2016 Chevy Suburban Review
2016 Chevy Suburban Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seats up to nine people
- big cargo capacity
- quiet highway ride
- strong V8 power
- high-quality interior.
Cons
- Extra-large size requires careful maneuvering in tight quarters
- high cargo floor and load height
- lazy gas pedal responsiveness
- nine-passenger configuration only available on base model.
What’s new
An 8-inch touchscreen, previously offered in mid- and high-trim Suburbans only, is now standard, and now includes Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. The optional Driver Alert package comes with a lane-departure intervention feature and automatic headlights, and LTZ models get an optional color head-up display.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban combines massive passenger, cargo and towing capabilities in a way that few other vehicles can. But depending on your priorities, some rival SUVs or crossovers might work out better overall.
Notably, we picked the Chevrolet Suburban as one of Edmunds' Best Used SUVs for 2016.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$219/mo for Suburban LS
Suburban LS
vs
$247/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
A hot automotive trend for 2016 is the subcompact crossover SUV. These pint-size vehicles are easy to drive, and Chevrolet's got one in the form of the Trax. But Chevy also knows its traditional American customers quite well, and there's still a need for a full-size SUV that can take a big family out to the lake with a decent-size boat in tow. To that end, there's the king-size 2016 Chevrolet Suburban.
SUVs don't get much bigger than the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban.
The Suburban has room to spare for front- and second-row passengers, and more third-row space than its short-wheelbase sister, the Tahoe. It also provides much more luggage space behind the third-row seat, and you can expand that space by simply folding the seat down (a big improvement over the clumsy removable seats of pre-2015 Suburbans). Of course, a big SUV also needs a big engine, and Chevrolet has fitted a 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower. The Suburban is surprisingly fleet of foot, and yet its fuel economy figures are quite respectable considering its massive size. Properly equipped, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, and its long wheelbase provides the stability to tow longer trailers.
There are some rival SUVs you should check out, however. The Ford Expedition (and the more luxurious 2016 Lincoln Navigator), which comes in an extended-length (EL) version, is quicker, better riding and roomier, while the Toyota Sequoia, though getting on in years, is still a viable choice thanks to its capable performance. If you need a lot of passenger space but can do without the extreme towing and cargo capacity, consider a large crossover like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot, as they offer reasonably comfortable seating for eight, are easier to park and maneuver, and get better fuel economy. But if you need one mondo-size SUV that can do it all, the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban will certainly satisfy.
Performance & mpg
All 2016 Chevy Suburbans are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 355 hp and 383 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission powers the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models.
Four-wheel-drive Suburbans come with a single-speed 4WD system designed to provide extra traction on slick winter roads. For off-roading capability, a more traditional 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case is available; it comes with both the Z71 Off-Road package (available only on Suburban LT) or as part of the Max Trailering package. A locking rear differential is standard on all Suburbans.
All Suburbans come with a trailer hitch receiving jack and a trailer wiring harness. The tow rating is 6,300 pounds for two-wheel-drive Suburbans and 6,000 pounds with four-wheel drive. Opting for the Max Trailering package ups the capacity by 2,000 pounds, and provides a built-in trailer brake controller and (on LS and LT models) a heavy-duty air-leveling suspension.
During Edmunds performance testing, a Suburban with rear-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and a 4WD model with the Z71 package matched it. That's one of the quicker times in the segment, and it's especially impressive when you consider the Suburban's sheer size and weight. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban are 18 mpg combined regardless of driveline (16 city/23 highway for 2WD models and 15/22 for 4WD).
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Chevy Suburban includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control (with trailer sway control), front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. An airbag located between the front bucket seats (when so equipped) offers additional protection in side-impact crashes. Also standard are rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and the subscription-based OnStar system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
Optional safety equipment includes front parking sensors, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning and intervention, a safety-alert driver seat (which vibrates on either the right, left or both sides to warn drivers of danger), rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
In government crash tests, the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban received four out of five possible stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for front impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection.
In an Edmunds performance test, a rear-wheel-drive Suburban came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet, a rather long distance even for a full-size SUV. A 4WD Suburban with the Z71 package improved slightly to 131 feet.
