How Heavy Is A Chevy Suburban?

The weight of your vehicle is a factor in fuel economy, the ability to perform routine maintenance, and how much it can pull behind it. Should you wonder how heavy a Chevy Suburban is, we can help. We researched this popular full-sized SUV from multiple professional sources so that you can have a definitive answer.

The weight of the 2022 Chevy Suburban range between 5,503 pounds and 5,718 pounds. The exact weight will depend upon which trim levels and drive trains are selected.

Now that we know the weight range of the Chevy Suburban, we'll look at the weight of each trim level. You might also be curious which Suburban is best for towing and how much a Suburban can tow. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we uncovered in our research. 

A Chevrolet Suburban SUV on display, How Heavy Is A Chevy Suburban?

Weight of the Chevy Suburban by trim level

It's important to know that when we talk about how much a Suburban weighs, we are discussing the curb weight. Curb weight is how much a vehicle will weigh when empty of cargo and riders. This isn't to be confused with "dry weight," which is the curb weight minus the weight of fuel.

As noted earlier in this post, how much a Suburban weighs will vary. Different trim levels are heavier than others. Four-wheel drive vehicles will also have a different weight than their two-wheel-drive counterparts. Here, we'll break down all the curb weights of the Chevy Suburban by trim level:

  • 2WD Chevy Suburban LS weighs 5,503 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban LS weighs 5,718 pounds
  • 2WD Chevy Suburban LT weighs 5,503 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban LT weighs 5,718 pounds
  • 2WD Chevy Suburban RST weighs 5,503 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban RST weighs 5,718 pounds
  • 2WD Chevy Suburban Premier weighs 5,503 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban Premier weighs 5,718 pounds
  • 2WD Chevy Suburban High Country weighs 5,503 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban High Country weighs 5,718 pounds
  • 4WD Chevy Suburban Z71 weighs 5,718 pounds

Please consult your owner's manual for additional weights and weight limits for the Chevy Suburban. There, you'll find information regarding payload capacity, gross vehicle weight rating, and other pertinent information for this SUV. 

Which SUV is the heaviest?

You might think that the Chevy Suburban is among the heaviest SUVs on the highway. Surprisingly enough, there are a good number of vehicles in this class that tip the scales more than the Suburban. Here's a list of SUVs that top 6,000 pounds:

  • Lexus LS 570 weighs 6,000 pounds
  • Toyota Sequoia weighs 6,000 pounds
  • Rolls Royce Cullinan weighs 6,069 pounds
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV weighs 6,088 pounds
  • GMC Yukon Denali XL weighs 6,100 pounds

Topping the scales at 8,813 pounds is the Infiniti QX80! This full-size luxury SUV was engineered and constructed by Nissan. Though large, this model SUV combines comfort with all the high-tech features you'd expect onboard a luxury vehicle. 

Size and weight can both play a significant role in how safe you and your passengers will be during a motor vehicle accident. Ahead in this post, we'll discuss just how these two factors come into play. Read on to see why they matter.

Which Suburban is best for towing?

The Chevy Suburban is an excellent vehicle for towing smaller travel trailers, campers, or flatbeds. But not all models of the Suburban are created equal, and towing is not an exception to this. What you equip a Suburban with will significantly impact what you tow and how well you can tow it. 

You'll want to have a Chevy Suburban with a two-wheel-drive drivetrain for maximum towing capability. From there, having the 5.3L V8 engine under the hood will increase the towing power. Finally, adding the Max Towing Package will combine all the necessary elements to get the most tow weight out of the Chevy Suburban.

Later in this post, we'll discuss what the Max Trailering Package consists of. For now, know that equipping your Chevy Suburban with all of the above will increase its overall towing capacity to 8,300 pounds. This is an increase of seven hundred pounds from the base model.

Chevrolet Suburban in the city street

Is a heavier car safer?

Being inside a heavier vehicle will undoubtedly give you and your passengers extra protection in the event of a motor vehicle accident. The more mass you're riding in, the more you will be safeguarded from impact. The heavier mass translates to less of an impact from head-on collisions.

Crash tests performed on heavier vehicles back up this supposition. Heavy vehicles tend to have much longer frames. The longer the frame, the more crumpling has to occur before it reaches the passengers. This has been proven to make these frames much safer for passengers. 

With larger SUVs in particular, the vehicle's sheer size can lead to additional safety. After an impact, there is more room to maneuver inside the cabin. This could make the difference between getting out of the vehicle on your own or having to be extracted by first responders. 

With the base level engine and no towing package, the Suburban can still tow 7,600 pounds. Please consult your owner's manual for the exact amount by trim level. And never exceed the manufacturer's towing capacity, as serious injury, death, and damage to the vehicle may occur.

Vehicle drove into the side of a building

How much can the 2021 Chevy Suburban tow?

The amount of weight a 2021 Chevy Suburban can tow will depend on the trim level and the drive train. The type of engine selected will also have an impact on the maximum amount that can be towed behind this SUV. You can also purchase some add-ons from the dealership that will make your Suburban even more optimal for towing.

The most weight that any 2021 Chevy Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds. For this amount to be safely towed, it needs to be a two-wheel-drive configuration with the 5.3L V8 engine under the hood. The Max Trailering Package is also required to tow this amount of weight, so be sure to inquire about this add-on at your local dealership.

The Max Trailering Package will add the following to your Chevy Suburban:

  • Hitch Guidance with Hitch View for easy trailering
  • Trailer brake controller 
  • Enhanced cooling radiator to reduce the heat of an engine and a transmission that's working overtime
  • 2-speed transfer case (LT trims with four-wheel drive only)
  • Advanced Trailering System  
  • Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (only available for Premier and High Country trims)

You must never tow more than the manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. If you haul more weight than your SUV was engineered to do, you'll put unnecessary strain on the engine, transmission, and radiator. The frame can also be damaged, and brakes can be subject to failure. For safety's sake, know your vehicle's limits before attaching a trailer, and always stay under your vehicle's limit.

Woman couple a trailer

In conclusion

While heavy, the Chevy Suburban is far from the heaviest SUV on the road today. This vehicle has a lot of tow power and is a popular choice among travelers. Should you wish to maximize the amount, your prospective Suburban can tow, get a two-wheel-drive with the 5.3L engine, and have it equipped with the Max Trailering Package. Just be sure you don't exceed the maximum towing capacity. Drive safe!

If you found this post on the Chevy Suburban to be helpful, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts on this popular SUV:

Does a Chevy Suburban Have a Catalytic Converter?

What Are The Trim Levels For A Chevy Suburban?

How Many Seats Does A Chevy Suburban Have?

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