The Chevrolet Suburban has a smooth ride and simply massive cargo space, plus heaps of available technology. You can also choose from a trio of powerful engines. There is no getting around its size, however, and the price tag on higher trims can be off-putting.
Jared Gall started his career in the auto industry in 2001 with an internship at Car and Driver. He has written and edited many thousands of car reviews, technological deep-dives, industry analyses, and personality profiles. He is a correspondent at Edmunds and still has the 1969 Chevrolet C20 he dragged out of his parents' barn and drove until Car and Driver started giving him cars to evaluate.
Pros
Massive interior means lots of passenger and cargo space
Available diesel engine significantly improves fuel economy
High towing capacity
Cons
Large size restricts in-town maneuverability and parking
Some safety features restricted to pricey trim levels
Interior controls can be confusing to use or hard to reach
What's new
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the 12th Suburban generation introduced in 2021
Overview
The Suburban, which first appeared in 1935, has been in continuous production longer than any other vehicle in America. The 12th-generation truck that debuted in 2021 is still a big metal box on a pickup frame, although the Suburban now uses a multilink rear suspension instead of the Silverado's leaf-sprung solid axle for a better ride and more passenger space. Chevy hasn't made any significant changes for 2024, though the automaker has already announced the 2025 Suburban is getting a big update.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban LS 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
In addition to its long history, proof that the Suburban's formula works can be found in how many spin-offs General Motors sells. Whether you buy a Tahoe or a Suburban, a GMC Yukon or Yukon XL, or a Cadillac Escalade or Escalade ESV, you're getting the same vehicle in one of two sizes with different trimmings. Compared to the Tahoe, the Suburban is 15 inches longer and has 16 cubic feet of additional cargo room behind the third-row seats. Fold down both the second and third rows and you've got more than 140 cubes at your disposal, making the Suburban one of America's most capacious vehicles that isn't a van.
Unlike a van, the Suburban is a lot more than just a big metal box. Depending on trim level and options, it can range from merely comfortable to downright luxurious. Check back with Edmunds over the summer as we learn more about what's officially in store for the 2024 Suburban.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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
edmunds TESTED
The Chevrolet Suburban has a smooth ride and simply massive cargo space, plus heaps of available technology. You can also choose from a trio of powerful engines. There is no getting around its size, however, and the price tag on higher trims can be off-putting.
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 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 adjustment, 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.
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How’s the interior? The Suburban offers plenty of 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 assistance, 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. But in-cabin storage is a little disappointing for such a large vehicle. For example, the front cupholders are rather small and center console isn't as useful or versatile as those in some other three-row SUVs.
Towing shouldn't be a problem for the Suburban. A maximum rating of 8,300 pounds is enough for a medium-to-large size trailer, 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, our test Suburban with the 6.2-liter V8 matched its EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined and even exceeded it on our evaluation route of mixed city and highway driving with a tally of 18.7 mpg. That figure is better than what we observed from the Ford Expedition Max and even the lighter Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8.
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? Entry-level versions of the Suburban provide good value considering the power and space you're getting. However, some features such as adaptive cruise control are only available in the most expensive trims. Optioned-up models such as the High Country can end up being uncomfortably pricey considering the so-so materials inside.
The Suburban comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 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 Edmunds recommend?
The Suburban is at its best in the RST trim. You're buying a big SUV and you need a big V8 to match. The RST is the least expensive way to get the 6.2-liter V8 in a Suburban. Additionally, the RST comes with an impressive mix of standard features to enhance the SUV's comfort, convenience and looks.
Chevrolet Suburban models
The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is a large three-row SUV that comes in six trim levels: the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. Most of these trims come 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 (it's standard on the Z71). Two other engines are also available: A 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) can be added to the RST, Z71 and Premier trims and comes standard on the High Country. There's also a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel (277 hp, 460 lb-ft) engine that's optional on every Suburban trim except the Z71. Keep reading for our rundown of the Suburban's most significant standard features and options.
