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How much horsepower does a Suburban 6.2 have?

The Suburban’s 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 horsepower.

This horsepower rating applies to the current-generation Suburban and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission; it’s the top gasoline engine option and is typically found on higher trims of the model lineup.

Engine details and performance figures

Key specifications for the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 that powers the Suburban:

Horsepower: 420 hp (SAE net, at 5,600 rpm)

Torque: 460 lb-ft (at 4,100–4,600 rpm)

Displacement: 6.2 L V8

Configuration: V8, direct injection with variable valve timing

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Availability: typically offered on higher trims (e.g., Premier/High Country) with 2WD or 4WD setups

With these figures, the 6.2L V8 delivers strong highway performance and capable towing for a full-size SUV, especially when paired with the available all-wheel-drive system.

Engine options in the Suburban: a quick comparison

To place the 6.2’s horsepower in context, here is a brief look at how it compares to other Suburban gasoline and diesel options:

5.3L V8: 355 hp

6.2L V8: 420 hp

3.0L Duramax diesel: 277 hp

In practice, the 6.2’s 420 horsepower offers noticeably stronger acceleration and highway capability than the 5.3L option, while the diesel prioritizes torque for towing and efficiency.

Why horsepower matters for Suburban buyers

Horsepower is a key factor for a vehicle of this size, but it isn’t the only consideration. Torque, transmission gearing, aerodynamics, and drivetrain configuration all influence real-world performance, especially when towing or carrying a full payload. The 6.2’s 460 lb-ft of torque helps deliver confident acceleration and robust towing power, particularly when paired with 4WD and the available trailering features.

Takeaways and summary

Summary: The Suburban with the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful gasoline engine in the standard Suburban lineup. It’s typically available on higher trims and paired with a 10-speed automatic, offering strong on-road performance and solid towing capability. For those prioritizing fuel economy or maximum torque, Chevy also offers the 5.3L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax diesel as alternative powertrains.

Which Suburban engine is best?

The "best" Suburban engine depends on your priorities: for best fuel economy, choose the 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel. For maximum towing capacity and power, the 6.2L V8 is the top choice. For a balance of capability, cost, and efficiency, the standard 5.3L V8 is a strong and reliable option.

3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel

Best for: Fuel efficiency and long-range driving.
Pros: Offers the best fuel economy and high torque for towing at low RPMs. It is also a smooth and quiet engine.
Cons: Less horsepower than the 6.2L V8.

6.2L V8

Best for: Performance-oriented users who need maximum power and acceleration.
Pros: Provides the highest horsepower and is standard on the High Country trim for those who want the most power.
Cons: Requires premium fuel, has lower fuel economy compared to the other engines, and is only available on the highest trim level.

5.3L V8

Best for: A balance of capability and value.
Pros: It is the standard engine, reliable, and has the highest towing capacity when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. It also runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
Cons: Less powerful and less fuel-efficient than the other options.

How to choose

Choose the Duramax diesel if: Your priority is to save on fuel and travel long distances.
Choose the 6.2L V8 if: You want the most power for performance driving and can afford the higher fuel costs and premium fuel requirement.
Choose the 5.3L V8 if: You want a capable and reliable engine that can tow a lot, is more affordable, and runs on regular gas.

Is the GM 5.3 or 6.2 better?

The main differences are that the 6.2L GM engine offers significantly more horsepower and torque for better performance and towing, while the 5.3L engine is more fuel-efficient in daily driving and uses regular fuel. Choosing between them depends on priorities: the 6.2L is for those prioritizing power, and the 5.3L is for those prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs, though both can tow well.

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the 5.3L and 6.2L engines: 57s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 7, 2023

Feature	5.3L	6.2L
Performance	Adequate for most tasks, but can feel sluggish when loaded.	Significantly faster acceleration and more powerful for towing and hauling.
Fuel Economy	Better city mileage and generally more fuel-efficient in normal driving.	Slightly worse mileage in daily driving, though it can be similar to the 5.3L when towing.
Fuel Type	Uses regular gasoline.	Requires premium fuel for optimal performance, which is more expensive.
Towing	Can tow well, but the engine may struggle more than the 6.2L when a heavy load is applied.	Superior towing performance due to higher torque and power.
Cost	Lower upfront cost.	Higher upfront cost.

Choose the 5.3L if your priority is fuel efficiency for daily driving, lower running costs (due to regular fuel), and sufficient power for most tasks.
Choose the 6.2L if you need maximum performance, want the best towing experience, and are willing to pay more for the upfront cost and premium fuel.

This video demonstrates the performance difference between the 5.3L and 6.2L engines: 55slmfscrewYouTube · Dec 7, 2021

Is the GM 6.2 L V8 a good engine?

The GM 6.2L V8 is considered a good engine for its power, performance, and towing capabilities, but it has a documented history of significant and costly issues, including a recent recall for potential engine failure. While some owners report no problems, others have experienced catastrophic failures, leading to concerns about its reliability despite GM's efforts to make modifications for the 2025 model year.

Positives of the 6.2L V8

Power and performance: It is one of the most powerful engines in its class, delivering high horsepower and torque for quick acceleration.
Towing and hauling: Its strong low-end torque makes it excellent for towing, often performing better than other V8s and some turbocharged engines in heavy-duty applications.
Durability: Many owners find the engine to be reliable and durable, with some reporting high mileage on original engines with proper maintenance.

Concerns and drawbacks

Engine failure: Vehicles equipped with this engine have been subject to a recall and stop-sale for potential catastrophic engine failure, sometimes with little warning.
Lifter and oiling issues: Some versions of the engine have had problems with lifters and oiling, which can be expensive to repair.
Misinformed buyers: The engine's popularity and performance may overshadow the potential for serious problems, leading some buyers to purchase without being fully aware of the risks.
Warranty concerns: While the 2025 model year has seen some modifications, the long-term reliability is still a question mark for some consumers.

What you should consider

If you are considering a vehicle with a 6.2L V8, research the specific model year and check for any open recalls or service bulletins.
Consider purchasing a vehicle that is still under warranty or has an extended service contract.
If possible, have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential problems before buying.
While the 6.2L V8 is a powerful and capable engine, there are other options available, such as the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine, which may offer better reliability and fuel economy.

Which Suburban has the 6.2 engine?

Today we're driving the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban RST this is a street performance version of the Suburban this one's equipped with a 6.2 L V8 makes 420 horsepower 460 lb feet of torque that's made it

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.