fuel efficiency: Chevrolet Suburban
The primary 5.3 and 6.2 litre V8 engines provide average fuel economy for big SUVs, with combined ratings of 16 and 17 mpg with rear-wheel drive and only 16 mpg with 4WD. That puts it on par with the Expedition MAX and still in front of the Nissan Armada. This year, the Toyota Sequoia hybrid outperformed the Chevrolet Suburban, while the Jeep Wagoneer’s new “Hurricane” inline six significantly improved fuel efficiency.
Compared to prior Suburbans and most other gigantic SUVs, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six engine is an incredible fuel saver. The EPA rates the four-wheel drive diesel at 22 combined mpg (21 cities, 27 highways), but Forbes Wheels has consistently outperformed those figures in real-world testing. We used a diesel Suburban that got 30 (!) mpg on the road in late 2021. Nothing else of this size and capacity achieves such mileage. Not even vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Ford Transit.
Safety & Driver Support
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only awards the 2023 Suburban a four-star overall rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested the vehicle. It loses some points in our review, although many helpful features were made standard last year.
All Suburbans have lane departure warnings, lane maintenance assist, automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, and forward collision warnings. They also include front-automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition. Also featured is GM’s buckle-to-drive seatbelt interlock system. Even more features are available as options, such as surround-view monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic warnings.
It’s annoying that they all come at an additional expense since they are all valuable improvements to a car this size. Unfortunately, several of these extras (namely adaptive cruise control) are only offered on the top two trims and are somewhat expensive. The same is true with Super Cruise; however, the expense there is justified since the feature improves the car considerably for long journeys. With several camera views and trailer blind zone monitoring, Chevy provides a great trailer monitoring system on the Suburban.
Room: Chevrolet Suburban
Even if tall individuals are better suited in the front two rows of the Suburban, every seat in this home is comfortable. Compared to rivals like the Expedition, the second-row bench seat has more excellent padding and form, and the third row in the rear is relatively roomy. Despite all this sweetness, there are more subpar plastics than there should be at this price range, despite the beautiful cockpit trim and optional leather feel. Among others, the $50,000 Kia Telluride seems more luxurious.
Customers often need the third row of the Suburban, and with 36.7 inches of legroom, it has the least amount in its class. In this comparison, the Wagoneer and Wagoneer L are on par with the Buick, and the largest Jeep’s third row seems more straightforward to reach and has a bit more space for tall people. The Wagoneer’s front row has a bit less legroom than Chevy or Ford, which is a drawback.
The third-row legroom in the more miniature Volkswagen Atlas and Chevy Traverse, both crossovers rather than conventional SUVs, is the largest available among crossover competitors at roughly 33 inches.
Infotainment: Chevrolet Suburban
Every Suburban, except the basic model LS, has a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized (first seen on the 2021 High Country). GM has also modified the infotainment system of the Suburban to include several new features. All models, except the LS, now have Google built-in, albeit a data plan is required. Currently, the system consists of well-known Google applications like Maps, Assistant, and Play. The user interface is simple and logical and works practically as previously.
All trims come with a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio; however, both services need subscriptions beyond the first trial periods (one month and three months). Optional features include surround-view monitoring, a head-up display, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Be aware that relatively few of these features are optional on the basic LS Suburban if you’re looking for an entry-level Suburban or purchasing one as a business car. While the smaller unit’s Google compatibility is absent in that grade and only has an older 8.0-inch touchscreen panel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard throughout the board.
Storage & Cargo Space:
No other SUV can carry more baggage except for the comparable GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV and the Suburban’s 2021 suspension update. Behind the third row is 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space; when the third row is folded, there are 93.8 cubic feet; and when all the seats are folded, there are an impressive 144.7 cubic feet.
You’ll have to upgrade to a Ford Transit or a Chevrolet Express Van if you want additional room. Even the Chrysler Pacifica minivan falls short, while the total load space of the Expedition Max is 16% less. The Jeep Wagoneer L is the closest among comparable SUVs, with 42.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 85.3 with it folded, and 130.9 cubic feet with all the seats folded.
Design: Chevrolet Suburban
When it debuted in 2019, the Suburban’s pickup-parent Chevrolet Silverado received harsh criticism for its styling, but it has a sleeker, more premium appearance. Even though the vehicle is somewhat more significant, the proportions look a bit higher and stubbier, especially the hood, since more of the vehicle’s footprint is now dedicated to passenger and baggage space rather than the engine compartment. Although the big “Burb typically appears as appropriate for the yacht club as the more costly Yukon and Escalade, the scowling visage is still a matter of opinion.
The large Chevy’s interior has several instances of cheap plastics, but the general design is simple and practical. The highest trims provide additional colour options and finer materials, but the Suburban’s interior design does not match the Escalade’s. The Chevy’s interior furnishings simply appear disproportionate to the price at the highest trim level.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Worth it?
There are six Suburban trim levels, with the basic LS beginning at $59,095 (plus a $1,895 destination cost). Although that particular Suburban model is quite basic, with cloth seats, an outdated infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and a ton of grey plastic, it is the only one with room for nine people. Although 60 thousand is hardly “cheap,” comparable SUVs of this size have comparably high starting costs.