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
Power-adjustable front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity for both)
8-inch center touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
The Suburban also has as standard:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Suburban back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
LT
Adds to the LS with:
Hands-free liftgate
Wireless device charging
Leather seats for first and second rows
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Nine-speaker Bose audio system
Upgraded driver information display
Larger 10.2-inch center touchscreen (includes extra Google-based functionality)
RST
Tops the LT with:
22-inch wheels
Unique front fascia and black exterior trim
Special RST seats with contrasting stitching
Z71
Adds extra off-road capability with:
20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Unique front fascia to improve ground clearance
Two-speed transfer case (for low-range gearing)
Hill descent control
Black and dark chrome exterior trim
Front skid plate and tow hooks
Premier
Steps up the standard equipment by including:
Magnetically controlled shock absorbers (better ride and handling capabilities)
10-speaker Bose audio system
Second-row bucket seats (drops capacity to seven passengers)
Power-folding third-row seat
Ventilated front seats
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
High Country
Adds more luxury with:
6.2-liter V8
Special grille with bronze accents
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Suburban and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Rear pedestrian alert system
Many 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 and Advanced Trailering packages (add features that boost or enhance the Suburban's towing capability)
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)
Super Cruise (delayed or limited availability; allows for hands-free driving on mapped highways, only offered on Premier and High Country)
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
Own a '21 Suburban Z71. Have had multiple recalls and issues with Lifting/Lowering System. Major issue with Engine Lifter going out at 5,000 miles. Spent 2 weeks in shop awaiting parts and repair for Lifters and Rods and Gaskets. Just picked it up YESTERDAY and now the same Warning Light is already going off again after 24 hours! We spent $73K on this piece of garbage.
Smaller … issues with Paint peeling off the front fender after the 1st week of purchase.
It looks awesome. Comfortable inside. But if it's in the shop all the time, it is useless.
GM will only give us $45 for a rental. They claim. I still have not seen the money yet from the last 2 week repair.
It would be a 5 if not for Entertainment System
4 out of 5 stars
Daniel, 01/07/2021
2021 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
The Suburban is everything we wanted out of a vehicle for our growing family. We love the new independent suspension and the over all look and feel of the Suburban.
Now the bad the entertainment system is all based on HDMI plugs I tried everything to get it to work and the only thing that worked was a firestick. That is even shotty if you don't get the WIFI in the vehicle. The … headphones they gave us dont connect and we had to take it to a dealer to get them to work and they even had some issues with it.
We had to use other bluetooth headphones to work with the system.
But alas the cargo area is awesome, the panoramic sun roof is beautiful and the power is exactly what we needed for us!
Didn't last over 5,000 miles
1 out of 5 stars
Bummed out, 05/11/2021
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
Broke down on a road trip out of town, undrivable,in a Saturday I made it to a dealer but no mechanic on that day no rental cars available so stuck at a hotel till Monday with my dog. I bought it for multiple state travel but now I learned the engine has defect that will break down over and over even after fixed as I need to drive 3,000 Miles per month for next 3 months, first new Chevy … in 37 years of owning buying them never had any issues, so had to buy another car to get on my way for my son's graduation as I couldn't wait for repair to get done ,and can't trust engine in future for any more long distance travel.so I wasted 70,000 do not buy.
Engine failed before 5k miles
1 out of 5 stars
Samantha, 06/03/2021
2021 Chevrolet Suburban RST 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
We had bought a 2021 Suburban RST in Dec 2020, my husband and I were our way to my surgery and check engine light came on and the SUV started shaking and making weird noises on the freeway. Get home the next day (Friday) and didn’t feel comfortable driving it..take it into Chevy that Tuesday and the whole engine failed and needed to be replaced (took over a month and kept giving us the … runaround). Traded it in for a 4Runner because they told us this is a problem with all new Tahoe’s and Suburbans. Will never consider buying Chevy again. Waste of $70k.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, so we've included reviews for other years of the Suburban since its last redesign.
