2021 Chevy Suburban Review

　　

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The Suburban is Chevrolet's biggest SUV. It's also one of the few truck-based, body-on-frame SUVs still around. Built on the same platform that underpins the Chevy Silverado 1500, the Suburban has plenty of power for towing and enormous space for people and cargo. Now, for 2021, Chevy has given this well-known SUV a whole new look and feel.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Fleet 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for Suburban Fleet

　　Suburban Fleet

　　Fleet 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $50,700 MSRPFleet 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $53,700 MSRPLS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $51,700 MSRPLS 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $54,700 MSRPLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $56,500 MSRPLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $59,500 MSRPRST 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $59,800 MSRPRST 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $62,800 MSRPZ71 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $61,900 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $65,300 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $68,300 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $72,300 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $75,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　While undoubtedly capable, the previous-generation Suburban came up short in refinement, versatility and features. Its crosstown rival, the Ford Expedition, has outranked the Suburban in recent years with its decidedly more modern but no less rugged design. This new Suburban has added legroom for the rear seats, more cargo room and, for the first time, an independent rear suspension. This, plus other new suspension enhancements, make this the most smooth-riding and confident-handling Suburban yet. You'll also find a new diesel-powered engine that promises better fuel economy than the gas V8 and new safety and technology features.

　　Along with the Ford Expedition and its corporate twin, the GMC Yukon XL, the Suburban is worth checking out if you're shopping for a big three-row SUV with stout towing and hauling capabilities. Check out our Expert Rating below to read how it fared in our testing.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Suburban drive? Our test Suburban came equipped with the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine. It has plenty of power and delivers it through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. At our test track, the Suburban hustled from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. This is on par with the Expedition.

　　We're impressed by the Suburban's braking power and composure. In our testing it came to a stop from 60 mph in just 122 feet, which is exceptional for a large three-row SUV. This is still a hefty vehicle, however, especially when the road gets curvy. The Suburban is well balanced and can handle sharp turns, but the steering lacks feedback. It prefers to stay straight, which is helpful if you plan to tow.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Suburban? The Suburban's new independent rear suspension more easily smooths out bumps in the road compared to older generations that had the solid rear-axle design. Our test vehicle also came with the optional Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive air suspension. They work well to create a buffer between the road and the cabin. At times the Suburban can feel a little busy and boat-like, but we're confident the Suburban is better-riding with these suspension upgrades than without.

　　Elsewhere, the Suburban can't overcome its truck-like nature. The leather front seats are soft and wide with available power lumbar, but overall comfort is lacking. Some of our drivers found them too flat and unsupportive. The climate control system seems overworked at most temps, and some buttons are small and difficult to press.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Suburban offers plentiful headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows, plus space to comfortably suit adults in the third row — if they don't mind the more rigid seats. All that space makes some controls difficult to reach, however, and the button layout in general can be quite confusing. It's a borderline mess.

　　Getting in and out is no problem. Step up through the huge door openings and there's easy access to all three rows. The driving position is high, a necessity in order to see over the massive hood. The seat and steering wheel are highly adjustable, but there's no getting around the thick roof pillars that create significant blind spots.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Suburban's touchscreen is impressively clear and responsive, but because the Suburban is so large and the screen is so wide, it's often difficult to reach. We do like that it has standard wireless Apple CarPlay, which worked quickly and effectively during our test, and wireless Android Auto. Most trims have a wireless charging pad, and the available 10-speaker Bose stereo system sounds great.

　　We're also impressed with the driver safety aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, which are very helpful on such a large vehicle. The downside is the controls can be tricky to operate without some practice.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Space is the Suburban's calling card. It has a truly cavernous rear cargo hold with 41.5 cubic feet of capacity behind the third row. Fold it down and you've got 93.8 cubic feet, which is more than what the Ford Expedition Max offers. This is one of the main reasons you get a Suburban.