If you require the Suburban’s size with additional conveniences but don’t want to spend a fortune, moving to the $64,595 LT is worthwhile due to the LS’s severely limited option set. The LT upgrades the inside materials, adds a power passenger seat, a nine-speaker music system, a more modern infotainment system, and a digital driver’s display. The most appealing optional items are also unlocked via it.
The $67,195 RST, which includes features the LT lacks and has a sportier look with giant 22-inch rims, is perhaps the most excellent bargain in the series. In contrast to the $69,195 Z71, it may also be ordered with the turbodiesel.
The Suburban is too huge to be an off-road all-star, but it has excellent off-road improvements that are helpful if you live down a long dirt road or want to do some mild off-roading. For $74,215, we’d choose the RST in rear-wheel drive with the diesel and the luxury package (which adds surround-view monitoring, rear pedestrian detection, a heated steering wheel, and numerous other perks).
The Premium ($72,445) and the High Country ($79,745) are at the top of the list. These options include lux materials and more accessible colours and technologies, such as adaptive cruise control. But even here, many desired amenities come at an additional expense, pushing the High Country’s price north of $90,000 and into Escalade territory.
How Much Does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Cost to Insure?
The Suburban’s insurance rates are similar to those of other substantial SUVs. Although this averages all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record may anticipate a yearly premium of $2,335 for a Suburban High Country (the most expensive model). Compare tively, a Ford Expedition MAX Limited costs $2,382, a GMC Yukon XL AT4 costs $2,433, and a Jeep Wagoneer costs $2,399.
Generations of the Chevrolet Suburban
Thirteenth Generation
2021 to Present
In late 2020, Chevrolet unveiled the redesigned Suburban for 2021. Despite having a similar look, the new car has an independent rear suspension that makes the ride more comfortable and gives the third-row occupants additional legroom.
Twelfth Generation
2015 to 2020
The 2015 version of the 12th-generation Suburban premiered in late 2013 with all-new sheet metal, a completely renovated interior, and an improved chassis for a more comfortable, controlled ride.
Eleventh Generation
2007 to 2014
The outside of the Suburban is fashioned like a wind tunnel, and the chrome bumpers from the outgoing model have been replaced with a body-coloured front fascia. In February 2010, a 75th Anniversary edition was released. At the end of 2013, the three-quarter-ton model was withdrawn.
Tenth Generation
2000 to 2006
Chevrolet updates the 10th-generation Suburban’s look and interior to better appeal to non-commercial consumers as SUV sales continue to rise. A load-levelling suspension and four-wheel disc brakes are now offered.
Ninth Generation
1992 to 1999
The ninth-generation Suburban would get new sheet metal, a reworked suspension, and anti-lock brakes. In 1998, a brand-new automated all-wheel-drive system was introduced.
Eighth Generation
1973 to 1991
With a significant facelift, the eighth-generation Suburban now has four doors. A three-quarter ton variant with a big-block 454 engine is released. In production for over 20 years, the eighth-generation Suburban included several technical advancements, including fuel injection and an overdrive automatic gearbox.
Sixth Generation
1967 to 1972
The Suburban receives an entirely new look with a single door on the driver’s side and the front and rear doors on the passenger side. In this model, front disc brakes became an option.
Fifth Generation
1955 to 1959
In 1955, the Suburban underwent a significant restyling that included a wraparound windshield and the first integration of the fenders into the bodywork. The fifth generation Suburban also gained Chevrolet’s renowned small-block V-8, known as the “second series” design. In 1957, four-wheel drive became standard.
Fourth Generation
1947 to 1954
The 1947 Suburban, the first new model since before the war, coupled with GM’s pickup series, maintained robust sales. In 1954, GM introduced their four-speed Hydra-Matic gearbox.
Third Generation
1941 to 1946
Even though the manufacture of the civilian version was stopped between 1943 and 1945 for the war effort, the Suburban proved to be a very efficient troop transport, and many were put into service.
Second Generation
1938 to 1940
The bodywork has a fresh, sleek design with art-deco influences, and the stove bolt six-cylinder engine now has 79 horsepower.
First Generation
1935 to 1937
The first Carryall Suburban, as it was called, was famous for delivering people, their baggage, and cargo to and from railway stations and shipping ports. It was made by mounting a station wagon body on a truck chassis. Mild exterior streamlining started in 1936. It would continue to be produced in two-door body styles until 1967. In 1988, Chevrolet finally registered the moniker “Suburban” as a trademark.
Verdict
Compared to rival SUVs, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban has more excellent space for passengers and cargo and handles considerably better than any of its predecessors. The top Premier and High Country trims now feature GM’s Super Cruise system as an option, which is an excellent addition if you use your large SUV for long-distance travel. However, the Bowtie brand hasn’t updated the big ‘Burb much this year. The highs include up to 8,300 pounds of towing power and van-like cargo space (up to 144.7 cubic feet), all while getting up to 23 mpg combined with the optional turbodiesel six. The value argument was enhanced by including extra safety features last year, but the Suburban remains expensive when options are included.
