This year just in time for the busy and fully-embracing “schools out” days of summer here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, the full-size body-on-frame SUV lineup has been completely redesigned. The Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and Suburban have all been revamped and do not at all disappoint in their respective segments. This 2021 Suburban Duramax now sees the addition of a diesel option, adding the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Duramax that is found in the Silverado 1500.
The power output is 277 horsepower, and the torque comes in at 460 lb-ft. The testing staff on duty at Guidesauweb.com said that this Suburban Duramax is “Remarkably Comfortable and Quiet”, and that once inside the seats and surroundings are so comfortable you will never want to get out. You can hardly hear the diesel engine hard at work under the hood, and as some think of this as a longer form of the Tahoe, it offers more room for carry-on luggage behind the third row. Towing capacity is rated at 8,000 pounds with the available towing package, so anything's possible when it comes to hauling along playthings for lake time and camping to clear the head.
Available on every single Suburban trim beside the off-road-ready Z71, the 3.0-liter Duramax option was immediately deemed by the experts hard at work on the Road and Track staff as a must-have for anyone who plans to use this massive Chevy people-hauler for its intended purpose. Driven long and hard from NYC to right here in Missouri for the 100 Acre Wood rally, the diesel turned to be suited just right for getting along with a trailer in back, with a torque factor that absolutely makes all the difference.
Lugging this trailer halfway across the nation for these two seemed like a bit of a daunting task at first, but once they were popped into trailer/haul mode and the throttle sensitivity and transmission were adjusted there seemed to be no strain at all. It never felt like the diesel was struggling to pull its weight, and accelerating on the highway, passing traffic and getting uphill were all done without any difficulty.
During a trip this long it was also very evident that the air suspension made things much simpler when attaching and detaching the trailer, while the added bonus of a hitch camera resulted in placing the hitch ball with a sense of precision accuracy. This is the XXL and still everyday practical family vehicle that will take full reign of the road with the grunt and burly twist of a muscle car, yet still offer up a playroom with screens to fully entertain the busy family in tow's convenience. Even with the muddiest and most-rutted dirt roads in their path, the Suburban didn't whine a bit, and will remain as iconic and durable as its very own star that resides on the Hollywood walk of fame!