　　Elsewhere the space is used adequately, if not perfectly. Small-item storage is only middle-of-the-road and doesn't offer much cleverness. Our test vehicle had a confusing power center console operated by an unmarked button. Towing is a strong suit. A maximum rating of 8,300 pounds is good for the class, and plentiful towing tech features are available.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? This was a bit of a shocker: During our testing, the Suburban matched its EPA rating of 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway) and even exceeded it on our 115-mile evaluation route of mixed city and highway driving with a tally of 18.7 mpg. That figure is better than a lighter Tahoe we tested with the smaller 5.3-liter V8, which posted 17.8 mpg. And it's much better than the Ford Expedition Max, which struggled to meet its 16 mpg city rating and utterly failed to match its 18 mpg combined rating.

　　We suspect the Suburban did so well because the larger 6.2-liter V8 comes with an advanced cylinder deactivation technology that conserves fuel at highway speed. It should also be noted that the engine requires premium fuel. Still, an impressive showing.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Suburban a good value? Base versions start around $53,000 including destination fees, which is appealing for the power and space. However, some features such as adaptive cruise control are only available in the most expensive trims — in optional packages. So optioned-up models such as the High Country can end costing more than $80,000. That price is almost egregious considering the so-so materials inside.

　　The Suburban has three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. It also has generous six-year/100,000-mile rust protection and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance, plus free maintenance for one year.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　For better or worse, the Suburban is defined by its imposing size. Its massive height, width and weight make the big SUV cumbersome on the road. Even with impressive driving dynamics, you are always keenly aware of how much space you're taking up.

　　It does have personality, though. In any trim level you choose, the Suburban has powerful engines, loads of cargo space, and strong towing capacity. If having family adventures is high on your priority list, the Suburban can certainly accommodate trips to the mountains, or quality time on the lake, for years to come. Just be prepared to accept the downsides that come along with it.

　　

Which Suburban does zzdcar recommend?

With six trim levels to choose from, there's a Suburban for almost every application. Our money would go toward the well-rounded LT because of its lower starting price and pleasing number of standard features. Consider springing for the LT Signature package to get 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as well as the included Max Trailering and Luxury packages.

　　

2021 Chevrolet Suburban models

The 2021 Suburban is offered in six trim levels: the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. The Suburban comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available on all trim levels (standard on the Z71), with either a single- or two-speed transfer case. Two other engines are also available:

　　For the High Country trim only, Chevy swaps in a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). There's also an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). Chevy offers it on every Suburban trim except the Z71.

　　LS

　　Starts you off with:

　　LED headlights 18-inch wheels Eight-passenger seating (2-3-3); front-row bench seat is optional on LS only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)LT

　　Adds to the LS with:

　　Hands-free liftgate Wireless charging Nine-speaker Bose audio system Driver-seat memory settings and heated front seats Auto-dimming rearview mirrorRST

　　Includes these features:

　　22-inch wheels Unique front fascia and black exterior trim Special RST seats with contrasting stitchingZ71

　　Adds extra off-road capability with:

　　Unique front fascia to improve ground clearance Two-speed transfer case (for low-range gearing) Hill descent control All-terrain tires Front skid plate and tow hooksPremier

　　Steps up the standard equipment by including:

　　Magnetically controlled shock absorbers (better ride and handling capabilities) Digital instrument panel 10-speaker Bose audio system Second-row bucket seats (drops capacity to seven passengers) Heated and ventilated front seats Lane keeping assist (steers the Suburban back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)High Country

　　Adds more luxury with:

　　420-hp 6.2-liter V8 Surround-view camera system Head-up display Rear pedestrian alert system Special grille with bronze accentsMany features on the higher trim levels are available as options on the lower trims. Other significant options, depending on the trim level, include:

　　Max Trailering package Panoramic sunroof Rear entertainment system Traffic-adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Suburban and the car in front) Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)

　　

2021 Suburban Highlights

Trim: FleetLSLTRSTZ71PremierHigh CountryFleet

　　

Base MSRP	$50,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	9 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	41.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles