The Highlights of the Twelfth-Generation Suburban

As the world’s longest-reigning nameplate, the Suburban has long been seen as the standard bearer for the high expectations of quality and versatility that the bowtie brand is known for. While compact SUVs are ideal for some, there will always be a need for three rows of seating, copious amounts of storage space, and powertrains that enable the easy accomplishment of the arduous tasks that make up the workday. 

If you want to obtain the awesome power and performance of Chevy’s largest SUV but at a reduced cost, then you should seek a used Chevy Suburban for sale. To sweeten your interest, let’s take a look at the major highlights of the twelfth generation of the Chevy Suburban, which has been ongoing since 2021. The bowtie brand has brought us some exciting innovations during this period, and we’re sure you’ll find them as enticing as we do.

Diesel Power in a People-Mover 

No other brand has been more effective in revitalizing the diesel powertrain than Chevy, whose Duramax engine has proven that diesel remains a viable fuel source. This diesel powertrain produces incredible torque figures at fewer revolutions per minute, thereby reducing the stress put on the engine while providing exceptional towing power and fuel economy figures. 

This diesel powertrain option first came to the Chevy Suburban in 2021, at the start of the twelfth generation. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel six-cylinder initially produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque at lower RPMs than its gasoline-powered counterparts (at 3,750 and 1,500 RPMs, respectively), but an update to its design in 2025 now allows the Duramax Turbo-Diesel to achieve 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows the Suburban to easily pull 8,100 lbs when properly equipped, making it a valuable asset for recreational activities and demanding jobs. 

One of the Duramax powertrain’s most impressive attributes is its highly effective fuel economy figures. Prior to the 2025 update, this engine enabled drivers to achieve an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in rear-wheel drive—numbers that are incredibly good for a full-size SUV. With this powertrain, drivers could have a high towing capacity, generous space, and go farther between fill-ups. 

A Suburban Just for Off-Roaders 

For those who have been following Chevy closely for the past several years, the Z71 badge needs no introduction. This designation is a sign of off-roading excellence that’s tough to surpass, with only the brand’s ZR2 doing better. Off-roaders had been relying on the Suburban for their adventures for decades; this tendency increased in 2021 when this model gained the Z71 trim, which is specifically designed for faraway trips through rough terrain.  

The Suburban Z71 has everything a discerning off-roader could ask for. Sitting on a set of all-terrain tires and protected by a series of skid plates, the Z71 is off-road-ready from the moment it rolls off the assembly line. In 2022, Chevy introduced an electronic limited-slip differential, which allowed adventurers to manage torque more easily and benefit from increased traction. A specially designed suspension was created to enable the Suburban to endure more of the bumps and lumps that come with adventures off the pavement. 

In recent years, Chevy has equipped more of its vehicles with the highly coveted Z71 badge, including the heavy-duty Silverado 2500 and 3500. Taking advantage of the Suburban Z71 means having all of the advantages of Chevy’s largest SUV while also having formidable performance on the path less traveled. 

The Most Intuitive Infotainment System 

Modern drivers prefer to have constant access to the apps and tech they use daily, even when they’re driving. In 2022, Chevy introduced one of its most immersive and intuitive infotainment setups to date. The newly available 10.2-inch screen offered wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products, as well as integration with Google Built-In.

For the first time, drivers who chose the Suburban had access to a wealth of maps, music, apps, and much more, all thanks to the world’s most powerful search engine. Leading the way in innovation, this partnership with Google has proven Chevy to be at the forefront of innovation. Taking this even further, the Suburban’s standard touchscreen became even larger in 2025, at 17.7 inches.

Interstate Travel Just Got Super 

The Suburban’s recent technological innovations weren’t limited to an intuitive infotainment screen. Since 2017, adaptive cruise control has been available on the Premier trim of the Suburban; this driver assistance feature automatically adjusts vehicle speed to match surrounding traffic patterns to help preserve the driver’s reaction time while minimizing fatigue in stop-and-go conditions. This feature has been one of the biggest breakthroughs of the past decade. 

In 2023, the deal was sweetened with the availability of Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous hands-free driving tool. It’s compatible with over 400,000 miles of highway across North America, which means that driver fatigue occurring on long distances of interstate travel is now a thing of the past. 

Great Driver Assistance Features 

Performance and infotainment aside, Chevy is also well-known for producing vehicles that promote safety and oversight. In 2022, the Suburban adopted the brand’s driver assistance feature suite, Chevy Safety Assist, which was standard or available for every trim. 

Today, all trims of the Chevy Suburban come equipped with automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, both of which preserve reaction time in the event of a potential collision. Lane departure and lane-keeping assistance are crucial for helping drivers maintain the correct position in their lane. Other items included with Chevy Safety Assist are automated high beams, a following distance indicator, and front pedestrian braking. 

2022 also marked the moment when more features were granted to the Suburban’s Premier and High Country trims. Advanced features such as HD Surround Vision, a rear camera mirror, reverse automatic braking, and a safety alert seat were now optionable or standard. Safety has always been the most important aspect of any vehicle, and the inclusion of Chevy Safety Assist delivers Suburban owners a crucial added layer of protection. 

More Cabin Room to Work With

As the largest SUV of the Chevy fleet, it’s always been expected that the Suburban will offer as much or more room for seating and storage than any other full-size SUV. Since Chevy always strives to offer their customers more, they designed the twelfth-generation Suburban to do just that, with 144.7 cu.ft. of available storage space—the best in its class. With the most storage room of any SUV and a towing capacity that exceeds 8,000 lbs, the Suburban allows you to take it all with you, no matter where you’re going or what you plan to do there. 

The Biggest Just Keeps Getting Better 

The Suburban isn’t just the world’s oldest nameplate; it’s one of the oldest sources of automotive innovation. Over the decades, it’s continued to shift the paradigm of what a full-size SUV is supposed to be. With mighty powertrains, generous cargo space, high towing capacities, and ingenious safety and infotainment tech, the Suburban continues to be not just one of the largest SUVs but one of the best. 

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with its recent accomplishments, we wouldn’t be surprised if you believed a used Chevy Suburban to be the best choice for your next vehicle purchase.