How safe is a Chevrolet Suburban?
The Suburban is widely regarded as a very safe choice in the full-size SUV class, thanks to strong crash-test performance and a broad suite of safety features. But safety varies by model year and trim, especially with lighting and some optional driver-assistance tech. If safety matters to you, verify the exact year and configuration before buying.
Crash-test performance: what the tests say
Independent safety tests from government and independent organizations examine crash protection, restraint systems, and protection for occupants. For recent Suburban models, the results have tended to be favorable overall, with high marks in frontal and side-impact tests, while lighting performance and some advanced features can differ by trim and year.
- NHTSA: Recent Suburban configurations typically earn high overall ratings, with strong performance in frontal and side crash tests and a robust rollover-resistance profile. Ratings can vary modestly by wheelbase and trim, but the general trend is strong safety scores.
- IIHS: The Suburban family generally earns Good ratings in major crash categories (such as moderate overlap front and side-impact tests) with roof strength and head restraints performing well. Headlight ratings can vary by trim, with some configurations receiving Acceptable or Poor evaluations in certain lighting setups.
Bottom line: In the latest model years, the Suburban tends to perform well in official crash tests, though headlights and some discretionary safety features may shift ratings across trims. Always check the exact year and trim you’re considering.
Safety technology: standard and available
The Suburban ships with a solid baseline of active safety features and offers additional driver-assistance options on higher trims and packages. This combination enhances prevention and protects occupants in a range of driving scenarios.
- Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) — helps brake or warn if a collision is possible.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning — helps steer back toward the lane or alert you if you drift out.
- Following Distance Indicator — helps maintain a safe gap from the vehicle ahead.
- Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert — aids in parking and reversing in tight spaces.
- Rear Vision Camera — provides a view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up.
- Rear-seat and child-safety considerations are supported by standard restraints and anchors in line with typical GM design.
Concluding: The core safety package in many Suburban trims is already capable of preventing or mitigating many common crashes, particularly in urban and highway driving where heavy traffic and blind spots are factors.
Advanced driver-assistance options by trim
For buyers seeking more automated driving assistance, higher trims or optional packages add a broader set of features. Availability can vary by model year and market, so verify what’s offered on the exact Suburban you’re evaluating.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go — maintains a set distance from the car ahead and can bring the vehicle to a stop in traffic. Availability varies by year/trim.
- HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera) — enhances awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings during low-speed maneuvers.
- Lane Change Alert with Blind Zone Alert — warns of vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes.
- Front Pedestrian Braking — detects pedestrians at lower speeds and can apply brakes to help avoid a collision (availability varies).
- Automatic High Beams — improves night visibility by automatically toggling high and low beams as needed.
- Head-Up Display — projects key information onto the windshield for easier monitoring without looking away from the road.
- Trailer Sway Control and related towing aids — assist in maintaining stability when towing a trailer, often bundled with other driver-assistance tech on higher trims.
Concluding: If you want the most comprehensive automation and parking aids, confirm which features are included on your chosen model year and trim, since some tech is reserved for higher-end configurations.
Real-world safety considerations
In everyday use, several factors shape the Suburban’s safety performance beyond formal test scores. Its size brings benefits and trade-offs, and buyers should consider maintenance, tire choice, and recall history as part of the safety equation.
- Rollover risk and stability: The Suburban’s tall, long-roof design provides interior space and visibility advantages but carries a higher rollover risk than many midsize SUVs. Modern stability control systems help, but driver awareness and appropriate tire selection remain important.
- Braking and handling: The vehicle’s weight requires confident braking performance and well-maintained tires. Anti-lock braking and electronic stability features contribute to stable stopping under varied conditions.
- Visibility and parking: Large dimensions can challenge parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, but camera systems and parking aids mitigate these challenges.
- Recalls and maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Suburban has undergone recalls over its lifecycle. Prospective buyers or current owners should check NHTSA recall data for the exact model year and trim and address recalls promptly.
