Quickies: 2026 Chevrolet Suburban

There has been one model name that has been in continuous use for the past 92 years. We’re not talking about a brand, but a single model.

We’re talking, of course, about the Chevrolet Suburban.

If you think about it, this model name should be more of a brand by itself. It is, after all, the measuring stick for all large family SUVs. 

For anyone who wants to build a body-on-frame, supersized SUV that can fir eight people very comfortably looks to the Suburban. So much so that it has become the livery vehicle of choice, with celebrities and prom couples jumping in and out of them. 

Over our 15 years, we have never said anything about this large SUV. Only its competitors, but not the O.G. family truckster. 

Here’s the thing: It is a huge seller for General Motors. It is also a profit center. They are what families want in a family vehicle, with the space, performance, agility, and presence one wants in one. 

Considering all of this, I had to try one out for size. 

This specific 2026 Chevrolet Suburban LS was at Road America’s paddock for the 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. It did not look like a stripped-down model from what I can tell. This Lakeside Blue example added what is called the Custom Edition package. Which explains why it has some darkened elements in the exterior. 

Before we explain what the Custom Edition package is all about, we have to start with the basics. It is a simple design that has evolved over the past nine decades. Today’s Suburban commands a presence that cannot be denied. You know what it is by looking at the Bowtie up front.

Yet, Chevrolet makes it distinctive with its details. Throughout its 226.3 inches, the Suburban shows off a specific dark-finished grille texture, sculpted creases and details, taillight design along with large opening doors and a large liftgate in the back. All of this is extenuated by a set of 22-inch 12-spoke two-tone wheels. While the LS is the entry point for the Suburban, it certainly does not look basic. 

Inside, the driver is met with a quasi-flat split screen housing that stretches two-thirds of the dashboard. One half is the 11-inch digital instrument cluster that is customizable. Yet, it is best to just leave it be with the readouts you need. The other half is a larger 17.7-inch touchscreen display for infotainment, camera views, and several other vehicle functions. 

The key point of the infotainment touchscreen is that it has Google Built-in as its architecture. While you can tell Google Assistant what you need the 2026 Suburban to do, it only can go as far without you logging into your Google account. You can still tether your smartphone and integrate it within the touchscreen. If you’re an iOS person like me, you may have to have your Siri fight with Google Assistant to find your favorite music files from your phone. 

In terms of physical controls, the steering column-mounted shifter had that interesting GM actuation, where you have to pull-then-flick to go forward or back. Other controls are scattered between the steering wheel and across the instrument panel – some are below eye level. 

In the LS trim, you get cloth seats that fit over three rows of large seats. They do a decent job of providing comfort with some support. Our test vehicle had a 40/20/40 split set-up up front, along with 60/40 split second row seats. This is more than just passenger capacity, as it is about the actual space inside. With that said, up to nine passengers – especially adults – can enjoy a comfortable ride inside. 

One of the chief reasons why you get a 2026 Suburban is its cargo capacity. In all, there is 144.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, it is the 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats that is more important. That is a huge selling point for parents with active children. Think about how many ice hockey bags you can fit in that space…

Powering this 5,723-pound SUV is its standard 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. It also has 383 pound-feet of torque on tap. That power is sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, as equipped on our test vehicle. The EPA rated this driveline to potentially achieve 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. 

Pulling power is what a Suburban is all about. This driveline is also rated to tow up to 8,000 pounds. It can certainly do that, with its solid performance from this engine. The 2026 Suburban does feel subtle, but that V8 knows it has some grunt to it. 

Where you also get parents with active children – and livery fleet owners – is its solid and subtler ride quality. It never reacted to cracks and uneven surfaces. The 2026 Suburban simply rolled through. When maneuvering, staying below the limits is best to keep ot rolling through the turns. 

Steering the 2026 Suburban was rather easy. Steering effort is not exactly numb, but a bit aiming should enable to it make the turns competently. U-turns and tight parking spots may require some extra effort and visual awareness to accomplish. That is why ypu have a backup camera and high-definition surround vision views inside that 17,7-inch center display touchscreen. On-center feel was just fine. 

The brakes were fine. Pedal feel was a bit on the softer side. Yet, I found stopping power to yield solid stops in normal situations.

For 2026, the Chevrolet Suburban is available in six grades, with base prices starting from $63,700. Our LS 4WD test vehicle with the Custom Edition package came with a sticker price of $71,840. 

After nine decades, the Chevrolet Suburban has become synonymous with the school run, sports practices, shuttling celebrities, and bring families together on long journeys, That has not changed for 2026. The O.G. family truckster is still living large and in charge. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by General Motors. All logistics were provided by the Midwest Automotive Media Association – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern