2023 Chevrolet Suburban Review: The King of Space

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history. After 88 years, it still knows exactly what it is. Massive. Thirsty. Unapologetically American. And for families who need to move people and cargo without compromise, there is still nothing quite like it.

The Suburban is essentially the extended-length version of the Tahoe, sharing the same platform and powertrains but stretching everything out for maximum passenger and cargo space. It competes directly with the Ford Expedition Max, Toyota Sequoia, and Jeep Wagoneer, but it carves its own niche by offering more cargo room than almost anything else on the road. The 2023 model year brings a few meaningful updates, including the long-awaited arrival of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system on higher trims. But beneath the tech upgrades, the Suburban remains what it has always been: a giant that swallows everything you throw at it.

Our Take

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban does one thing better than almost anything else: it hauls people and cargo with effortless authority. The independent rear suspension, introduced in the 2021 redesign, transforms the ride quality, making it far more composed than its body-on-frame construction suggests. The third row has more legroom than the rear seat of a BMW 3 Series. That is not an exaggeration.

But here is the reality that most reviews dance around. This thing is expensive to buy and even more expensive to keep. The 5.3-liter V-8 is adequate but unremarkable. The 6.2-liter V-8 is genuinely quick but thirsty and comes with reliability concerns. The Duramax diesel is the sensible choice for long-distance haulers, but it adds thousands to the price. And the infotainment system, while functional, has frustrated enough owners to be worth noting.

If you live in a crowded city, this vehicle is a genuine mistake. Parking garages become claustrophobic. Tight streets become obstacles. The Suburban demands space, and if you cannot give it that, you will resent it.

For buyers who need maximum space and towing capability, the Suburban remains one of the best options in its class. But it is not the cheapest, nor is it the most reliable. It is a vehicle that rewards those who understand its trade-offs.

Pros

• 144.7 cubic feet of total cargo space — more than any other full-size SUV
• Third-row legroom that genuinely accommodates adults, not just children
• Quiet cabin with excellent sound insulation on higher trims
• Available Duramax diesel delivers up to 27 mpg highway
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driving on Premier and High Country trims
• Tows up to 8,300 pounds

Cons

• V-8 fuel economy is brutal: 15 mpg city, 20 highway with the 5.3-liter
• Interior finishes don’t match the luxury price tag at higher trim levels
• Reliability concerns with the 6.2-liter V-8 and transmission
• Expensive options quickly push the price into Cadillac Escalade territory
• Infotainment system can be frustrating with GPS lockups
• City driving and parking are genuinely challenging

What’s New for 2023

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is mostly carryover from the 2021 redesign, but there are a few notable updates. The biggest news is GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, now offered on Premier and High Country trims. This Level 2 autonomous system allows the Suburban to accelerate, brake, and steer on mapped highways, even changing lanes without driver input. For long road trips, this is a genuine game-changer.

Three new exterior colors join the palette: Silver Sage Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. The LS, LT, RST, and Premier trims can also be equipped with a blacked-out grille for a more aggressive look.

The rest of the Suburban carries over largely unchanged, which is fine because the 2021 redesign was comprehensive. The independent rear suspension, the spacious interior, and the range of powertrains all remain.

Exterior Design: Big, Bold, and Unmistakably American

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is not a vehicle that hides. At 225.7 inches long and 81.1 inches wide, it is one of the largest SUVs on the road. The design is evolutionary, refining the previous generation’s look without straying too far from the formula that has worked for nearly nine decades.

The front fascia features a prominent grille flanked by LED headlights, with the RST trim offering a sportier blacked-out appearance. The Z71 trim adds a more rugged look with all-terrain tires and red tow hooks. The High Country trim sits at the top with chrome accents and a more polished appearance.

The overall design is more about presence than elegance. It is not going to win design awards, but it is not meant to. It is meant to command attention, and it does.

Driving Experience: Disguising Its Size Surprisingly Well

The independent rear suspension is the single biggest reason the current-generation Suburban drives better than its predecessors. The previous generation, with its solid rear axle, was prone to head toss and body shudder over uneven pavement. The 2023 Suburban, by contrast, feels composed and controlled. It absorbs road imperfections smoothly and maintains stability in corners.

On the highway, the Suburban is exceptionally quiet. The cabin is well-insulated, and wind noise is minimal. One owner drove 5,000 miles across several states with four people and luggage and called the car “very comfortable”. The optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension further enhances the ride quality, adapting to road conditions in real time.

But in city driving, the Suburban’s size becomes painfully apparent. At 225.7 inches long, it is a challenge to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The turning radius is large, and parking garages can feel claustrophobic. As one owner noted, maneuvering in and out of traffic and tight parking spaces is a genuine difficulty. The Suburban is most at home on the highway, where it settles in and cruises calmly and quietly.

Performance and Acceleration: Three Engines, Three Personalities

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban offers three powertrain options, and each one changes the character of the vehicle.

