2021 Suburban Review: The Best Open Road Chevy SUV

It’s easy to see why the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is an award-winning large SUV. Not only does its extra length and independent rear suspension create more cargo and third-row space for passengers, but its noteworthy engine performance comes with composed handling and several standard features.

2021 Suburban Review: Is This Chevy SUV the Right Choice for You?

If you’re a fan of large, spacious vehicles, the Suburban is the ideal SUV for you. Drivers with large families who are used to packing up everything in one vehicle will appreciate the additional space, especially in the cargo section. This SUV also provides a sweeping view from the cabin, which makes it easier to handle.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is available in three different engine options: the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and a 277-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. They’re all paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, although a four-wheel drive is available. The standard V8 engine delivers ample power and quickly gets its large body up to speed. The transmission deserves some praise for its smooth transitions, which ensure that there is sufficient power whenever the vehicle demands it.

The optional 3.0-liter diesel engine is similar with brisk acceleration that is smooth and quiet even when pulling a heavy load. The 6.2-liter V8 naturally delivers more authority in its movement.

The electronic gear selector may require some getting used to since it’s located on the dashboard near the touch screen. Pushing the P and N buttons will engage Park and Neutral, and you must pull the D and R switches to engage those gears.

Pricing & Trim Levels

The base model of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is the LS with a price tag of $51,700* for the rear-wheel-drive option. The next step is the LT, which starts at $56,500* for rear-wheel-drive models and $59,500* for four-wheel-drive models. The Suburban Z71 is off-road ready since it is only available in four-wheel drive. This vehicle will set you back $61,900*.

The sportier version of the Suburban is the RST trim, which starts at $59,800* for rear-wheel-drive models and $62,800* for four-wheel-drive models. The penultimate trim level is the Suburban Premier that starts at $65,300* for rear-wheel-drive models and $68,300* for four-wheel-drive models.

The final trim level is the Chevrolet Suburban High Country, which has a price tag of $72,300* for rear-wheel-drive models and $75,300* for four-wheel-drive models.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Trim Levels

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is available in six different trim levels that offer various features.

Trim Level MSRP Fuel Economy Key Features
LS $51,700* (RWD) 16/20 mpg** city/highway 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, eight USB ports, two 120-volt household-style power outlets and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
LT $56,500* (RWD) 16/20 mpg** city/highway Leather upholstery, heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, a Bose nine-speaker stereo and wireless device charging.
Z71 $61,900* (RWD) 16/20 mpg** city/highway Two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, a front skid plate, front tow hooks, slimmer bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
RST $59,800* (RWD) 16/20 mpg** city/highway Black interior upholstery with red stitching, black exterior accents and 22-inch wheels.
Premier $65,300* (RWD) 16/20 mpg** city/highway Navigation system, 10 speakers, ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs and 20-inch wheels.
High Country $72,300* (RWD) 15/20 mpg** city/highway 22-inch wheels, heads-up display, and rearview camera mirror systems.

Features & Specs

The standout features in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are the seating space and cargo room. This new model is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor with a whopping 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats, increasing to 93.8 cubic feet when you fold the seats down, and an incredible 144.7 cubic feet when both rows of seats fold.

Fuel Economy & MPG

The base 5.3-liter V-8 engine returns a fuel economy of 16 mpg city**, 20 mpg highway**, and 18 mpg combined**. The 6.2-liter V-8 decreases the fuel economy ever-so-slightly to 15 mpg city**, 20 mpg highway** and 17 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models**.

How Economical Is the 2021 Suburban?

For a large SUV, the 2021 Suburban delivers reasonable fuel economy figures and compares favorably with other vehicles in its class.

Comfort & Quality

The Suburban rides comfortably over most road surfaces. The vehicle is stable around bends and has ample stopping power with a light and responsive steering wheel. There are options for heated and ventilated seats to improve the comfort inside the Suburban. The materials are high-quality with metal accents and soft-touch plastic.

Exterior & Interior Styling

The Suburban’s exterior is in line with the brand’s design: bold, boxy and traditional. The front-end styling is unique with angled lights, LED headlamps and a large grille. You can select up to nine different exterior colors and the interior boasts enough space for up to eight. Cloth upholstery is standard while leather is optional. The Suburban also sports a clean-cut, modern design with superior quality materials and a super-sleek infotainment system.

Safety & Driver-Assistance

Safety is a priority for Chevrolet — a fact highlighted through the inclusion of standard features such as a rear-view camera with hitch guidance, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, Teen Driver and rear-seat alert, which draws your attention to pets or children at the back. Other driver aids include adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, surround-view parking camera system and Safety Alert Seat.

Infotainment & Connectivity

The Suburban has a large 10.1-inch touchscreen within sight and reach of the driver. The graphics on the screen are clear and the menu structure is user-friendly. You can expect eight USB ports, six-speaker stereo, and connectivity via a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features to assist the driver include remote start, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control and two 120-volt household-style power outlets.

Awards & Rankings

The Chevrolet Suburban won the award for Best Large SUV for Families from cars.usnews.com with a #2 ranking for Large SUVs. It also made the Editor’s Choice list at caranddriver.com.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban a Good SUV?

This SUV is incredibly capable whether you’re transporting a mini soccer team or hauling a new washer and dryer set home, for example. It’s highly comfortable to drive and packed with features to assist both the driver and passengers. With a nicely trimmed interior, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is the ideal large SUV.

Buy Your New or Used Chevrolet SUV from Classic Chevrolet of Texoma

We stock a wide range of Chevrolet Suburban options, which you can browse online to secure today’s market price. If you want to feel the true power of the vehicle, visit Classic Chevrolet of Texoma and our friendly team will help find the right SUV for you.

Pricing Disclaimer:

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $955 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for select premium colors. $395 charge only applies to 2021 models.

**EPA estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.