These Are the Best SUVs of 2022-2023 | 2022-2023 Top SUVs | The SUVs We'd Buy in Each Class
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, but since the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
In the market for a brand-new SUV? Whether you're looking for small and affordable or large and in charge, Edmunds has you covered with our list of best-in-class SUVs for the 2022-2023 model year. From Honda to Mercedes to Volkswagen, our comprehensive list encompasses everything from… budget and economy 2-row SUVs to luxury 3-row SUVs on sale today up to $100,000.
The Suburban's upgrade to a multilink suspension finally caught it up to the Expedition in terms of civility and third-row room. Ford's EcoBoost turbocharged V6 is the only engine available in the Expedition, and while its EPA ratings best the Suburban's, it asks for premium gas and suffers with regular. In our real-world testing, we struggled to match the EPA estimates. Clarification for buyers of the long Expedition: XLT is a trim level, not an indicator of size. To get the Suburban-length Expedition, you need an Expedition Max — which, yes, is available in the XLT trim.
It's a sign of the times when both of the Suburban's primary competitors use turbocharged sixes to compete with the Chevy in power. The Wagoneer L betters the Suburban in EPA testing, but your results may vary. The Jeep's interior is more spacious and better-looking than the Chevrolet's, but the Suburban has a more comfortable ride. And another, kind of inverse, clarification: Grand, in reference to the Wagoneer, refers to poshness, not size. The Wagoneer L is the big one. The Grand is the posh one, available in Tahoe and Suburban sizes.
Your toughest decision might come down to these two big SUVs. Riding on the same chassis, offering the same engines, and with most of the same sheetmetal, these are as close as twins get in the automotive world. To get the 6.2-liter V8, GMC demands buyers step up to the swank Denali trim, which jacks the price well above the Suburban's, but the GMC's snazzier interior is worth it to plenty of buyers.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Suburban safety features:
Super Cruise
A hands-free driver assist system that can allow the Suburban to speed up, slow down, and apply steering inputs without the driver keeping hands on the wheel.
Lane Keep Assist
Alerts you when the SUV drifts out of its lane and delivers steering input to keep the vehicle in its lane.
Safety Alert Seat
Vibrates the driver's seat cushion when the crash avoidance tech detects a situation that may need your attention.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
The Suburban is the biggest SUV in Chevrolet's lineup, measuring 15 inches longer than the already large Tahoe. It was last redesigned in 2021, so the timing seems right for a styling update, and spy photos and news reports support that idea. As a result, we expect the 2024 will receive new front and rear fascias as well as a few changes to the interior.
These changes should help keep the Suburban a popular choice for those who need seating for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo space for their gear. Any enhancements should also sustain it at the top of our large SUV rankings against the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon and Nissan Armada.
Edmunds says
The Chevrolet Suburban is built for hauling a lot of people and cargo. It rises to the top of its class for its accommodating interior and high towing capacity, but it remains a handful in tight city confines.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Suburban a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Suburban both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Suburban gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Suburban has 41.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Suburban. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban:
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the 12th Suburban generation introduced in 2021
To determine whether the Chevrolet Suburban is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Suburban. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Suburban's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Suburban and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Suburban gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Suburban is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban?
The least-expensive 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Fleet 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,600.
Other versions include:
Fleet 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $57,600
LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $59,200
Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $60,600
LS 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $62,200
LT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $64,700
RST 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $67,300
LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $67,700
Z71 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $69,300
RST 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $70,300
Premier 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $72,600
Premier 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $75,600
High Country 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $79,900
High Country 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $82,900
What are the different models of Chevrolet Suburban?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Suburban, the next question is, which Suburban model is right for you? Suburban variants include Fleet 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A), LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A), Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A), and LS 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A). For a full list of Suburban models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more