Driving
One major benefit of choosing Chevy's traditional full-size SUV is standard V8 power, and the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban's 5.3-liter V8 engine is certainly beefy enough to pull around a full complement of passengers and gear. It's also plenty smooth and refined. On the whole, the cabin is as hushed as a luxury car's, especially on the highway.
The 2016 Suburban's curvaceous, carlike dashboard hints at extra refinement, and indeed, this massive SUV is surprisingly pleasant to drive.
We're less fond of the drivetrain's lazy responses to gas pedal inputs, a result of GM's efforts to calibrate it for maximum fuel economy. There's a noticeable delay when pressing on the gas pedal, whether you're trying to execute a pass at highway speeds or accelerate from a stop.
The Suburban feels relatively secure when going through turns, and it soaks up bumps with ease -- all the more so if you opt for the LTZ model, which gets an adaptive suspension with magnetic-fluid shocks that automatically reacts to driver input and road conditions. We cannot recommend any of the fashionable 22-inch wheels, however, as their mass combined with their tires' lack of cushioning sidewalls adversely affects ride comfort. Also keep in mind that this is still a large and heavy truck-based vehicle; crossover SUVs, which generally use a car-based architecture, are easier to maneuver and park, as well as being more composed on rough pavement.
Interior
Last year's redesign gave the Suburban an interior that was a significant improvement over the previous-generation model, and one year on we continue to be impressed by the Suburban's cabin. Materials are of high quality, and the gauge cluster's crisp white-on-black graphics are easy to read day or night. The central information display is intuitive to navigate and its graphics are simple and easily interpreted. The standard 8-inch central color infotainment displays feature sophisticated (and in some cases reconfigurable) graphics options. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet MyLink interface can sometimes be slow to respond to your touch inputs.
Most shoppers will find the front seats comfortable and reasonably supportive, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel in the LS model will make it harder for some people to find an ideal driving position. Second row space is excellent, while the third row offers better legroom than Chevy's smaller Tahoe. Keep in mind, though, that if you're looking to the Suburban for its nine-passenger capacity, remember that it's only available on the base trim level.
Given the very cumbersome nature of the pre-2015 Suburban's third-row seat removal procedure (not to mention the seat's vulnerability to smash-and-grab thieves), we're happy to see Chevy has integrated the third row firmly into the truck's floor. The fact that both the rear rows can be power operated is an added benefit. The downside to these stow-away seats is a higher cargo floor loading height, which makes it more difficult for shorter owners to load strollers or bigger shopping hauls.
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most capacious vehicles you can buy outside of a van or minivan.
Though cargo space is reduced somewhat compared to previous-generation Suburbans, the amount of room on offer remains truly impressive. With all seats occupied, you'll have 38.9 cubic feet for luggage, which is substantial for any three-row vehicle. Fold the third-row seats down and there are 76.7 cubic feet; fold both rear rows and it increases to 121.1 cubes. These figures are several cubic feet more than Chevy's Traverse crossover and on par with the Toyota Sequoia. The Ford Expedition EL offers more.
2016 Chevrolet Suburban models
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV offered in three trim levels; base LS, midlevel LT and luxury LTZ. Seating for eight is standard, but there are two optional seating arrangements. Second-row captain's chairs drop the count to seven, and an available 40/20/40 front bench seat (LS only) increases it to nine.
The LS comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, roof rails, remote engine starting, rear parking sensors, heated power-adjustable manual-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power front seats (eight-way driver with power lumbar, four-way passenger), a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet, OnStar emergency communications, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker Apple CarPlay-compatible sound system with the 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen interface, HD and satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and five USB ports.
Every 2016 Suburban comes equipped with a nicely rendered MyLink touchscreen that provides extensive high-tech functionality.
Options for the LS include a Driver Alert package with power-adjustable pedals, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning and prevention, automatic high beams and a vibrating safety alert seat. The optional Max Trailering package includes a trailer brake controller, lower rear-axle gearing and a heavy-duty air-leveling suspension.
