After the job has been done on the light-duty and heavy-duty trucks, General Motors is now finalizing the redesign of its truck-based SUV fleet. Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade are set for the full redesign for the 2021 model year. The brand’s rival for the Nissan Armada, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the 2021 Chevy Suburban will also be an all-new model.
The nine-seater SUV has already been spotted testing heavily camouflaged and some details about its redesign are also known despite Chevy hasn’t revealed anything specific. The new-generation, full-size Suburban will arrive with significant structural upgrades and revised exterior styling. The upgraded and new powertrains should be available combined with a more composed ride thanks to the reconfigured suspension.
There should also be significant comfort and cargo capacity improvements as well. The new version should also lift the technology level to the new height.
2021 Chevy Suburban: Structural and Suspension Upgrades
The twelfth generation 2021 Chevy Suburban replaces the current version introduced for the 2015 model year and it comes on the upgraded platform used on the recently redesigned full-size Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. T1XX architecture is an evolution of the previous K2XX platform. The new design comprises more high-tensile steel and aluminum in the mix which will provide greater rigidity but shed some pounds as well. The model will likely use some aluminum body panels and combined with lighter architecture the new version should lose about 300 pounds compared to the current model.
Another important improvement is a transition to the independent rear suspension from the current solid design which should provide a more refined ride. This move is likely the response to the Ford’s newest Expedition which also switched to the independent rear setup.
Styling:
The styling of the model should also evolve following the brand’s newest design language. The prototype seems to have similar silhouette as the current version and we can’t detect any notable size change.
At the visual level, the model should get the front fascia inspired by the design of the new-gen Silverado. Chevy will also apply similar styling changes to the next version, mid-size Colorado truck. The part of the redesign will also be a new rear-end with resculpted tailgate and new taillights. The side panels should also get more dynamic lines.
Interior, equipment:
The cabin of the model should also use a similar treatment as the newest Silverado but there should be a boost in material quality and refinement.
The model will again offer seats for up to nine but with the improved comfort in the last row.
The new Suburban will also employ the latest infotainment system with a fast reaction and high-resolution touchscreen. The family hauler could also offer a larger screen option than the full-size truck. Chevy will also equip the model with active safety systems and some should be available from the start. The model will rely on automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, etc.
2021 Chevy Suburban: Powertrains
It’s not yet confirmed what engine options will appear with the new-gen 2021 Chevy Suburban but we should expect familiar pair of V-8 units with the possible addition of the new turbocharged unit and diesel burner from the Silverado truck.
A familiar 5.3-liter V-8 engine should reappear but likely with more advanced Dynamic Fuel Management technology. The engine should produce 355 hp and 385 pound-feet of torque and come combined with 8-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful V-8 will be a 6.2-liter unit making 420 hp and torque of 460 pound-feet of torque will also be available mated with the 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Chevy might also offer a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the Chevy Silverado 1500. This gas engine makes 310 hp and torque of 348 pound-feet. The diesel unit from the Silverado truck is also possible but Chevy discontinued a diesel-powered Equinox.
Thanks to the weight reduction and powertrain upgrades, the new Suburban should also gain an improved fuel economy but there won’t be significant improvements. The current version manages up to 15 mpg city and 22 highways.
2021 Chevy Suburban: Release, Price
The 2021 Chevy Suburban should be revealed by the end of the year. The price range should again start at low $50,000 but with a slight increase compared to the current generation version.