The automotive market has redefined the concept of the sport utility vehicle in the last couple of decades. They have grown in size, and they have shrunk. They have gained power, and they have decreased engine output. They have become more family-oriented, and they have become targeted for single millennials. There is an SUV out there for everyone. But none can compare to the grandfather of the class, the Chevy Suburban. While we were looking forward to an all-new generation of the 2020 Chevy Suburban, we will have to wait one more year.
Even though there is virtually nothing new on the 2020 Chevy Suburban from last year, it is still a formidable opponent to any other SUV in an extremely crowded market. Granted there will not be a lot of overlap between those looking at a subcompact like the Chevy Trax and those looking at the monstrous Chevy Suburban, but the SUV class is still a highly competitive one, from top to bottom.
While SUVs come in different shapes, sizes, and purposes for the wide variety of SUV buyers, there has to be a superlative in every category. Biggest, strongest, most family-friendly – somebody has to be king. While the 2020 Chevy Suburban may not lead in all of the many “best in class” categories, it has enough of everything you look for in a large SUV to still be considered at the top of the SUV field. And, considering the massive number of vehicles below it, that’s an impressive feat.
Take a look at a few of the key components of the 2020 Chevy Suburban and see if you agree.
Engines
The 2020 Chevy Suburban comes with two available engines. The base engine, found on the LS and LT trim levels, is a 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed transmission. While that is plenty of power for most people, even for a vehicle the size of a Suburban, Chevy still has more power available.
The other engine, available on the 2020 Chevy Suburban Premier trim level, is a 6.2L V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This one is paired with a 10-speed transmission, which it will need to handle all the responsibilities that come with an engine that size.
Vehicles the size of the 2020 Chevy Suburban don’t get very much mundane use. These are not the kind of vehicles that just go to and from the office, and not take on a little extra work. Sure, they make great family vehicles, but families often come with baggage. Kids have book bags, and family trips require luggage; people of all ages have things they need to take with them. They also aren’t meant to be sublimated just for trips to the grocery store. That is, unless, you feed a football team on a daily basis.
No, the 2020 Chevy Suburban is in a class of vehicle that gets that extra burden of use beyond the day-to-day. Whether it be weekend excursions, a work-related vehicle or an unusually large group of passengers (like a large family or carpool group), this Suburban is made to handle loads that the average SUV cannot. That’s why Chevy has the 6.2L V8 option with the 10-speed transmission. This one can tow up to 6,300 pounds and has a payload of nearly 1,700 pounds. So, whether you have a work trailer or a recreational vehicle, the 2020 Chevy Suburban can safely and efficiently take it with you and eight adults.
Interior Space
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the interior space of the 2020 Chevy Suburban. After all, it’s kind of a major selling point. All that engine power is wasted if you don’t have the room to utilize its weight capacity. You’ve got the large family or group of friends/co-workers that need the space, and the 2020 Chevy Suburban delivers it hand over fist.
First, we will look at the cargo space. Behind the third row of seats you will find 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. That is about double the trunk space of a large sedan, give or take. When the third row of seats is down, the cargo space more than doubles itself to 76.7 cubic feet. With both rear seats down, the total cargo volume adds up to 121.7 cubic feet of space. While that is not a “class leader” (not even close, in fact), it is still plenty of room to haul around just about any gear you need. Whether it is work or fun-related, the interior cargo space of the 2020 Chevy Suburban is massive enough to get the job done.
On top of that, there is plenty of other smaller cargo holds located around the interior. From seatback pockets to consoles to door pockets, there are enough nooks and crannies to stow any little objects you or your kids need. Anyone that has ever gotten into a car with a small child will tell you it sometimes feels like you are riding in a toy box. As the kids grow up, the toys may change, but they will still be along for the ride. You will want all the storage space you need for stuffed animals, toy trucks, Barbie dolls, tablets, sippy cups, stray socks, and wet wipes. In fact, the front seat center console is big enough to store a full-size laptop. That will come in handy for kids and grownups.
For the adults who are along for the ride, the 2020 Chevy Suburban offers plenty of head and legroom in all three rows. The front seat offers 42.8 inches of headroom and 45.3 inches of legroom. The second row has 39.1 inches of headroom and 39.7 inches of legroom. The third row gets 38.5 inches of headroom and 34.5 inches of legroom. As you can see, the available stretch room decreases the further back you go. However, it is still a comfortable enough ride all the way in the back, even for adults. For kids in car seats, and those a few years removed from them, there is more than enough room.
Technology
Part of being a family friendly SUV in 2019 and 2020 means being well connected. The internet is not an option at home, nor should it be in your vehicle, especially if you have children and friends who rely on it like most do nowadays.
Standard on the 2020 Chevy Suburban is a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, able to connect cell phones, tablets and laptops to the internet without using wireless data. Of course, you have to have a separate plan with GM, but that’s for a different day. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This means that you can connect your smart phone to the Suburban’s infotainment center and have instant access to music, podcasts, navigation, messages and more.
If you opt for the top of the line Premier trim level, you will also get a premium Bose stereo system with 10 speakers, as well as wireless headphones for those who wish to listen to something else. Options on the Premier level also include 2nd and 3rd row LCD touchscreens and a Blu-Ray entertainment system. If you spend a lot of time with kids in the car, and you need help keeping them entertained on long trips, this might be a sanity saver.
The 2020 Chevy Suburban will have a relatively short shelf life, as the 2021 Chevy Suburban will debut the 12th generation in early 2021. Look for some significant changes for the 2021 model year. But, in the mean time, the 2020 Chevy Suburban is more than enough for even the most demanding SUV drivers.