The Suburban LT builds on the LS's equipment list with the content of the Driver Alert package as well as a power liftgate, automatic headlights, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats with memory settings for the driver, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, additional 12-volt interior power outlets and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
The LT offers several option packages. The Luxury package bundles foglights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, hands-free opening for the power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, power-folding second- and third-row seats, a wireless cell phone charger and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A Texas Edition package (offered in all 50 states) consists of the Luxury package but with Texas Edition branding. The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package includes a navigation system, a sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-Ray player. The Z71 Off-Road package adds 18-inch wheels with off-road tires, a specially tuned suspension, underbody skid plates, foglights, running boards, front and rear parking sensors, tow hooks, hill descent control and special badging.
Notable stand-alone options for the LT include a sunroof, DVD and Blu-Ray entertainment systems, bucket seats for the second row, 20- and 22-inch wheels, roof rack cross rails and tow hooks (black or chrome).
The top-of-the-line LTZ includes everything found on the LT model with the Luxury package plus 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, unique exterior trim, an adaptive magnetic suspension, leather upholstery, second-row bucket seats (a three-place bench is a no-cost option), heated and ventilated front seats with additional lumbar adjustment, and a premium 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.
The LTZ's options list includes the Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package from the LT, along with the Max Trailering package (without the air-leveling rear suspension), 22-inch wheels, power-retractable running boards, adaptive cruise control and a head up display with a configurable digital gauge cluster.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#11 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Suburban from 2008-2022.$605/yr
vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.42x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).21.8%
vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Chevrolet Suburban.
5 star(35%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(24%)
1 star(26%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely LOVE my 2015 Suburban LTZ (but....)
eokerholm, 06/18/2014
2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I really love this car and very happy with the purchase. This is much bigger than my 2006 Honda Pilot that I was happy to get ride of (that thing was a lemon; coming from a guy who's owned 2 Hondas in the last 22 years).
This drives well, not as lively as the 6.2L Denali, but my wallet and gas mileage appreciates that.
Love all the radar and safety features, hands free, etc.
Radar … comes in hand when parking this lovely beast.
Mileage is incredible. Over 2500 miles so far and I'm averaging in the 18+ mpg range. Mixed driving City/Hwy.
On the Hwy, I got 26 mpg to San Antonio from Austin. I was ecstatic!
Update May 2016: This car saved my life. I was hit head on in accident (Volvo S40 slid into me, doing 50+, while I was sitting still) and the car was amazing! Airbags and the car crumbled in all the right spots. I've got whiplash, concussion and some neck and back issues, but I'm alive and the car kept me safe. I won't drive anything else. I insisted on a Suburban Rental that afternoon. This rental Suburban got 27.1 mpg on a recent trip. Crazy good mileage. I consistently get 22+ mpg in my LTZ on road trips and trips to clients. I ordered a new Suburban LTZ to replace the other one that was Totaled in the accident. Chevy, you've got a customer for life!
5 out of 5 stars
Had to get one of these, glad I did.
