2021 Chevrolet Suburban Pros vs Cons
With over two decades in automotive experience, Norman Ruckpaul leverages his extensive background to help readers at Car Buying Strategies. His career in dealer management includes test driving and appraising hundreds of vehicles at the dealership level. At Car Buying Strategies, Norman uses his deep expertise of vehicle performance and shopping tactics to guide readers in selecting optimal cars and securing the best deals, while maintaining a customer-first philosophy.
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It is easy to slack off when you know competition has become complacent. Then, when you least expect it, the competition comes back stronger than ever. This is exactly what happened with the re-design of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. When Chevy was not looking, Ford came back better than ever with their new Expedition design. All the sudden, the Suburban was behind. Making every stride to catch up, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came back with something to prove. Sporting it is traditional third-row seating, bow tie emblem, and spacious interior, this SUV is well-equipped. Yet, it some areas, it leaves a little to be desired. Though that does not mean the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban should be overlooked, buyers should be aware of its downfalls, as well as its strengths.
What's New for 2021?
Entering an all-new generation, that 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has implemented significant advancements that set this model apart from those of previous years. Better interior attributes and the introduction of the first ever Suburban independent rear suspension system are some of the best qualities that buyers must rave about in the 2021 model. Complete with stretched out dimensions that make the Suburban longer and a smaller Duramax diesel engine, 2021 has seen its fair share of changes in the Chevrolet Suburban.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban – The Pros
1. A Variety of Trim Level Options
With the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, there's no limit to what drivers can customize. Choose from three distinct trim levels: LS for conventional and comfortable cruising; RST for a sportier ride; or High Country if you're looking only for luxury. Chevy puts control in your hands so that whatever purpose you have in mind is achievable with the Suburban.
2. Pure Power
The Chevrolet Suburban offers power, performance and purpose with its broad engine lineup. Buyers can choose from two V8s or a six-cylinder diesel, all paired to an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission for outstanding capability. Personalize your driving experience further by opting between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations on this dependable SUV powerhouse.
3. Off-Road Versatility
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban goes wherever you call it. Adjustable air suspension paired with adaptive dampers allow the ride height of the Suburban to be lowered and raised manually or automatically. While this may not seem like much on paper, this capability enables this SUV’s aerodynamic functionality, ease of passenger access, and ground clearance.
4. Option for Sport Styling
With the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, you can choose a ride that merges high-end luxury and dependable off-road performance. The Z71 trim level brings stylishly blacked out accents to your vehicle along with sparkling larger wheels for an edgier look. Furthermore, this powerful SUV has two speeds in its transfer case so it's ready tackle any terrain while all-terrain tires ensure stability - no matter where your adventure takes you.
5. Technology to Keep Fuel Efficiency in Check
A vehicle this large can be expected to fall short on fuel economy efforts. However, Chevrolet saw this coming and incorporated a variety of fuel-saving features to keep the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban from becoming a gas hog. Auto stop/start allows the vehicle to retain energy and reduce fuel consumption when its not in motion. Cylinder deactivation can help disallow fuel feeding to cylinders when they are being utilized. This allows the gasoline Chevrolet Suburban to maintain a fuel efficiency of up to 20 highway MPG.
6. Larger Cargo Area
Compared to previous models, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasts a larger amount of both cargo and passenger space. Offer 145 total cubic feet of cargo space, this SUV was able to add more storage space thanks to its recent redesign. The independent rear suspension also played into the ability of the Suburban to provide a larger amount of more useful interior space.
7. Bigger and Better Infotainment Options
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is taking car infotainment to the next level. Not only can you enjoy wireless charging and heated/ventilated seats, it also features a driver-focused head-up display for maximum safety. Additionally, its digital gauge cluster gives drivers quick access to important information in a larger format than ever before.
8. Impressive Towing Abilities
Gone are the days when you needed a big truck to haul your camper or boat. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban just keeps getting larger and tougher over time. Depending on the selected trim level, the Suburban can tow between 7,500 and 8,300 pounds with ease. Equipped with the same towing technology as its Chevrolet Silverado sibling, the Suburban seeks to maintain safety and awareness of surroundings when it is fully loaded down.
9. Athletic Abilities
Ready to take your ride up a notch? The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is the ultimate balance of luxury and off-road power. With its Z71 trim level, this SUV has an ultra tough look featuring blacked-out accents plus wheels built for any terrain! This four wheeler also comes with two speeds in the transfer case giving you that extra boost when it matters most - showing just how serious this machine really is.
10. Stable and Predictable
The higher the ground clearance a vehicle exhibits, the less stable it is likely to become. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban takes great pride in offering stability, even when traveling at high speeds. Power-assisted steering that is electric helps maintain predictable weight centering when changing lanes on the highway.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban – The Cons
1. Towing Standards That Fall Short of Competition
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban packs a mighty punch of power when it comes to hauling and towing, yet still falls behind its competitors in the large load arena. Despite being able to tow up 6,600 pounds–the Ford Expedition raises the bar even higher with certain trim levels capable of managing an impressive 9,000-pound payload. It seems like Chevy has some ground they need cover if they want match their rival's superior capability.
2. Lackluster Design and Finishes
Although the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasts quality interior materials and impressive construction elements, the finishes that add flair to the overall product are lacking. Character within the cabin is cancelled out by muted tones and uninteresting attributes. Even in the High Country trim level, there is much to be desired in the Chevrolet Suburban cabin for the price point it hits.
3. Upgrades Must be Purchased as an Afterthought
Sure, customers can upgrade their 2021 Chevrolet Suburban easily, but it must be done for an additional fee on top of its already hefty price. The Premier trim level features a few desirable attributes, but many of them must be purchased in a package upgrade. For example, driver-assistive features are only available in a safety gear package.
4. Safety Attributes Leave More to be Desired
As a vehicle you will likely be hauling your family or friends in, you only want the best safety features standing between you and a potential collision. In terms of standard safety features, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban does not impress us. Many driver-assistance technologies are available and can be added on as an upgrade, but we expected more out of this family-friendly SUV.
How It Compares to Competition:
2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2021 Ford Expedition
Coming in at nearly identical prices, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Ford Expedition are fierce competitors. Everything they do is matched or surpassed by the others, and this rivalry has been going on for years. While the Suburban boasts extra seating and space for cargo and passengers, the Expedition excels at sophisticated design and rugged capability. For buyers who are looking for a more upscale and equipped experience, the Ford Expedition would be a better option. However, for those looking for ample space and extra passenger seating, the Chevrolet Suburban is your go-to SUV.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2021 GMC Yukon
GMC recently gave the Yukon model a makeover, creating an entirely new look which sets it apart from its twin-sibling SUV - the Chevrolet Suburban. Differentiating itself not only cosmetically but also technologically; when taking either of these vehicles for spin, you’ll quickly see that they offer two very distinct and modern experiences. The bold front grille on the re-designed Yukon is trademarked with GMC branding while inside one can find contemporary tech features that come standard on this top choice vehicle for buyers seeking sophistication in design and advanced technology alike.
Final Thoughts
For many years, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has been synonymous with family transportation - boasting spaciousness and power. But now, it finds itself in need of an upgrade to stay ahead in a market crowded by competitors such as Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon who are pushing the boundaries for full-size SUV excellence. With its latest iteration this classic vehicle will have to prove that it still deserves its place at the summit of SUVs.
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