Chevy Suburban Retrospective: The Last Decade and More

Although exciting models like the Chevy Corvette and Silverado 1500 truck might get much more attention, the Chevy Suburban is more than just another full-size SUV. It’s the largest vehicle in the Chevy SUV lineup and one of their oldest models on the road, dating back in name to a 1935 vehicle. After some interruptions from World War II, the Suburban returned for the 1947 model year and has been going strong ever since. What you’ll find when you go looking for a new or used Chevy Suburban for sale these days is quite different from what was offered some 80 years ago, but this legendary model has remained one of the most sophisticated large SUVs in the auto industry. Let’s look back at the last decade for this iconic vehicle and also look ahead to what the future has in store for it.

Ten Generations in a Nutshell

To fully appreciate where the Chevy Suburban has been, it’s worth taking a moment to (briefly) dig into where it all started. Chevy started using the Suburban name in 1934 for a “Carryall-Suburban” model that was essentially a station wagon. GM also used this name with some GMC models until eventually shortening it to just “Suburban,” which was used for various Chevy and GMC models in the early 20th century. Following WWII in the late 1940s, the Suburban finally gained more of an identity as a vehicle closer to a modern SUV, based on the Chevy Advance Design trucks prevalent at the time.

Numerous generations followed as the Suburban underwent various redesigns and new versions throughout the 1950s and the rest of the 20th century until it grew and evolved into what would be a familiar full-size SUV design these days. The ninth generation of the Suburban brought it into the 21st century with a release for the 2000 model year, while the 10th-generation Suburban launched in 2007 and remained in production until 2014. This was followed by…

The Eleventh-Generation Chevy Suburban (2015-2020)

This eleventh generation of the Suburban was released just over a decade ago for the 2015 model year, marking a great place to focus when looking back at where this SUV has been. Chevy gave the Suburban a total redesign to mark this new generation, bringing it beautifully into the modern era with bold looks and fantastic performance. Looking at this model, it’s easy to quickly spot differences between it and the year before, including a distinct new front grille, sleek overall styling, and lighting that is both sophisticated and functional for excellent illumination at night.

Powering the eleventh-generation Suburban is a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive performance even for a large SUV like this. This also allows for more than 8,000 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped, and the eleventh-generation Suburban is available with either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The redesign notably marked a slight increase in both length and width, allowing for greater room inside the Suburban to ensure improved passenger comfort that’s perfect for such a large and sophisticated SUV.

Inside, the improved Suburban is offered with a number of infotainment displays and impressive software that makes getting the most from this SUV easy. The eight-inch infotainment screen is a particular favorite of ours, making it easier to utilize the impressive technology packed into this SUV. Plus, an available rear-seat screen and Blu-Ray player are perfect for keeping kids in the backseat entertained during long road trips or a day of running errands. Many people will consider this vehicle a great option for families, and the comfortable seating, impressive tech and entertainment features, and safe design all help reinforce this.

In the years that followed its release, Chevy continued to improve and upgrade the Suburban throughout its eleventh generation. Enhanced safety features became available for the 2016 model, while the 2017 model year saw some additions and changes to the trim levels available for the Suburban. For 2019, an impressive 6.2L V8 engine became available, delivering 420 hp, transforming driving the Suburban into an incredible experience. Such a large vehicle is beautifully complemented by that kind of power, plus it features a 10-speed automatic transmission for a smooth and responsive drive.

Start of a Twelfth Generation for the Suburban (2021)

After minimal changes for the 2020 model, Chevy kicked off an all-new 12th generation for the Suburban with the 2021 model year. Once again, this includes a complete redesign and sees the Suburban grow longer than before. Perhaps most importantly, an independent rear suspension was added to this large SUV for the first time ever. This is notable for a number of reasons, but it helps to allow for more room inside the vehicle, particularly for third-row passengers, while also adding more cargo space.

Other additions for this new generation include the option for a 3.0L diesel engine, something rarely seen in full-size SUVs, to go along with the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engines that carry over from the previous year. One of our favorite options with this new generation is the available adaptive air suspension, which creates an incredibly comfortable ride akin to slipping along the road on a luxurious cloud. These additions keep the Suburban one of the finest vehicles in the industry; plus, a 10-inch infotainment display becomes available on higher trim levels for 2021, along with numerous pieces of advanced safety technology, with even more available.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Chevy Suburban

Since its release, the 12th-generation Suburban has seen a wide range of upgrades and improvements, though few can compare to what we see with the 2025 model. For 2025, Chevy is giving the Suburban a mid-generation update and refresh, including a restyled exterior with bolder signature lighting and newly available 24-inch wheels for an enhanced, aggressive stance. You can even get a model with lighting animations to greet you every time you approach your Suburban; meanwhile, the available diesel engine has been upgraded for increased horsepower and fantastic performance in all kinds of conditions.

Inside, the Suburban is more beautifully appointed and luxurious than ever before, with enhanced tech features and incredible options. Every model now comes with a standard 17.7-inch freeform infotainment display that looks absolutely stunning, paired with an 11-inch Driver Information Center screen. This makes it easy to keep track of everything you need to know while driving; plus, numerous luxury upgrades like Piano Black and Galvano chrome details are available, and a more elegant High Country trim is on offer with authentic wood decor inside and much more for you to enjoy on the road.

What Can the Chevy Suburban Do for You?

As you can see, the Chevy Suburban has been through a lot of changes over the years, which is to be expected for a model that’s been around for nearly 80 years and been one of the best-selling full-size SUVs in the auto industry (along with Chevy’s slightly smaller Tahoe). Even in the last decade, there have been numerous changes with increases in size across generations, new engines becoming available, and a renewed focus on creating a sophisticated and luxurious vehicle that you and your family will enjoy. If you’re interested in a new or used large SUV, then the Suburban is a fantastic choice, with plenty of options that have been offered in recent years and will continue today and into the future. No matter what you’re looking for from your full-size SUV, there’s sure to be a Suburban ready to meet your needs.

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