2016 Chevrolet Suburban 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for 2016 is the debut of the Chevrolet Suburban 3500HD, a fleet-only heavy-duty Suburban with a 6.0-liter V8, standard four-wheel drive, and an 11,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating. It is not a carryover model.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban 3500
11th generation Suburban (2015-2020), first year of the Suburban 3500HD heavy-duty fleet variant.
Chevrolet positions the Suburban 3500HD as a full-size SUV for fleets that need Suburban passenger and cargo room with far more payload capacity than the normal half-ton model. Its core job is carrying people, equipment, and upfit weight in government, security, or commercial service, not chasing luxury or maximum trailer tow ratings. The big differentiator is that it keeps the familiar long-wheelbase Suburban body while adding one-ton-class running gear, standard 4WD, and heavy-duty cooling and electrical hardware.
The LS is the straightforward fleet version, combining the heavy-duty chassis with an 8-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate control, fold-flat rear bench seats, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. The LT keeps the same heavy-duty hardware but adds leather-trimmed heated front seats, built-in navigation, Bose audio, and a power liftgate.
What changed, by category
2016 Chevrolet Suburban 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 6.0 Liter | V8, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 10 mpg | 10 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 360 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3000 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 121.1 cu-ft | 121.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.5 in | 34.5 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Video Input | ||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Memory Pedals | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is new about the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban 3500HD?
The Suburban 3500HD itself is new for 2016. Chevrolet created it as a fleet-only heavy-duty Suburban with an 11,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating, a 6.0-liter V8, standard four-wheel drive, and extra cooling and electrical hardware.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban 3500HD a carryover model?
No, the 2016 Suburban 3500HD is not a carryover model. This is the first year of the heavy-duty fleet variant, which launched in LS and LT trims.
What engine and drivetrain does the 2016 Suburban 3500HD have?
Every 2016 Suburban 3500HD has a 6.0-liter V8, a six-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. A 4.10 axle ratio and locking rear differential are also standard.
How do the 2016 Suburban 3500HD LS and LT differ?
The LS is the simpler fleet trim, while the LT adds more cabin comfort and convenience. LT equipment includes leather-trimmed heated front seats, built-in navigation, Bose audio, and a power liftgate; both trims use the same heavy-duty powertrain and chassis.
What does the 2016 Suburban 3500HD’s 11,000-pound rating mean?
The 11,000-pound figure is the gross vehicle weight rating, which is the permitted total weight of the SUV and its occupants and cargo. It describes the heavy-duty chassis rating, not a towing figure.