At a Glance:
MSRP: From $53,200
- Towing capacity: 7,400 to 7,800 lbs
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
- Cargo volume: 41.5 ft³, 144.7 ft³ with seat area
- Seating capacity: 7, 8
- MPG: Up to 14 city / 20 highway
- Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel , 5.3 L V8 , 6.2 L V8
In 2021, Chevy boosted its popular Suburban mega SUV with a refresh that included significant, and well-received, performance and appearance updates. Happily, they figured out a way to follow their own act in 2022, adding more standard safety/driver assist features and expanding the availability of key features in its highest trims to the rest of the model line.
Interior
Along with its GMC Yukon XL cousin, the Suburban boasts the largest interior space of any SUV. This vehicle is massive, which means never having to sweat additional passengers or gear.
As might be expected in a vehicle big enough to transport a volleyball team and their coach, the Suburban is prepared to entertain them all with multiple charging ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a standard 10.2-inch Android/Apple-compatible touchscreen in the center stack. Optional, but practical in a vehicle this large, is a rear-seat entertainment system with two mounted 12-inch screens.
Speaking of large, this year’s model makes the customizable 12.3-inch driver gauge-cluster standard on all but the base level LS trim.
Controls are intuitive and we appreciated that, beyond the initial set up, the infotainment system and other dash controls are easy to operate and adjust without creating a distraction for the driver. Chevy tweaked the system in 2022 to add Google built-in tech that allows voice control commands for things like adjusting vehicle temperature, making calls, and setting reminders. The system also improves the Suburban’s integration with Google Maps and the Google Play app store.
Other interior appointments are all quality installed and even luxe in certain trim/package configurations.
Exterior
We’re still riding high on the exterior modifications made for this latest generation of the Suburban. We love the distinctive and, we think, beautiful new grille. It’s a modern, unique, and clean face that suits the larger-bodied SUV well. In profile, the classic Suburban exterior silhouette is still boxy, but doesn’t look as hulking or heavy as it once did thanks to tapered roof and floor rails. It’s easily the best-looking Suburban ever.
Features
There’s good news for shoppers who might have missed out on the introduction of the 12th edition Suburban last year. In 2022, Chevy Safety Assist features are standard on all models, giving a confidence boost to drivers who may be intimidated by larger vehicles. That suite includes 6 primary features that make driving the behemoth Suburban a more relaxing and carefree experience:
- Forward collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian braking
- Lane keep assist with departure warning
- Following distance indicator
- Automatic high beam assist
The standard features on the LS base trim are good, but not exciting. In fact, you’ll be easily tempted to go beyond the base since so many of the more interesting options are only available in the LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country configurations. If you’re not careful, the price of your vehicle can swell by more than $20K. Build your budget to allow for at least some of the great features below.
At the Premier trim level there is an available $4,500 premium package that features a multicolor heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree camera system for easier parking and maneuvering.
The trailer package, on the other hand, is a reasonable $465 and includes items that are nearly a must for anyone planning on hauling toys or tools. Included in that package:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Hitch guidance with hitch view
- Advanced trailering system with Inside and Transparent trailer views
- Enhanced radiator cooling
- Customized trailer profiles
- Pre-departure checklist
- Trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring
Power & Handling
There are no complaints with the “standard” 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 found in most trims, but there are some interesting options for drivers who need more power and/or torque. The 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, which was only available on the High Country edition last year, is now offered for the RST, Z71 and Premium trims. Our pick for drivers who anticipate doing a significant amount of hauling is the diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder.
Handling is confident and the vehicle doesn’t “float” as much as previous generations. The Suburban’s recently-added independent rear suspension with coil springs gets credit for lowering the vehicle’s floor to allow additional space and cargo volume, but perhaps it also improved the SUV’s handling nature by lowering its center of gravity?
The Suburban also offers an adaptive ride suspension system that allows the vehicle to automatically or manually be lowered and raised for the purpose of providing improved ground clearance or aerodynamics. We highly recommend this feature to upgrade the ride of the heavier, wider, and longer Suburban.
Final Thought
The Suburban competes with and beats mega-SUVs such as Ford Expedition Max and Toyota Sequoia. If you’re in the market for a larger SUV or even a minivan, look at the Suburban first to see not only how it compares, but how evolved this vehicle has become since you last drove or rode in one.
Want to learn more about the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban?
Contact local dealers to schedule a test drive.