2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The base-model 2WD LS with a 5.3-liter V8 engine has an MSRP of $52,850, increasing to $53,845 when you opt for the diesel. The LT trim costs $58,250 for the standard 5.3L gas, and $59,245 for the turbodiesel. The RST model with the standard 5.3-liter V8 retails for $61,450, increasing to $62,445 for the diesel and $65,265 for the 6.2-liter V8. The Premier trim with the standard V8 costs $66,200, the Duramax Premier Suburban will cost $67,195, and the 6.2-liter V8 Premier is $68,695. The top-spec High Country drops the 5.3-liter V8. The 6.2-liter V8 Premier has a base price of $73,100. The diesel High Country is slightly cheaper, retailing for $71,600. Adding 4WD to any of these trims ups the base price by $3,000.

The Z71 is only available in 4WD format, and also only with the two gas V8s, not the diesel. The 5.3-liter V8 has an MSRP of $63,450 and the 6.2-liter costs $72,050. Destination and delivery costs add $1,695 to all these prices.

As mentioned earlier, the Suburban comes with an independent rear suspension, but don't let that trick you into believing that it's now an agile track machine. It's still a body-on-frame Heffalump of a machine with a massive curb weight. The new independent suspension adds a nice layer of comfort and the Suburban certainly feels more sure-footed than before, but that's about it. Go for the optional air suspension and the ride will be even smoother.

From behind the wheel, you get the sense that it's the Suburban's weight beating the road flat, but in reality, the new setup just does a good job. It leans when you push into a corner, but what SUV doesn't? It's a boat-like experience, and most likely exactly what customers in this segment want. The driving modes include Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. Each sets the car up perfectly for the task at hand. We're also glad to see that Chevy didn't bother with an Eco driving mode, which would have been as useful as a lead balloon.

Adding AWD is only necessary if you live in a cold-weather state or spend a lot of time on gravel roads. Even with the optional air suspension in its highest setting, the Suburban is severely limited by its long wheelbase and poor breakover angle.

The changes Chevrolet made to the new Suburban it launched last year are significant. It rides and handles better than before, which makes its size less of a liability. As for the rest of the car, Chevy did what it does best. The engine options aren't groundbreaking but they get the job done. Add the 6.2-liter V8 engine and this large SUV is surprisingly brisk. What matters most is the space, and the Suburban provides plenty. Even with all three rows in place, it still has enough cargo capacity left over for most weekly tasks. The third row can also be used by adults, which is extremely rare in three-row SUVs.

On the downside, it's not as efficient as its main rivals, but the frugal diesel engine is a nice alternative available on most models. The high-end trims are extremely expensive and no longer the go-to when buying a Chevrolet Suburban. The new generation Chevy finally gives customers a good reason to buy it, beyond just being fans of the brand.

Honestly, there's no need to go above the LT specification, in our opinion. The LS is just a bit too rental-spec for our liking, but the LT adds a power tailgate, a Bose nine-speaker sound system, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with Google, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seats for the first and second row and, from this year, the Driver Alert Package. Not bad considering the $5,400 price difference. The top-spec models are far too expensive, and the Suburban is too compromised length-wise to be a real off-roader. So we'd stick with 2WD unless you live in a cold-weather state. We'd also opt for the diesel engine for the improved gas mileage figures.

We'd add the basic Luxury Package and the Rear Seat Media System to entertain the kids. With all these goodies included, you're looking at a Chevrolet Suburban with a price of just under $67k.

These two are essentially the same car, though the Tahoe has a slightly smaller wheelbase. That means you get less cargo capacity, and the third-row loses its ability to easily accommodate fully-grown adults. The Tahoe is available with the same engines, interior trimmings, and standard features as the Suburban. It's slightly more efficient thanks to a lower curb weight, but not so much that you'd notice. There's only one real reason you'd choose one over the other, and that's how much space you need. If you need to haul loads of people and cargo in your vehicle, the Suburban is the way to go. If you don't, get the Tahoe.

Of the two, the Ford is one of the more modern competitors. Ford uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, available with 375-400 hp. Equipped with the right tow package, the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 lbs, in comparison to the Chevy's 8,300 lbs. The Ford's infotainment system is also easier to use, and the interior quality is just slightly better. It's nowhere near as spacious as the Chevy, however. The Suburban has double the cargo capacity behind the third row. Ford is more generous when it comes to standard safety features, and it received a full five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The Expedition is expensive at the top end, but the mid-spec Limited offers epic value for money. We suggest taking both for a test drive, but considering these cars will likely be used to ferry the most valuable cargo there is, we're inclined to go with the Ford.