The Evolution of America’s Favorite Land Yacht, the Chevy Suburban

No large SUV dominates the full-size SUV segment like the Suburban. Finding a Chevy Suburban for sale, whether new or used, is a competition, thanks to an unquenchable demand from families who appreciate the Suburban’s proven utility. Throughout its nearly ninety-year run (which, by the way, makes it the longest-used nameplate on the planet), the Chevy Suburban remains one of the most popular SUVs on the road. The Suburban has evolved over twelve generations, yet a few key features remain unchanged: the Suburban reigns for its legendary utility, durability, and massive dimensions.

Chevy Suburbans are among the most coveted of pre-owned vehicles—particularly more recent model years. Buyers appreciate the combination of gritty capability and interior luxury found on most Suburban trims, along with this large SUV’s family-friendly three-row configuration. The Suburban’s focus on family friendliness dates to its inception in 1937, when Chevy launched the first Suburban Carryall as a quasi-station wagon. Most recently, the eleventh- and twelfth-generation versions continued the Suburban’s record of category-leading dominance.

Respected automotive review sites like Car and Driver consistently bestow perfect 10/10 ratings on the Chevy Suburban. Citing towing capability, cargo and passenger space, and class-leading performance, evaluators love the Suburban for families and luxury-seekers alike. Its robust trim range offers opportunities for buyers to customize their Suburban and dial in the features they want. It’s perfect for folks who tow boats or RVs, too, and fits well with drivers who prefer a larger SUV with a configurable cabin. So, which model years offer which features? Read on to learn more.

The Eleventh Generation (2019 & 2020)

With seating for up to eight passengers, no one can dispute that the Chevy Suburban is the ultimate people-mover. The story goes beyond just utility, however, as this three-row ute also delivers a luxury experience. For example, the 2019 Suburban Premier incorporates high-end amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, heated second-row seats, and a powerful 10-speaker Bose audio system. Fetching a used 2019 Suburban makes good financial sense since being a newer model year means plenty of technology features are also in the mix.

The 2019 Suburban features an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and plenty of USB ports for the whole family. Some trims also include a rear seat entertainment package comprised of a 9-inch drop-down screen centered between the second-row captain’s chairs. The system has a DVD player, video/auxiliary inputs, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control.

The 2020 Chevy Suburban received very few changes, making it comparable to the 2019 version. This is important for used SUV shoppers looking for a great deal on a Suburban because choosing the newer model year may result in a higher price for essentially the same vehicle. That said, newer models tend to result in better residual values, which could justify purchasing a 2020 model. Either version comes in both rear- or all-wheel drive configurations with either a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 or a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 capable of producing 420 hp.

Twelfth-Gen Upgrades (2021 Highlights)

The 2021 model year saw a ground-up redesign of the Chevy Suburban. Among the most substantial changes were a completely new exterior and the addition of an independent rear suspension—a first for this legendary Chevy nameplate. The new suspension frees up cabin space, which adds a not-unsubstantial amount of third-row space and cargo room. The 2021 Suburban is also longer than its predecessors. Available in six trims that range in price from mid-$50k up to nearly $75k, this Suburban stretches farther than ever into the luxury SUV category.

Used Suburban buyers might appreciate the 2021 model’s freshly available diesel engine, which produces 460 lb-ft of torque for effortless towing. Otherwise, those two V8 engines were still present, making 355 hp and 420 hp, respectively. If you like to head out for weekend off-roading adventures, the Suburban Z71 answers the call; this new trim has 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and off-road-ready features, including skid plates and the capability to operate in traditional four-wheel drive.

Regarding cargo space, the 2021 Suburban offers 144.7 cu.ft. with both rear rows folded flat, which is 23 cu.ft. larger than the previous version. As for technology, with the generational redesign came a plethora of in-cabin connectivity tools, accessible via the myChevrolet app and the Suburban’s well-sized 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Shoppers with young kids should look for a used model with a dual 12.6-inch rear entertainment system. The 2021 Suburban also includes numerous driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and a lane-departure warning.

The 2022 Suburban Adds More Tech

The 2022 model saw a heavy emphasis on technology, particularly to enhance safety and provide additional driver conveniences. For starters, the 2022 Suburban comes standard with automatic high beams that switch between low and high settings automatically in response to oncoming traffic. Front and rear parking sensors also came standard, which helps when trying to parallel park the beastly Suburban in tight street parking settings. The Suburban’s 8,300-lb towing capacity became more accessible, too, with the available 13-view exterior camera system, which includes views to assist with trailer hook-up and backing up.

The same six trims—LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country—made up the range in 2022. High Country buyers will enjoy essentially every cabin amenity, including wireless smartphone charging, leather seating, a power-folding third row, a power liftgate, and an ingenious power sliding center console that can move up to 10 inches for extra storage. A panoramic sliding sunroof spans almost the length of the roof, with dual panels that let in tons of natural light, and tech-savvy buyers will also appreciate the standard head-up display that projects key driving data (like navigation instructions and speed) at eye level on the windshield.

Finding the Perfect Used (Or New) Suburban

The challenge with any popular vehicle is finding one pre-owned. The used market for Suburbans is competitive because buyers know they’re getting comfort, tech, power, utility, and durability. Chevy has woven a consistent theme of reliability throughout each Suburban generation, so choosing your ideal year and trim boils down more to looks and available equipment. To that end, the sky’s the limit for buyers of all budgets and lifestyles. From large families with packed schedules to wanderers looking for a vehicle to haul their friends to that next adventure, the Suburban is up to the task.

In the full-size SUV segment, few models achieve across-the-board high marks for performance, towing capacity, and cabin amenities. The Suburban hits all three, which is part of the reason it’s remained a bestseller for decades. Good looks and a recognizable curb profile add to its appeal. America’s favorite land yacht delivers big on safety for families, too, with tons of advanced driver assistance technologies powered by onboard cameras, sensors, and radar. For weekend DIYers, the Suburban’s cavernous cargo area serves as ideal transport for gear and supplies.

Buying a used Suburban makes good financial sense. Newer models, including the eleventh-gen and first few twelfth-gen versions, offer plenty of modern technology and smartphone connectivity without compromising the “analog” grit that Suburban owners count on. Truck-like towing capability, brisk acceleration in powerful V8s, and too many safety features to count add up to an SUV that works for just about anyone who loves a bigger vehicle.