The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the finest SUVs ever created, based on the idea that bigger truly is better. From breadth to length, this new model is larger than its already-plump predecessor, from width to height. Because of their giant proportions, this machine has an enormous appetite for people and goods, making it ideal for big families or individuals who frequently transport heavy stuff. Fortunately, while the size isn’t everything, there’s a lot to appreciate about the latest Suburban that has nothing to do with its huge proportions.
The Suburban’s new and much-needed independent rear suspension delivers a slew of advantages, including increased comfort in the rear seats. The front chairs on my test model, which is one step down from the range-topping High Country trim, are comfortable and nicely molded.
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Chevy Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity and Transmission Fluid Type
| Transmission | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
| 4L80-E 4-speed Automatic Transmission | Total Fill 13.5 quarts (12.8 liters) Initial Fill 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) | AF6 |
| 4L60-E 4-speed Automatic Transmission | Total Fill 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) Initial Fill 5 quarts (4.7 liters) | AF6 |
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Chevy Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity and Transmission Fluid Type
| Transmission | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
| 4L60-E 4-speed Automatic Transmission | Total Fill 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) Initial Fill 5 quarts (4.7 liters) | AF6 |
| 4L85-E 4-speed Automatic Transmission | Total Fill 13.5 quarts (12.8 liters) Initial Fill 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) | AF6 |
| 4L80-E 4-speed Automatic Transmission | Total Fill 13.5 quarts (12.8 liters) Initial Fill 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) | AF6 |
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Chevy Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity and Transmission Fluid Type
| Transmission | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
| 6L80 6-speed LD automatic transmission |
Total Fill 12.2 quarts (11.5 liters) Initial Fill 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | AF6 |
| 6L80 6-speed With HD Cool automatic transmission |
Total Fill 12.4 quarts (11.7 liters) Initial Fill 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | AF6 |
| 6L90 6-speed | Total Fill 12.4 quarts (11.7 liters) Initial Fill 6.3 quarts (6 liters) | AF6 |
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Chevy Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity and Transmission Fluid Type
| Transmission | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
| 6L80 6-speed With HD Cool automatic transmission |
Total Fill 12.4 quarts (11.7 liters) Initial Fill 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | AF6 |
| 6L80 6-speed LD automatic transmission |
Total Fill 12.2 quarts (11.5 liters) Initial Fill 6 quarts (5.7 liters) | AF6 |
| 10L80 10-speed Without Cooler automatic transmission |
Initial Fill 8.1 quarts (7.7 liters) Total Fill 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) | ULV |
| 10L80 10-speed With Cooler automatic transmission |
Initial Fill 8.1 quarts (7.7 liters) Total Fill 12 quarts (11.4 liters) | ULV |
2021 2022 Chevy Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity and Transmission Fluid Type
| Transmission | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
| 10L80 10-speed Without Cooler automatic transmission |
Initial Fill 8.1 quarts (7.7 liters) Total Fill 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) | ULV |
| 10L80 10-speed With Cooler automatic transmission |
Initial Fill 8.1 quarts (7.7 liters) Total Fill 12 quarts (11.4 liters) | ULV |
The second row is roomy, and the seats may be easily adjusted, folding down and tipping up in one movement to provide you with a wide approach to access the third row, which may now comfortably accommodate adult passengers. The lower cushion is well above the floor in the rear. The new Suburban would make a wonderful road-trip vehicle thanks to its additional passenger capacity.
The Suburban is essentially a heavyweight, standing tall in the road and dwarfed by semi-trucks to the left. It’s as though it takes up two-and-a-half lanes when traveling alone. The steering is sufficient for a vehicle of this size, though it’s slightly sharp and sluggish. Three suspension systems are available on Chevy SUVs similar to GM’s previous redesigned body-on-frame SUVs. Coil springs with standard shock absorbers are standard; you can also get coil springs with magnetic dampers, and then there’s a four-corner air suspension with magnetic dampers, which is only accessible on Z71 and High Country versions.
I’m currently testing a Silverado 1500 with the middle option, which provides a fantastic ride that surpasses the Yukon Denali I just tested. Perhaps it’s because Chevrolet utilized 20-inch aluminum wheels rather than the GMC’s enormous 22s. It isn’t due to weight; there is only a 3-pound difference between these two vehicles. Overall, this Chevy feels smooth and stable, with an independently sprung rear that does not shimmy from side to side or buck while driving over big road bumps.
The standard 5.3-liter V8 under the Suburban’s low-slung hood is somewhat overmatched. Its 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque provide acceptable acceleration when unladen, but it can feel a bit breathless climbing hills, battling against gravity, and this Suburban’s 5,824 pounds. When you load it up, you will almost certainly miss the 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8 that is only available in the High Country trim.
At least the base engine is smooth and thunderous, and the standard 10-speed automatic gearbox, which was co-developed with Ford, is wonderful. This gearbox’s tuning is superior to that of the Blue Oval, which frequently feels clunky.
