Pricing for the 2022 Suburban starts at $60,748 in Canada, $52,400 in the US.
The Suburban has history, character, room, styling, and in this case, the engine.
GM’s new full-size SUVs peak with the Suburban.

In the last 18 months or so, I’ve covered the GM full-size truck family. I’ve driven the pickups and the SUVs. And I can now honestly and safely report that the new Chevrolet Suburban is my favorite.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban Premier | Photo: Olivier Delorme

Throughout my SUV reviews, I attempt to explain the appeal these trucks have, and to put it simply, the Suburban has the most history and character. The Cadillac Escalade left me wondering why GM wanted $30,000 over a Tahoe especially given how modern, sophisticated, and luxurious the “lesser” Chevy is. The Suburban is a Tahoe+ so it’s a bigger winner.

Duramax + 10A = Power and efficiency

One item that did not fit with the tested Escalade, that I knew would cement my love for the Suburban, is GM’s Duramax diesel engine. The turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine is, as I’ve said, brilliant. Its 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque (equal to the 6.2-litre) are plenty to get the massive 6,000-lb+ SUV up to speed. And, in this case, the Duramax’s workhorse nature perfectly fits the Suburban’s casual yet ultra-capable nature.

With the standard 10-speed automatic transmission is largely responsible for the powertrain’s impressive efficiency and overall performance. It also plays a huge role in the Suburban’s unflappable refinement. Shifts are imperceptible under typical driving loads. And, should the driver want a taste of torque to pass, the 10A will happily drop down a few gears for optimal acceleration.

The transmission and Duramax allow the Suburban to effortlessly tow about 8,000 lbs, for one, but they also enable the shiny mammoth to consume between 11L-12L/100km in combined driving situations. I averaged just over 12L (!) as most of my commutes were completed in town. With the included 106-litre fuel tank, pit stops will be few and far between.

It’s as refined as the Escalade

Driving the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban is a comforting affair. Most surprisingly is that it feels smaller than its exterior dimensions suggest. It turns out to be reasonably agile and comfortably manageable. The combination of steering, structure, and chassis gives the driver full confidence.

The included Magnetic Ride control dampers also play an important role in keeping the Suburban’s on-road composure and passenger comfort levels high. Fact is, the Escalade felt no more comfortable or surefooted than the Suburban.

Commanding exterior style

Strangely, I do not like Chevy’s new truck face on its pickups but on its SUVs, it furthers their solid and commanding style. The Suburban’s 14-inch longer wheelbase and 15 extra inches of overall length compared to the Tahoe lend power and purpose to the SUV, but I would avoid any shade of white at all costs. It severely diminishes the SUV’s standing.

The Premier, priced from $80,500, includes 20-inch wheels, and plenty of subtle and tasteful chrome accents mixed with dark trim. The tested unit featured optional 22-inch wheels and power running boards which broadens the Suburban’s premium look – if only it was Auburn, Evergreen grey, or Midnight blue.

Massive and premium cabin

Colour continues to be a personal issue for me onboard. The tester’s Maple Sugar interior hue, combined with the white exterior, is in my opinion, a mistake. Otherwise, the cabin is wonderful. The Premier is set up as a 7-seater meaning that the second row has two captain seats, ideal for rear passenger comfort. The third row is usable even for an adult (I’m 5’10”) and then there’s loads of trunk space. With the third row down, owners have access to an astounding 2,656 litres of accessible volume.

As far as features are concerned, the 2022 Suburban gains a few updates including a new 12.3-inch digital IP which isn’t in the tested truck: full disclosure, it’s actually a 2021 model year. Be that as it may, it also includes a 10.2-inch central touchscreen, heated and cooled leather seats, a rear dual-screen entertainment system, and so much more. Truthfully, the Escalade offers little more other than the massive, curved display screen. Fit and finish are excellent as are the materials.

Pick your trim and go

Well, almost. Engine selection is the only “limitation.” The 5.3-litre V8 is offered with all trims save for the High Country, the one I would skip. The 6.2-litre has made its way in more versions, but I would skip it as well. The most interesting is the Z71 however it cannot be configured with the Duramax. This means the LT or the RST with options and the Duramax are the wisest versions.

Bottom line, as I’ve said in the past, skip the Ford Expedition Max, Lincoln Navigator L, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Nissan Armada, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX, and Toyota Sequoia. I might pause and consider the BMW X7 especially if I was looking into spending $95,000 or more.