The 5.3-liter V-8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It is the entry-level engine, and it is adequate for most daily driving. It is smooth and quiet, and it can tow up to 8,300 pounds. But it is not particularly exciting. It gets the job done without drawing attention to itself.

The 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It is the efficiency champion, delivering the best fuel economy in the lineup. With 460 pound-feet of torque available at just 1,500 rpm, it offers impressive low-end grunt for towing and long-distance driving. One owner reported getting around 22 to 25 mpg in mixed town driving and closer to 30 mpg on the freeway at about 75 mph.

The 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This is the engine that makes the Suburban feel genuinely quick. It propels this behemoth with authority, making highway merging and passing effortless. It is also the engine that comes with the most reliability concerns. The RST Performance Edition adds 13 more horsepower, but the trade-off is even worse fuel economy.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement: Quiet, Smooth, and Relaxing

Ride comfort is one of the Suburban’s strongest attributes. The independent rear suspension provides a smooth, controlled ride that absorbs road imperfections with authority. On the highway, the Suburban is exceptionally quiet. The cabin is well-insulated, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion.

The Magnetic Ride Control suspension, available on higher trims, further enhances the ride quality. It adapts to road conditions in real time, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing stability. The seats are wide, roomy, and supportive.

The third row is where the Suburban truly excels. Unlike many SUVs where the third row is an afterthought, the Suburban’s third row offers genuine adult-sized seating with 36.7 inches of legroom. The second-row seats slide fore and aft, providing flexibility that enables adults to sit comfortably in the wayback.

Interior and Luxury Feel: Spacious, but Ho-Hum

The interior of the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is spacious and functional, but it does not match the luxury price tag at higher trim levels. The design is clean and practical, with a focus on usability rather than flash.

The base LS trim features cloth upholstery, while higher trims add leather seating, wood trim, and premium finishes. The Premier and High Country trims offer heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

But the interior styling and materials have been described as “cheapish”. The Suburban is not trying to be a luxury vehicle, but when the High Country trim approaches $80,000, the gap between price and interior quality becomes noticeable. This is not a luxury SUV. It is a spacious SUV with a luxury price tag on higher trims.

Technology and Infotainment: Brilliant in Some Ways, Frustrating in Others

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban features a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System with Google built-in. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice-activated technology. A 12.3-inch configurable digital driver information center is also available.

The system is functional and responsive, but it has notable drawbacks. Owners have reported GPS lockups that require a system reboot. Some have also experienced issues with the infotainment system freezing or becoming unresponsive. Consumer Reports has identified in-car electronics as a trouble spot.

The Super Cruise hands-free driving system, available on Premier and High Country trims, is a genuine standout. It allows the Suburban to drive itself on mapped highways, with adaptive cruise control and hands-free lane changes. For highway-heavy drivers, Super Cruise is a compelling reason to choose a higher trim.

Fuel Economy: The Price You Pay for Size

Let us be honest about something. The Suburban is not fuel-efficient. It was never designed to be.

The 5.3-liter V-8 with rear-wheel drive returns 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. The 6.2-liter V-8 drops to 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The diesel is the only reasonable option for efficiency, offering 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

In real-world driving, Fuelly data from 30 vehicles shows an average combined MPG of 18.10. One diesel owner reported getting around 22 to 25 mpg in mixed town driving. The V-8s, predictably, are worse. The engine stop/start system is intended to save fuel at stoplights, but it only helps so much. Overall fuel economy is only 16 mpg overall, which is not any better than the previous generation.

Practicality and Cargo Space: The Suburban’s Greatest Strength

Practicality is where the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban truly shines. The cargo capacity is genuinely impressive:

• Behind the third row: 41.5 cubic feet
• Behind the second row: 93.8 cubic feet
• With all seats folded: 144.7 cubic feet

The extra length gives the Suburban 16 cubic feet more cargo space than the Tahoe even with the third row up. It is one of the few vehicles that offers usable cargo space when the third-row seats are upright. A 2023 Suburban can hold the luggage of nine people.

The Suburban can accommodate up to eight passengers, with a front bench-seat option on the LS trim bumping the headcount to nine. The second-row seats slide fore and aft, and the third-row seats fold flat, making it easy to maximize cargo space when needed. When properly equipped, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds.

The downsides are the size. It is difficult to park and maneuver in tight spaces, and the high liftover height makes loading heavy items challenging. But for families who need to carry people and cargo, the Suburban is one of the most practical vehicles on the market.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Comprehensive but Not Flawless

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban has received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It earned five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal impact, but only three stars in the rollover segment.

The IIHS has not rated the 2023 Suburban, but the related Tahoe has received “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness tests.

Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Super Cruise system is a standout, but it is only available on Premier and High Country trims. Some owners have reported issues with the safety systems, and Consumer Reports has identified transmission and in-car electronics as trouble spots. One owner reported a terrifying incident where the vehicle decelerated from 80 mph down to 60 without warning on the interstate.

