Review, Pricing, and Specs
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
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.
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.
More on the Suburban SUV
2022 Chevy, GMC SUVs Add Tech, More V-8 Options
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.
The Car and Driver Difference
Our Comprehensive Car Testing Explained
Why We Test: Every Number Tells a Story
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
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
2021 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$84,045 (base price: $76,595)
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
376 in3, 6162 cm3
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
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
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
Combined/city/highway: 16/14/19 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
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