Select a year
- Highs Impressive towing capability, huge interior, loaded with standard tech touches.
- Lows Good luck while parallel parking, jittery ride, cramped third-row seating.
- Verdict The Suburban’s size is both its best and worst attribute, but if you need this much SUV, the Chevy is a great choice.
Overview
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that prides itself on offering acres of space, true off-road capability, and enough towing grunt to make other sport-utes blush. As Chevy’s biggest SUV, the Suburban can be loaded with comfort and tech features, though the cabin itself doesn’t fool you into thinking you’re in a luxury machine. For that, you might want to check out the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. Still, if you demand a lot from your large SUV, this Chevy is worth a look.
What's New for 2018?
All remained quiet in terms of notable changes and updates to the 2018 Suburban. This was very much a carryover year for Chevy’s super-sized sport-utility.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LS: $51,495
- LT: $56,595
- Premier: $66,195
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2018 Suburban comes with one engine choice, a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available in any of the Suburban’s three trims: LS, LT, and Premier. When equipped with the Max Trailering Package, the Suburban boasts a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds. The powertrain is smooth and powerful in everyday driving. And the handling makes this hefty SUV feel smaller than it is, although this Chevy’s agility is countered by the fact that its massive proportions require extra care in city traffic or when navigating tight parking spots. More of a mixed bag is the ride quality; the solid-axle rear suspension reminds you this is a truck platform at heart. Big bumps in the road lead to a bouncy-castle-like ride.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Whether it’s in full eight-passenger format, or fitted with second-row dual captain’s chairs that drop capacity to seven, the interior of the Suburban is perfect for long road trips. There are USB ports and 120-volt outlets aplenty, not to mention a massive center console that would qualify as a trunk in a small economy car. Life in the first two rows is grand, with loads of room to relax. Yet, once again, that pesky rear suspension means the third row sits low to the floor. Any adult back there will have their knees up high and posterior down low. Cargo capacity rivals the square footage of many dorm rooms. With the second and third rows folded flat, the Suburban offers a yawning 121.7 cubic feet of storage space. Cancel the U-Haul, Chevy has this one covered.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard with many tech goodies, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE mobile hotspot, Bluetooth, HD Radio, satellite radio, and five USB ports. The priciest Premier trim adds navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. This is one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems you’ll find in the SUV world; the menus are clear and simple to navigate at a glance while driving.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Suburban‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