Competitors Worth Considering

Ford Expedition Max: The Expedition Max is the Suburban’s most direct rival. It offers similar space and capability, with a twin-turbo V-6 that delivers 380 horsepower and returns 19 mpg combined, significantly better than the Suburban’s V-8s. The Expedition also has a more modern feel and better interior quality.

Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia is the most reliable and has the best resale value in the class. Its hybrid powertrain is standard for 2023, providing improved fuel economy. It has a more spacious third row and cargo area than the Suburban. But it is less powerful and less capable for towing.

Jeep Wagoneer: The Wagoneer offers a more luxurious interior and a more distinctive design. It is more expensive than the Suburban but offers a more premium experience. The Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 pounds.

GMC Yukon XL: The Yukon XL is the Suburban’s mechanical twin, sharing the same platform and powertrains. It costs at least $2,000 more in equivalent trim but comes with more premium materials. The decision comes down to whether the premium interior is worth the extra cost.

Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness

Biggest Strength: The Suburban’s greatest asset is its space. It offers 144.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, and a third row that can genuinely accommodate adults. The independent rear suspension and optional Super Cruise system add modern refinement to the traditional formula.

Biggest Weakness: This is not a luxury SUV, despite its luxury price tag. The interior finishes do not match the cost of higher trims. The reliability concerns are real, with transmission issues and engine problems reported by owners. And the V-8 fuel economy is brutal.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

Cardrav recommends the RST trim for most buyers. It is the least expensive Suburban you can get with the 6.2-liter V-8, and the upsized V-8 actually outperformed the base 5.3-liter V-8 in fuel economy tests. The RST also comes with an impressive mix of standard features to enhance comfort, convenience, and looks.

The LT trim is a solid value for buyers who do not need the 6.2-liter V-8, offering the 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless charging. The LS trim is the budget option, but it lacks many features that buyers expect at this price point. The Z71 trim is for buyers who need off-road capability. The Premier and High Country trims are for buyers who want the full luxury experience and are willing to pay for it.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban?

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban does one thing better than almost anything else: it hauls people and cargo with effortless authority. For families who need maximum space and towing capability, it remains one of the best options in its class.

But here is the hard truth. This is not a luxury SUV, despite the price tag. The V-8 is a relic — powerful, but a relic nonetheless. The diesel is the only engine that makes financial sense for high-mileage drivers. And if you live in a city, this vehicle will frustrate you every single day.

Who should buy it: Families who need maximum cargo space and towing capacity. Buyers who regularly take long road trips and can appreciate the highway composure. Those who want Super Cruise and are willing to pay for it.

Who should avoid it: City dwellers. Buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency. Those who want a genuinely premium interior. Anyone concerned about reliability.

For everyone else, the Ford Expedition Max offers better efficiency and technology, and the Toyota Sequoia offers better reliability and resale value.

FAQ

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban has significant reliability concerns. Consumer Reports has identified transmission issues, with owners reporting rough shifts and shuddering, especially when the vehicle is hot. Some owners have reported transmission failures and unexpected deceleration while driving. The 6.2-liter V-8 has been subject to engine failure complaints. The 5.3-liter V-8 and Duramax diesel are generally more reliable, but the overall reliability of the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is below average for the segment. Buyers should factor this into their decision and consider an extended warranty.

How does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban compare to the Ford Expedition Max and Toyota Sequoia?

The Suburban offers more cargo space than both rivals, with 144.7 cubic feet of total capacity. The Expedition Max offers better fuel economy (19 mpg combined vs. 17 mpg for the 5.3-liter V-8) and a more modern feel. The Toyota Sequoia is the most reliable and holds its value best, with a hybrid powertrain standard for 2023. The Sequoia also has a more spacious third row. The Suburban wins on cargo space and towing capability; the Expedition wins on efficiency and technology; the Sequoia wins on reliability and resale value.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban?

The 5.3-liter V-8 with rear-wheel drive returns 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. The 6.2-liter V-8 drops to 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel offers 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In real-world driving, Fuelly data shows an average combined MPG of 18.10. Diesel owners report 22 to 25 mpg in mixed driving. The V-8s are thirsty, and the diesel is the only sensible choice for high-mileage drivers.

How much cargo space does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban have?

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban offers 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 144.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. This is more than any other full-size SUV, making the Suburban one of the most practical vehicles for families who need to carry cargo and passengers simultaneously.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban a good family SUV?

Yes, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is an excellent family SUV for those who need maximum space. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with three rows that can accommodate adults in the third row. The cargo space is massive, and the second-row seats slide fore and aft. The cabin is quiet and refined, making long trips more pleasant. However, the Suburban’s size can be challenging in tight parking situations, and the reliability concerns are a risk for long-term ownership.

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban have Super Cruise?

Yes, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban offers GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, but it is only available on Premier and High Country trims as an option. Super Cruise allows the Suburban to drive itself on mapped highways, with adaptive cruise control and hands-free lane changes, providing a level of autonomy that few competitors can match.