- Child seats and occupant protection: The Suburban offers multiple LATCH anchors and airbag coverage designed to protect occupants in a crash, with ample space for child-safety seats in the rear rows.
Concluding: Real-world safety depends on year- and trim-specific features, maintenance, and prudent driving. Always verify the latest safety equipment for the exact Suburban you’re considering and stay current with recalls and service campaigns.
Summary
Overall, the Chevrolet Suburban remains one of the safer choices in the large-SUV category, thanks to strong crash-test results and a broad array of safety features that span standard and optional options across trims. Buyers should verify the exact model year and configuration to understand which driver-assistance tech is standard or optional, and to review lighting performance that can affect IIHS ratings. With diligent shopping and proper maintenance, the Suburban offers robust safety for families, towing, and daily driving alike.
What is the #1 safest SUV?
There is no single "number one" safest SUV, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, many SUVs are recognized for outstanding safety, with the 2025 Kia Telluride https://www.motor and 2025 Mazda CX-70 earning both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings. Other top contenders include the 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Acura MDX, and 2025 Honda CR-V.
Top-rated SUVs for safety
- Kia Telluride: This midsize SUV receives a 5-star NHTSA overall score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. It's praised for a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a strong performance in crash tests.
- Mazda CX-70 and CX-90: These models are recognized with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2025, with excellent performance in small overlap front and other crash tests.
- Mazda CX-50: The 2025 model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It scores well in crashworthiness and has a good pedestrian collision avoidance system.
- Acura MDX: A luxury midsize option that earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick status. Its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are highly rated.
- Honda CR-V: While the specific safety awards can vary by year, the CR-V is frequently highlighted for its strong safety performance, particularly in the compact SUV category. The Honda Sensing suite is noted for its effective and usable safety features.
How to choose the safest SUV
- Check crash test ratings: Look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how a specific vehicle performs in various crash tests.
- Look at safety features: Consider which safety and driver-assist features are most important to you, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Consider your needs: The "safest" SUV depends on your individual needs. A family-friendly, three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride may be ideal for a larger family, while a smaller, more nimble option might be better for city driving.
Is the Suburban a safe vehicle?
Features include Enhanced Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, and Safety Alert Seat. Rear Seat Reminder is designed to remind you to check the back seats so you dont forget rear-seat passengers or pets.
Why do feds use suburbans?
The FBI uses Chevrolet Suburbans due to their spacious and durable body-on-frame chassis, which provides ample room for personnel and equipment, and their durability and reliability. These large SUVs can be armored for protection against gunfire, have a high ground clearance for rough terrain, and can be equipped with special "police packages" that include reinforced components like engines, shocks, and tires. They are also a cost-effective choice for the government to acquire, outfit, and service.
Key reasons for using Suburbans
- Spacious interior: The large interior comfortably fits multiple agents and their necessary gear, including weapons and other heavy equipment.
- Durability: The body-on-frame construction is more rugged and can withstand more abuse than unibody vehicles. Reports indicate they can sustain significant damage and still function, as seen in a story from the Iraq War where a standard Tahoe survived over 50 bullet holes.
- Armor and protection: Many Suburbans used by law enforcement are armored to protect against rifle rounds. Some are even equipped with gun ports for returning fire.
- Versatility and performance: The elevated ride height improves visibility, and the higher ground clearance allows them to handle rough terrain. They are also available with police-specific packages that include heavy-duty components, as noted by Reddit users.
- Cost-effectiveness: As American-made vehicles, Suburbans are often cheaper and easier to acquire, maintain, and service through existing government supply chains compared to foreign alternatives.
- Reputation and tradition: The Suburban has a long-standing reputation for reliability and capability in law enforcement and military use, which builds confidence among agencies.
Which Suburban to stay away from?
Quick Answer: Avoid Chevrolet Suburban Year Models 1999, 2001 - 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016. You shouldn't purchase these Chevrolet Suburban year models for various reasons, the most alarming of them including total engine and transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, and broken speedometers.
