Archived model-year dossier
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is all-new: a redesigned full-size SUV with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard and forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams on every model. NHTSA lists 12 recalls, including power-steering software, rear driveshafts and several seat-belt campaigns, and 199 complaints led by the engine. Used prices run about $29,300 to $39,700.
Configurations10
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency16–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
J.D. Power (opens in a new tab) lists the 2021 Suburban and Tahoe as all-new, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard and Cherry Red Tintcoat as a new extra-cost paint. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says every 2021 Suburban has forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams and a following-distance indicator as standard, with rear pedestrian detection available on the LT and Z71 and standard on the top two trims.
KBB lists fuel economy from 14/19 to 16/20 mpg city and highway, and EPA rates the 2021 Suburban at 16 to 23 mpg combined and $3,450 to $4,850 a year in fuel, the top figure being the diesel.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 Suburban, many on a first-year redesign. The driving-critical ones are 21V455000, a software issue that can cause a loss of power-steering assist, 22V036000, rear driveshaft assemblies whose internal components were not heat-treated properly, 21V739000, a fuel pump power control module that can make the pump fail and stall the engine, 24V797000, a transmission control valve that may fail and lock the rear wheels, and 25V274000, connecting-rod or crankshaft components with manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. Five concern seat belts and seats: loose front center belt brackets, incorrect belt bolts, front-seat attachment bolts not reinstalled after a repair, misrouted third-row belts and a third-row buckle rivet improperly formed. The last two cover an air-bag warning lamp and daytime running lights.
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA: engine leads with 86, then power train with 36, fuel and propulsion system with 22, electrical system with 19 and unknown or other with 13.
What a 2021 Suburban costs today
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists used 2021 Suburban prices from $29,300 for the Commercial to $39,700 for the High Country at a dealership, with trade-in values of about $23,700 to $31,400 and private-party values of about $27,600 to $37,600.
2021 Suburban against the Expedition and Sequoia
EPA rates the 2021 Suburban at 16 to 23 mpg combined and $3,450 to $4,850 a year in fuel. The 2021 Ford Expedition rates 18 to 19 at $3,300 to $3,450 and the Toyota Sequoia 14 to 15 at $4,150 to $4,450. On EPA figures the Suburban's diesel is the most efficient of the three full-size SUVs, and its gasoline V-8 sits between the Expedition and the Sequoia.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 2WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 9 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LS | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 2WD | 355 | 383 | 16 / 20 / 18 mpg | 9 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LT | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 15 / 19 / 17 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Z71 | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 15 / 19 / 17 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Premier | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 15 / 19 / 17 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| RST | 5.3-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 355 | 383 | 15 / 19 / 17 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| High Country | 6.2-liter V8 (EcoTec3) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | 4WD | 420 | 460 | 14 / 19 / 16 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 5,616 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 42.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,300 lb | 1,750 lb | P275/50R22 |
| LS | 5,616 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 42.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,300 lb | 1,750 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| LT | 5,824 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 42.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,100 lb | 1,759 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| Z71 | 5,824 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 43.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,100 lb | 1,759 lb | P275/60R20 |
| Premier | 5,824 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 43.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,100 lb | 1,759 lb | P275/65R20SL |
| RST | 5,824 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 43.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 8,100 lb | 1,759 lb | P275/50R22 |
| High Country | 6,016 lb | 225.7 in | 75.7 in | 134.1 in | 43.3 ft | 28 gal | 42.3 in | 44.5 in | 7,900 lb | 1,612 lb | P275/50R22 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Chevrolet Suburban trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Commercial | LS | LT | Z71 | Premier | RST | High Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | – | – | – | Std | Std | – | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | – |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding third-row seat | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Limited-slip differential | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
10 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43494Suburban 2WD | 3L 6-cylDiesel | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Diesel | 21 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 44037Suburban 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 15 | 20 | 17 | N/A |
| 42620Suburban 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 16 | 20 | 18 | N/A |
| 44035Suburban 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 14 | 20 | 16 | N/A |
| 42618Suburban 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 15 | 20 | 17 | N/A |
| 43596Suburban 4WD | 3L 6-cylDiesel | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Diesel | 20 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 44046Suburban 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 15 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
| 42629Suburban 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 15 | 19 | 17 | N/A |
| 42627Suburban 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 14 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
| 44044Suburban 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Premium | 13 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban versus the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban?
Model year
Against the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban: Model/option labels added: Suburban 2WD, Suburban 4WD. Model/option labels no longer listed: Suburban C1500 2WD, Suburban K1500 4WD. Engine descriptions added: 3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 6.2L 8-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 5.3L 8-cyl SIDI; FFV. Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic 6-spd. Fuel types added: Diesel. Fuel types no longer listed: Gasoline or E85. Certification records went from 6 to 10. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 17.0 to 19.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 4 for the 2020 to 12 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 3 stars for rollover resistance, a 21.2% to 21.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03Which 2021 Chevrolet Suburban recalls can be fixed by an over-the-air update?
Safety record
3 campaigns can be remedied over the air: 21V-421 (air bags (srs malfunction warning lamp/light)), 21V-455 (steering (steering control module)) and 22V-827 (exterior lighting (lighting control module)).
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q04What size wheels does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's wheel diameter is 20 inches on the Z71 and 22 inches on the Commercial, RST and High Country. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban trims differ from one another?
Trims
The LS has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start and voice recognition as standard equipment over the Commercial. The LT has 4WD instead of 2WD and heated front seats, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and 2 more as standard equipment over the LS. The Z71 has hill-descent control as standard equipment over the LT. The Premier has blind-spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats and 5 more as standard equipment over the Z71. The High Country has 420 hp against 355 and blind-spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats and 8 more as standard equipment over the RST.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Chevrolet Suburban across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
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