Starting at
Starting at
355 - 420 | Horsepower (HP) | 355 - 420 |
144.7 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 121.7 |
10.2" | Infotainment Screen Size | 8" |
The Chevy Suburban is one of the most trustworthy large SUVs on the market and one of the most iconic vehicles in Chevy's impressive lineup of fantastic cars, trucks, and SUVs. With its immediately recognizable muscular look, spacious cabin, and unbeatable performance, drivers have been flocking to the Suburban for years. The only tough thing about the Chevy Suburban is choosing which one to buy. To help you figure out which one is right for you, here is a look at the 2021 Chevy Suburban vs 2020 Chevy Suburban.
While the Suburban has largely remained constant over the years, each version does have its differences. The new 2021 Suburban is no different and has quite a few upgrades and features that you might want to consider as you are looking for the Suburban that is right for you. But obviously, the 2020 Suburban is no slouch either. When comparing the two, it is like trying to determine which is the better heavyweight champion. Either one would win just about any other competition, but when facing each other, it becomes a close fight.
The 2021 Chevy Suburban performs like a beast and has three different engine choices that give you just the right balance of power and efficiency that you are looking for. The first engine option is a 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 that is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is capable of generating 355 hp. The 5.3L is the standard engine and is found on five of the Suburban trims. With the 5.3L, you can also expect to get a very efficient 20 MPG on the highway, which is solid for a full-size SUV.
The second engine choice is the 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 that can produce up to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, even though it has more power, the 6.3L gets the same 20 MPG on the highway, making it the perfect blend of power and efficiency. The 6.2L also has an extremely robust towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs, which puts it in the same category as some trucks.
The final engine option on the 2021 model is a 3.0L Duramax diesel engine that gets up to 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A diesel option is a brand-new addition to the Suburban for 2021 and promises excellent fuel economy and towing power. If you need to have a diesel, then the 2021 Suburban is the version for you.
The 2020 Suburban has the same 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engine options as the 2021 model. However, on the 2020 Suburban, the base V8 comes paired with an older and slightly less efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. It also is not quite as good at towing, although its max tow rating is only 100 lbs less than the newer vehicle.
One other feature that adds to the overall performance of the 2021 Suburban is the Advanced Trailering Package. With the Advanced Trailering Package, you can take the hassle out of towing just about anything. The system includes an in-vehicle app that can show trailer profiles, provides a checklist to make sure you do everything necessary to trailer safely, and can even monitor the tire pressure of the tires on the trailer.
The interior of the 2021 Suburban is unlike anything before it and offers some significant upgrades over the 2020 model. All Suburbans are already known for their spacious interiors and ability to carry seven or even eight passengers, but with the 2021 Suburban, the dimensions are increased to the next level. When you fold down the back two rows of seats, the 2021 Suburban has a max cargo room of 144.7 cu.ft. That is enough space to carry just about anything you could want, including bikes, small kayaks, groceries, and materials for your home improvement projects.
The added space also makes the ride more comfortable when you do pack it full of passengers. The front row has 44.5 inches of legroom and the second row offers a very roomy 42 inches. Finally, the back row, which in older full-size SUVs is notoriously small and uncomfortable, now has a generous 36.7 inches of legroom. Those numbers are significant improvements over the 2020 Suburban.
While the front row is actually slightly roomier in the 2020 model, Chevy realized it makes more sense to take the unused inch from the front and give it to the back rows instead. With last year's model, they had yet to come to that conclusion, and both the second and third rows are a bit limiting. In the second row of the 2020 Suburban, you can find 39.7 inches for your legs, but in the third row, you only have 34.5 inches. That is almost three inches less legroom in the second row and over two inches less in the third row. And for anyone who has gone on a long road trip in the third row of a Suburban, you know those inches add up.
The cabin of the 2021 Suburban isn't only roomier, but it also has outstanding tech features that make it a spectacular SUV. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen is vibrant and stunning, and the 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets are highly functional. Some of the finishing touches are luxurious too, like the standard 9-speaker Bose audio system, which gives off a premium quality sound and the available 8-inch diagonal driver information center, which gives you all the relevant information you need.
Both the 2021 and 2020 Chevy Suburban are very safe vehicles and employ cutting edge safety technologies. But one advantage of the 2021 version is that it does have a few extra safety features that come standard. While many of them are available on the 2020 Suburban, in the older model, they cost extra.
For example, the 2021 Suburban comes standard with Automatic Emergency Braking. This system works with the Forward Collision Alert technology and utilizes cameras to know when to apply hard braking in order to avoid or mitigate a collision. The Forward Collision Alert also warns you when you are tailgating or driving too close to the vehicle in front of you. Front Pedestrian Braking also works through the cameras found on the Suburban to apply hard braking to avoid hitting a pedestrian when driving under 50 miles per hour.
The Following Distance Indicator lets you know how close you are to the car in front of you, and the Intellibeam Auto High Beams automatically toggle between high beam and low beam according to traffic conditions. When you add on the available safety features available on the 2021 Chevy Suburban, you get one of the most comprehensive suites of safety technologies available today. Some of the extra features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
While many of these same safety features are available on the 2020 Suburban, the list of comparable standard features is relatively short. Basically, you get a Rear Vision Camera and Rear Park Assist. While those two technologies are certainly great, it does mean you will have to pay extra to get the same quality safety features you get standard on the 2021 Suburban.
When you compare the quality performance, spacious interior, and standard safety features of the 2021 Chevy Suburban with those of the 2020 Suburban, you can see that Chevy made some nice upgrades and the newer model is just a shade or two better. While both are Chevy's and you can't go wrong with either one, because they currently have the same price tag, it only makes sense to go with the 2021 Chevy Suburban.