LS 4x2
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Big SUVs don't get much bigger than the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. This swaggering Chevy isn't just physically intimidating, either-it is also the most venerable nameplate in all of autodom, having been sold continuously in one form or another since 1935. The ensuing decades have endeared the Suburban to buyers looking for ample size in a familiar, predictable package. The 2021 model is noteworthy for being new. Other than carryover gas engines-which were excellent already-everything else was scrutinized and updated. The rethink has brought a new independent rear suspension, significant injections of technology, and styling that apes the latest Silverado.
A new turbodiesel engine is also available, marking the first time since the 1990s that you can buy a Suburban with an oil-burning powertrain. Displacing 3.0 liters and putting out 260 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this diesel can tow 8,000 pounds and return up to 20 mpg city, 26 highway, 22 combined.
The 5.3-liter V-8 is a bit less efficient at 16/20/18 mpg, but it generates a stout 355 horsepower. It's quick and muscular, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds.
The 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque is reserved for the top-shelf High Country trim. The extra power makes it feel quicker, but doesn't tow quite as much as the smaller V-8: only 8,200 pounds can be hitched up to the bumper.
In a nice surprise, the 6.2-liter doesn't carry much of a fuel economy penalty over the 5.3; the EPA says the big engine is good for 15/20/17 mpg. Credit for this likely goes to the 10-speed automatic transmission that's standard on all three available engines.
The redesign brings standard automatic emergency braking and parking sensors, and some upper trims add blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is available, but isn't even made standard on the High Country trim.
Crash test results have been mixed. The NHTSA awarded it four stars out of five for overall crashworthiness, but rollover performance was rated at three out of five-one star less than what's typically par for this segment. The IIHS hasn't yet conducted its testing.
Full Review
Full Review
The 2021 model is noteworthy for being new. Other than carryover gas engines-which were excellent already-everything else was scrutinized and updated. The rethink has brought a new independent rear suspension, significant injections of technology, and styling that apes the latest Silverado.
A new turbodiesel engine is also available, marking the first time since the 1990s that you can buy a Suburban with an oil-burning powertrain. Displacing 3.0 liters and putting out 260 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this diesel can tow 8,000 pounds and return up to 20 mpg city, 26 highway, 22 combined.
The 5.3-liter V-8 is a bit less efficient at 16/20/18 mpg, but it generates a stout 355 horsepower. It's quick and muscular, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds.
The 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque is reserved for the top-shelf High Country trim. The extra power makes it feel quicker, but doesn't tow quite as much as the smaller V-8: only 8,200 pounds can be hitched up to the bumper.
In a nice surprise, the 6.2-liter doesn't carry much of a fuel economy penalty over the 5.3; the EPA says the big engine is good for 15/20/17 mpg. Credit for this likely goes to the 10-speed automatic transmission that's standard on all three available engines.
The redesign brings standard automatic emergency braking and parking sensors, and some upper trims add blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is available, but isn't even made standard on the High Country trim.
Crash test results have been mixed. The NHTSA awarded it four stars out of five for overall crashworthiness, but rollover performance was rated at three out of five-one star less than what's typically par for this segment. The IIHS hasn't yet conducted its testing.
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| Engine | 5.3L V-8 |
| MPG | 16 City / 20 Hwy |
| Seating | 8 Passengers |
| Transmission | 10-spd w/OD |
| Power | 355 @ 5600 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
