“Don't be intimidated by the size. You will be surprised by how easy and fun it is to drive.”
2021 Chevrolet Suburban: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is fully redesigned as the first model of its 12th generation. The headline is an all-new design that makes it roomier and more modern than the 2020 model.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
12th generation (2021-2024), first year of the redesign
Chevrolet positions the Suburban as the biggest, longest-range family-and-cargo version of its full-size SUV formula: a long-wheelbase people hauler that blends towing ability, road-trip space, and truck-based durability with more comfort and technology than before. Its core draw is simple for most shoppers: if a Tahoe feels too small, the Suburban gives you the extra third-row and cargo room needed for large families, long travel days, and trailer duty without moving up to a luxury badge.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the straightforward LS and comfort-focused LT to the blacked-out RST and off-road-ready Z71, which has standard 4WD, low-range gearing and underbody protection. Premier emphasizes comfort with magnetic ride control and ventilated front seats, while the new High Country tops the range with a 15-inch head-up display, distinctive trim and flagship ride hardware. Retail trims feature a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
Structural
A longer wheelbase and redesigned body create substantially more third-row and cargo room. Independent rear suspension replaces the previous solid rear axle across the lineup.
Powertrain
A 10-speed automatic becomes standard across the range. A diesel engine joins the LS, LT and Premier trims.
Styling
The Suburban receives a fully redesigned exterior. RST and Z71 become standalone trims, and High Country joins as the new top trim, each with a distinct look and purpose.
Tech
The cabin gets a much larger central touchscreen and a more modern screen layout. On LT, the touchscreen changes from optional to standard.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams become standard on Commercial and LS. Lane departure warning becomes standard on Commercial but changes from standard to optional on LT.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 16–21 mpg | 15–21 mpg | 15–21 mpg | 15 mpg | 15–21 mpg | 16 mpg | 14–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–27 mpg | 19–27 mpg | 19–27 mpg | 19 mpg | 19–27 mpg | 20 mpg | 19–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 277–355 hp | 277–355 hp | 277–355 hp | 355 hp | 277–355 hp | 355 hp | 277–420 hp |
| Torque | 383–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8300 lb | 8100 lb | 8100 lb | 8100 lb | 8100 lb | 8300 lb | 7900 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft | 144.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in |
| Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Power Side Steps | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban a full redesign?
Yes. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban begins the 12th generation with a new body and chassis, a longer wheelbase, independent rear suspension, more interior room and updated cabin technology.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban roomier than the 2020 model?
Yes. The longer wheelbase and new rear suspension layout provide more third-row legroom and considerably more cargo space than in the 2020 Suburban.
Which 2021 Chevrolet Suburban trims have the diesel engine?
The diesel engine is found in 2021 Suburban LS, LT and Premier models. It joined the lineup for the redesign year, while the 10-speed automatic became standard across the range.
Which trims were added to the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban lineup?
High Country, RST and Z71 were added as trims for 2021. High Country is the new flagship, RST focuses on dark street styling, and Z71 adds off-road hardware such as standard 4WD, low-range gearing and a skid plate.
Does every 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have independent rear suspension?
Yes. Independent rear suspension is standard across the 2021 Suburban lineup, replacing the solid rear axle used previously and helping create more passenger and cargo room.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
(86 reviews)
“Great vehicle full of upgrades and useful amenities. Rides great and has a ton of room.”
“Smoothness of ride, noise cancellation in the cab, handling, corner handling, fuel mileage, height from the road.”