Commonly dubbed “Coca-Cola” on account of its familiar shape, the Chevrolet Suburban is one of the longest-running vehicles in automotive history. It dates back to 1935 and remains a top contender in the family-hauling category. Currently in its 12th generation, the 2023 Suburban boasts plenty of new features and upgrades that put it a cut above the competition.
This behemoth, full-size SUV can haul a family in comfort and all their gear and still have room to spare — making it the perfect vehicle for road trips and family vacations. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what the 2023 Suburban has to offer, including its towing capacity, cargo space, and performance specs. Stay tuned.
Engine, Performance, And Transmission
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of towing capacity and cargo space, it’s worth taking a sneak peek under the hood of the 2023 Suburban. Drivers in Savannah, Georgia, will have three engine options: a 5.3L V-8, a 6.2L V-8, and a 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. The 5.3L V-8 is the default engine on all but the top-of-the-line High Country trim, which comes standard with the more powerful and capable 6.2L V-8.
The smaller of the two V-8 options is good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the larger engine provides 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Diesel engine lovers will be glad to know that the available turbo-diesel engine is an all-new offering for the 2023 model year. This powerplant is a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
As for the transmission, all three engines are mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This transmission has been expertly calibrated to work in harmony with the SUV’s various engine options, providing a smooth and seamless driving experience no matter which engine you choose. The 2023 Suburban is also available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, giving you the option to tailor your SUV to your specific needs.
Whether you’re sticking with rear-wheel drive or opting for the added traction of four-wheel drive, you’ll be glad to know that the 2023 Suburban comes standard with Chevrolet’s excellent Traction Select System. This system allows you to adjust your SUV’s drive settings to match the current road conditions.
Towing Capacity, Cargo Space, And Payload
Now that we know a little bit about what’s going on under the hood, let’s talk about what we’ve all been waiting for.
When equipped with the available Max Trailering package, the rear-wheel-drive 5.3L V-8 Suburban boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,300 pounds. There is a slight drop of 200 pounds if you opt for the four-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the lowest towing capacity you’ll find on a 2023 Suburban is 7,800 pounds — if you choose the four-wheel drive 6.2L V-8 engine. However, you can bump that up to 8,000 pounds by choosing the rear-wheel drive version of the same engine option with the Max Trailering package.
The rear-wheel drive 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is the second most capable in towing. It offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering package. Nevertheless, that plunges to 7,800 pounds if you go with the four-wheel drive diesel engine. As per the figures, it’s clear that if you’re planning on doing any serious towing, you’ll want to stick with the rear-wheel drive version of the gas-powered 5.3L V-8 or the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. Both powertrains offer best-in-class towing capacity and can easily tow most boats, trailers, and RVs with ease.
Towing accessories available on the 2023 Suburban include a trailering camera system, which gives you a clear view of what’s behind you when you’re hauling a trailer. This system includes a rearview camera and two side-view cameras. A trailer sway control system also helps keep your trailer in line, even on windy days. Hitch Guidance is now standard on all Suburbans, and it uses sensors to guide you into proper alignment with your trailer’s hitch. This system makes hitching up a trailer a breeze, even if you’re doing it yourself.
And for those times when you need to do a little off-roading, the 2023 Suburban comes standard with Hill Descent Control. This system automatically applies the brakes and adjusts the throttle to help you safely navigate down steep grades. Finally, the 2023 Suburban comes with Trailer Brake Controller as standard, so you can rest assured knowing that your trailer will be safe and secure no matter where the road takes you.
Of course, towing capacity is only part of the equation when choosing the right SUV for your needs. You also need to consider cargo space and payload capacity. When it comes to cargo space, the 2023 Suburban once again doesn’t disappoint. This SUV offers a whopping 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded down. And, even with all seats in place, you’ll still have plenty of room to work with, thanks to the Suburban’s 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
It’s not just the interior of this SUV that’s boxy and spacious; the 2023 Suburban also offers a large and capable payload. It can handle up to 1,750 pounds of payload, which is more than enough for most families’ needs.
Fuel Economy And Real-World MPG
It wouldn’t be a complete overview of the 2023 Suburban if we didn’t talk about fuel economy and real-world mpg. After all, even the biggest and most capable SUVs need to be able to go the distance without breaking the bank at the pump.
Fortunately, the 2023 Suburban is surprisingly fuel-efficient for its size. This available diesel engine is the most efficient, returning an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. But even the gas-powered engines are pretty fuel efficient. The 2023 Suburban’s 5.3L V-8 engine gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Not too shabby for an SUV that can tow up to 8,300 pounds. Last but not least, the thirstier 6.2L V-8 engine manages to get an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
If you’re in the market for a large and capable SUV, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban should definitely be on your radar. Vaden Chevrolet Savannah will be among the first dealerships to receive the all-new Suburban, so be sure to check back often or contact us for more information. In the meantime, browse our online inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles to find the perfect SUV for your needs.
Image via Chevrolet
