2023 Chevrolet Suburban

The new Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV on review here is the third model year of the redesigned 12th generation of a nameplate that's as American as American pie - and it was first used in 1935. Given such a legacy, it's only fitting that the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is Chevy's biggest and best interpretation ever of the full-size, three-row SUV - with previously unheard-of features such as a fully independent rear suspension to give the beast a modicum of handling finesse. This is thanks to the GMT T1XX platform underpinning the new Suburban and its platform siblings, the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV. It's now incrementally improved for the new model year, with the biggest news being the availability of GM's hands-free Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving tech - a first for the Suburban. The base engine on most trims is a 355 horsepower V8, but diesel options are available, as well as a 420-hp 6.2-liter eight-cylinder. This is the biggest class of SUV in the USA, and the form factor is largely unique to North America, also fielding contestants such as the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban undercuts them all on price, but is this enough for a class victory?

The range still comprises the same trims as last year, and the starting price of the new Chevrolet Suburban is $55,600 for the Commercial. Next up is the LS at $57,200, the LT at $62,700, the RST at $65,300, Z71 at $67,300, the Premier at $70,600, and the High Country at $77,400. These are the prices for the 2WD derivatives, except for the Z71, which is 4WD only. Specifying 4WD on any of the 2WD trims will add $2,000 to the cost of an RST, but $3,000 to the others.

These prices are for the trims with their base engines, which is the 355-hp 5.3-liter gas V8 in most cases, except for the High Country, which comes with the 277-hp 3.0L Duramax diesel as standard. The LS, LT, RST, and Premier can be upgraded from the 5.3 gas V8 to the 3.0 Duramax diesel for $945-$995, depending on the trim. The RST, Z71, and Premier can be upgraded from the 5.3 gas V8 to a 420-hp 6.2-liter gas V8 for $2,445-$8,605, depending on the trim and extras that accompany the upgrade. The High Country can be upgraded from the 3.0 diesel to the 6.2 gas V8 for $1,050. These Chevrolet Suburban prices are MSRP, and they exclude the destination fee of $1,895.

Nobody is expecting a 6,000-pound SUV to handle like a sports car, but the Suburban acquits itself well on its all-independent suspension and exhibits far more sharpness than the average SUV with a solid rear axle. The steering is expectedly vague and the brake pedal can feel a bit soft, but agility - if such a word can be used - is above average. While not harsh, the base coil suspension is somewhat jiggly and does make for some shuddering and shimmying on rough roads unless laden. The good news is that the magnetic dampers and optional adaptive air suspension restore calm and provide excellent ride quality. The Suburban is also pleasantly quiet at speed and very smooth and refined on the highway. The engines are adequate but don't lead the class and can't hold a candle to the twin-turbo V6 in the Ford Expedition. The diesel isn't powerful but holds its own thanks to its abundant torque, and the 6.2 gas V8 is powerful enough for this type of car, even when towing. It's the base 5.3 V8 that can be found wanting, especially when laden or towing. The smooth-shifting ten-speed auto does get the most out of it, though.

The Suburban isn't really a class leader in any area, but it has few obvious flaws and is utterly painless to live with on a daily basis and more pleasant to steer than most. It's a chore to slot it into a parking bay, but that's par for the course for all cars of this ilk. It does have two aces up its sleeve, and they are value and space. You simply cannot get this much space anywhere else at the base price of the LS, and if your yardstick is cubic feet per dollar, it's out ahead. The fact that this comes in a decently equipped package allied to a quiet ride means you don't feel like you're piloting a truck. It will deservedly put the Suburban at the top of many shopping lists.

In the case of the shorter-bodied Tahoe, we felt that the LT looks a bit boring and that, all other features being the same, the cosmetic upgrade to the RST is worth the money - $2,600 in the case of the Suburban. We're still of that opinion, but the larger car is all about space and practicality and less about sporty accouterments, so you have to ask yourself whether it's really necessary. The LT looks less exciting but rides a little softer on its smaller wheels and fatter tires, so don't discount it despite its more ordinary looks. Rather spend $1k on the high-torque diesel and $2,525 on the Luxury package that adds heating for the steering wheel and second row, memory settings for the driver, and a bevy of useful driver assists such as a surround-view camera, rear pedestrian alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert, and side blind-zone alert. All-in, an LT specced this way is a lot of car for $71k.