The modernized 2021 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 quickly become stratospheric.
The Suburban is Chevrolet's biggest SUV. It's also one of the few truck-based, body-on-frame SUVs still around. Built on the same platform that underpins the Chevy Silverado 1500, the Suburban has plenty of power for towing and enormous space for people and cargo. Now, for 2021, Chevy has given this well-known SUV a whole new look and feel.
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
*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.
While undoubtedly capable, the previous-generation Suburban came up short in refinement, versatility and features. Its crosstown rival, the Ford Expedition, has outranked the Suburban in recent years with its decidedly more modern but no less rugged design. This new Suburban has added legroom for the rear seats, more cargo room and, for the first time, an independent rear suspension. This, plus other new suspension enhancements, make this the most smooth-riding and confident-handling Suburban yet. You'll also find a new diesel-powered engine that promises better fuel economy than the gas V8 and new safety and technology features.
Along with the Ford Expedition and its corporate twin, the GMC Yukon XL, the Suburban is worth checking out if you're shopping for a big three-row SUV with stout towing and hauling capabilities. Check out our Expert Rating below to read how it fared in our testing.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
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 new 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, 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.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Suburban offers plentiful 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
8/10
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 assist, 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.
Elsewhere the space is used adequately, if not perfectly. Small-item storage is only middle-of-the-road and doesn't offer much cleverness. Our test vehicle had a confusing power center console operated by an unmarked button. Towing is a strong suit. A maximum rating of 8,300 pounds is good for the class, and plentiful towing tech features are available.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? This was a bit of a shocker: During our testing, the Suburban matched its EPA rating of 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway) and even exceeded it on our 115-mile evaluation route of mixed city and highway driving with a tally of 18.7 mpg. That figure is better than a lighter Tahoe we tested with the smaller 5.3-liter V8, which posted 17.8 mpg. And it's much better than the Ford Expedition Max, which struggled to meet its 16 mpg city rating and utterly failed to match its 18 mpg combined rating.
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
7/10
Is the Suburban a good value? Base versions start around $53,000 including destination fees, which is appealing for the power and space. However, some features such as adaptive cruise control are only available in the most expensive trims — in optional packages. So optioned-up models such as the High Country can end costing more than $80,000. That price is almost egregious considering the so-so materials inside.
The Suburban has three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. 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
7/10
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.
*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.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban trim level differences
The 2021 Suburban is offered in six trim levels: the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. The Suburban comes 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 (standard on the Z71), with either a single- or two-speed transfer case. Two other engines are also available: Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban trim levels in-depth.
Which Suburban trim does Edmunds recommend?
With six trim levels to choose from, there's a Suburban for almost every application. Our money would go toward the well-rounded LT because of its lower starting price and pleasing number of standard features. Consider springing for the LT Signature package to get 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as well as the included Max Trailering and Luxury packages.
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 12 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #15 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#15 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
$908/yr
vs. $614/yr for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.07x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
22.2%
vs. 16.7% for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
12 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V274000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N252494000
Number of vehicles affected:
597571
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Defect Consequence:
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall Number:
24V797000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N242454440
Number of vehicles affected:
463295
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Defect Consequence:
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Recall Number:
22V827000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N222382220
Number of vehicles affected:
338735
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect Consequence:
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Recall Number:
22V617000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N222372380
Number of vehicles affected:
484155
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Defect Consequence:
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Recall Number:
22V036000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212351030
Number of vehicles affected:
1789
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Defect Consequence:
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Recall Number:
21V739000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212332040
Number of vehicles affected:
14939
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Defect Consequence:
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Recall Number:
21V455000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212333900
Number of vehicles affected:
26847
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
Defect Consequence:
Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Recall Number:
21V421000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212338110
Number of vehicles affected:
285622
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Defect Consequence:
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Recall Number:
21V190000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202313000
Number of vehicles affected:
94641
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Defect Consequence:
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 3, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Recall Number:
20V811000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202322230
Number of vehicles affected:
470
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 6, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Recall Number:
20V792000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202314670
Number of vehicles affected:
624216
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Defect Consequence:
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Recall Number:
20V735000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202312720
Number of vehicles affected:
94
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
Defect Consequence:
If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 29, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
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.
Multiple major issues within 6,000 miles
1 out of 5 stars
Jason, 08/19/2021
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.
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.
2021 Chevy Suburban Review — The Ultimate Family SUV?
Carlos Lago takes you on the road in the newly redesigned 2021 Chevy Suburban. In this video, we'll explore a 4WD High Country trim level that's equipped with the 6.2-liter V8.