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2022 Chevrolet Suburban

Starting at $56,395

8.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2021 chevrolet suburban z71 front exterior
Chevrolet
8.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs More cargo space than the Tahoe, 6.2-liter V-8 and diesel engine are delightful, agile for its considerable size.
  • Lows Priciest trims don't meet luxury expectations, V-8 engines aren't very fuel-efficient, expensive option packages.
  • Verdict The sophisticated Suburban excels at pulling trailers as well as hauling people and their stuff.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

The 2022 Chevy Suburban has enough room to haul all eight members of the Brady Bunch in comfort. We didn't catch the episode where Mike Brady pulls an 8300-pound trailer, but Chevy's largest three-row ute—the Tahoe (reviewed separately) is the second largest—is up to the task. The Suburban's trio of engines is another highlight, particularly the 420-hp V-8 and torque-rich diesel six-cylinder. Regardless of what's under the hood, the huge SUV is remarkably nimble. We wouldn't spend big bucks on the fanciest model because it's not quite luxury-grade, but the middle of the lineup is the sweet spot with its combination of popular features and impressive capabilities. Despite some expensive options and the V-8 engines' mediocre fuel economy, the sophisticated 2022 Suburban is one of the best large SUVs and earned a place on our Editors' Choice list.

What's New for 2022?

The Suburban sees a few changes for 2022, not least of which is expanded availability of the optional 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine, now offered on the RST, Z71, and Premier trims. All but the base LS trim now features a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a revised infotainment system that's been enhanced with Google features such as a voice assistant, maps, and an app store. The Suburban also adds newly standard automatic high-beams, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and more. Plus. its optional exterior camera system has been revised with up to 13 different views, including some for trailering. GM's Buckle to Drive feature is now standard and prevents shifting out of park unless the driver and front passenger (if there is one) are buckled. The Suburban's paint palette now includes metallic colors such as Auburn, Dark Ash, and Evergreen Gray.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

    We'd recommend the RST for its sporty appearance that includes blacked-out exterior trim and 22-inch wheels. It also includes desirable standard features such as a Bose stereo, leather-appointed first- and second-row seats, heated front seats with memory settings, and a power-operated liftgate. Given the choice of all three engines, we'd choose the diesel engine for its fuel efficiency and effortless muscle.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    A pair of V-8s and a diesel six-cylinder complete the Suburban's engine lineup. All of them hook up to a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. A 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 is the default engine on all but the top-tier High Country model. It gets a standard 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, but it also can be equipped with the optional diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder. While the latter only pumps out 277 horses, its 460 pound-feet of torque ties that of the bigger V-8. The Suburban also can be fitted with adaptive dampers and an adjustable air suspension. The latter allows the Suburban's ride height to be automatically and manually lowered or raised. This enables improved passenger accessibility, aerodynamics, and ground clearance. Those looking for sporty styling such as blacked-out exterior trim and 22-inch wheels should see the RST model. The more rugged-looking Z71 trim level has 20-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a two-speed transfer case that provides traditional four-wheel drive.

    2021 chevrolet suburban z71 rear exteriorView Photos
    Chevrolet

      Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

      The Suburban is most efficient when equipped with the available diesel engine, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 27 highway. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is estimated to be slightly thriftier in the city than the optional 6.2-liter V-8, but both are rated at 20 mpg on the highway. Once we test one on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Suburban's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

      Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

      Compared with its predecessor, the Suburban's cargo and passenger space is notably larger. Its second and third rows have a couple more inches of legroom, and the second-row seats add adjustments so they can now slide fore and aft. The Suburban's cargo area also expands by 23 cubic feet (145 total); the load floor is flatter and lower, courtesy of the Suburban's independent rear suspension. Most of its popular options such as wireless phone charging as well as heated and ventilated seats were previously available, but its head-up display is bigger than before. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard starting on the LT model.

      2023 chevrolet suburban interiorView Photos
      Chevrolet

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      Transporting modern families also requires entertaining them, and the Suburban has no shortage of infotainment and connectivity features. Along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system that includes two 12.6-inch screens mounted behind the front seats, every model has copious charging ports throughout the cabin and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Likewise, a standard 10-inch touchscreen is fitted into the center stack and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

      Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

      Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

      View Crash Test Results

      The Suburban features a suite of standard driver-assistance technologies as well as innovative assists for towing. For more information about its crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

      • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
      • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
      • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

      Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

      Chevy provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty as well as more complimentary maintenance than all of its rivals except for Toyota.

      • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
      • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
      • Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
      Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down

      Specifications

      Specifications

      2021 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country

      VEHICLE TYPE
      front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

      PRICE AS TESTED
      $84,045 (base price: $76,595)

      ENGINE TYPE
      pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
      Displacement
      376 in3, 6162 cm3
      Power
      420 hp @ 5600 rpm
      Torque
      460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

      TRANSMISSION
      10-speed automatic

      CHASSIS
      Suspension (F/R): control arms/trailing arms
      Brakes (F/R): 13.5-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
      Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02, 275/50R-22 111H M+S TPC SPEC 3156MS

      DIMENSIONS
      Wheelbase: 134.1 in
      Length: 225.7 in
      Width: 81.1 in
      Height: 75.7 in
      Passenger volume: 176 ft3
      Cargo volume: 42 ft3
      Curb weight: 6121 lb

      C/D TEST RESULTS
      60 mph: 6.1 sec
      100 mph: 15.7 sec
      Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
      Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
      Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
      1/4 mile: 14.5 sec @ 96 mph
      Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
      Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
      Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.75 g
      Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

      C/D FUEL ECONOMY
      Observed: 11 mpg

      EPA FUEL ECONOMY
      Combined/city/highway: 16/14/19 mpg

      C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

      More Features and Specs

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