GM ad slogan “baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet” carved out a 70s era time of core American culture focusing on Chevy’s lengthy narrative in the automotive world.
History tells of its longest running auto nameplate – the 1935 Carryall Suburban – a 90-year-old people and cargo mover that continues its mission today.
The current model still accommodates up to eight people and incorporates high tech features, powerful engines, luxury and spacious interiors and hands-free driving for large families on the move.
The 2026 can be ordered in six trim levels – LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country, the latter being our test car for a week. Base prices start in the mid $60s and escalate to the high $80s. Or loaded High Country tipped the scales at $100,800 which may give pause to some potential buyers.
Main rivals are the Ford Expedition Max, GMC Yukon XL and Jeep Wagoneer L.
Three engines are available this year including a standard 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter Ecotec3 V8 and an efficient 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel. Each is mated to a smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
For such a large vehicle the Suburban handles like a much smaller SUV. We found the ride to be smooth, gliding over most road imperfections with ease with little body roll — the result of independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension.
Its only drawback is maneuvering around town where its size is too much for narrow streets and alley ways as well as parallel parking room.
We were impressed with its road manners offering a compliant ride with precise steering and firm braking bringing the 6,000-pound truck to a stop from 70 miles per hour in 163 feet. Gas consumption sucks (see below).
Our behemoth was optioned with 24-inch bright machined painted high gloss black alloys for a sporty look.
Available Super Cruise will allow hands-free driving on designated highways even while towing although we don’t recommend the latter for safety reasons.
Its four doors open wide for easy entry/exit, further aided with power running boards that disappear once inside. Attractive LED lighting schemes flank the front grille along with LED running and fog lamps and rear LED taillights above dual exhaust chrome tips.
A 17.7-inch color LCD display dominates center console and features numerous apps and driver controls including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google built-in compatibility.
Our chariot also included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, 15-inch heads-up display and trailering assist equipment to tow up to 8,300 pounds with camera views.
Cargo capacity is class leading with 145 cubic feet maximum storage, 42 cubes behind the third-row seats and 94 cubes with second row seating powered down.
Standard driver-assist equipment includes most safety features, however blind zone steering assist fell into the optional column – part of a $7,690 High Country Deluxe package.
Interior appointments, while not luxurious, provide comfortable seating in all three rows with ample head, leg and shoulder room. Those familiar with Chevy SUV switch gear will recognize its familiar and popular traits.