john saracino, 07/30/2017
2015 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I use this for work (Limousine company) and had been using a 2011. I had to change to the new body style. This had some big shoes to fill. Comparing the two is difficult since there are such drastic changes from 2014 to 2015. First the positive: the look is a bit more square, yet streamlined. Much cleaner, sharper and overall more aesthetically pleasing. Halogen headlights and interior … lights make it much easier to see inside and out. The on-board computer system is absolutely night and day. The old version is bare bones while the newer model is far more advanced. The interface is easily navigated and concise. Bluetooth and wireless work well. The interior is clean, the leather stiff but soft, and there seems to be a little bit more leg room in the second row. Step on the gas and this thing flies for something this big and heavy, but beware....it can suck down the gasoline. The ride, when I first purchased it, was stiff and bumpy...not nearly as nice as previous versions. I lowered the tire pressure a couple of pounds and that seemed to help quite a bit but, of course, this leads to a bit lower fuel mileage. The lane control and proximity warnings were a pain in the butt (well thigh, anyway) at first, but you get used to them quickly and I'm actually glad they are there. The LT version is so much more advanced and luxurious than previous LT models. This LT is almost as luxurious as previous LTZ models. Now the negative: Although there aren't many negatives here, they are a bit of a drawback. The legroom in the 2015 and newer is not as much as previous models. I don't care what the specs say, there is less legroom. I'm 6 feet tall and that seems to be the limit unless you lower the actual seat which will bring it back a couple of inches. The instrument panel seems it could have been tilted up a little to be read more clearly (ie, speedometer is tough to judge). To me the absolute worst part is the side view mirrors. They are a LOT smaller than previous models and it's much tougher to see what's next to you on the drivers side, although the built-in convex mirror helps a little. A little, but not much. This takes getting used to. Other than that, honestly....I'm quite happy with the vehicle. I purchased the 2015 model in mid 2017, so it has a few miles on it. It was also purchased from a dealership as CERTIFIED, so everything was up to new or almost new condition. If you're not purchasing as CERTIFIED......a couple of things to watch for. The A/C condensers have a tendency to go. It's not an incredibly expensive repair, but if the one you're looking at either blows warm air or "needs a belt", make them change the condenser. GM has run low on them, but is replacing them. Also, the brakes can be stiff one time you use them, hard the next. That can be an issue. Again, not an actual GM recall, but should be looked at and repaired before you purchase. Third....there was a tiny vibration in the vehicle at highway speeds (mine started at about 60 mph). I was told it was everything from GM not welding the roof to the frame properly to front end bushings to not having the tires rotated enough. I asked the dealership to put on a new set of tires with balance and front end alignment, and VOILA....the vibration disappeared and hasn't returned in the over 2000 miles I've driven the vehicle. I know this is a bit wordy, but I'm also aware that many Suburban buyers have been previous Suburban owners, so they will understand the comparison. I've also owned quite a few different types of SUV's both for limousine work and personal use. This Suburban model is as good as any and better than most. Considering the money you will pay, it's definitely worth the purchase.
2 out of 5 stars
A shame how much I love(d) this horribly made car.
kdwood, 10/02/2017
2015 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I loved everything about the look and feel and interior space of this vehicle. I hope they have made corrections in the newer vehicles, but our new model 2015 Suburban has been a lemon. We do have a lot of miles on our vehicle, but have taken very good care of it. Dealer mechanic killed our radio when still under warranty and had to replace it. All we wanted was a refresh of the … software because the radio controls and touch screen were awful. The front seat has always shimmied some when making turns. The seat belt in front passenger seat has been faulty on multiple occasions and would not lock in the belt. The second row DVD player is no longer working. We have had two air conditioner repairs made within 6 months of each other because the hose has been shotty. We had the 5th cylinder misfiring, and had to replace a coil. We just had our brake booster go out. Mechanic has worked for Chevrolet and now in business for himself still swears the suburbans have always been the best. He has never seen some of these repairs on a Suburban before. He said, don't buy the first year of a model change. Lesson learned! It is shameful that GM allowed this vehicle to come to market when it was obviously sub par to their previous models. These vehicles are obscenely priced, but we justified that it would last and we would drive it to the ground. Little did we know that would be a little over 2 years later and we are probably upside down on it now. We need a car this big and with the towing capacity of this vehicle, but now I don't know what to replace it with. I don't trust GM.
1 out of 5 stars
2016 Suburban - Quality and Workmanship Lacking
bo morse, 05/24/2016
2016 Chevrolet Suburban LS 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
Lemon - Bought a brand new 2016 Chevy Suburban a few weeks ago. Since then, we've been back every week to have one problem after another fixed. First (and still unresolved) the rear cargo storage lid doesn't seat properly and bounces and rattles over every bump. They removed hydraulic arm yet still rattles only now it doesn't stay up. Secondly, the entire heating/cooling control unit … broke and is inoperable. Third, the power front passenger seat no longer moves. Still no resolution in sight. I'm fearful what the upcoming weeks will bring us. Not thrilled by workmanship and engineering/materials or new Suburban.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, so we've included reviews for other years of the Suburban since its last redesign.
2016 Suburban Highlights
LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $219/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Suburban include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.2%
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