Is Suburban a V6 or V8?
The Suburban is not offered with a gasoline V6 in its current lineup. It uses V8 gasoline engines, and there is also a diesel option based on a turbocharged inline-6. In short, modern Suburbans primarily rely on V8 power, with a diesel I6 as an alternative.
Current engine options
The Suburban’s powertrains today balance strong towing capability with everyday driving performance. The lineup includes two gasoline V8 options and a diesel inline-6, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission in most markets.
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (gasoline) — roughly 355 horsepower and about 383 lb-ft of torque.
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (gasoline) — roughly 420 horsepower and about 460 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel I6 (diesel) — roughly 277 horsepower and about 460 lb-ft of torque.
These options provide a range from solid daily drivability to strong highway and trailering performance. The diesel offers notable low-end torque for heavy towing, while the larger V8s deliver maximum on-road power.
What this means for buyers
Choosing among these engines depends on your priorities, including towing needs, fuel economy, and budget. Here are key considerations:
- Towing and payload: The 6.2L V8 and the diesel I6 deliver the highest torque, which helps with heavy trailers and loads. The 5.3L V8 remains capable for most everyday towing tasks.
- Fuel economy and operating cost: Diesel engines typically offer better highway fuel economy and strong torque at low RPM, but diesel fuel can be more expensive and maintenance differs from gasoline engines. The gas V8s provide strong performance with standard fuel costs.
- Availability by trim: Not every trim or market may offer the diesel option; check with a dealer for the exact configuration in your area.
- Maintenance considerations: Diesel engines require different maintenance and component considerations (e.g., DEF, fuel filters) compared to gasoline V8s.
In practice, buyers should weigh towing needs and total cost of ownership (purchase price, fuel, maintenance) when selecting an engine. The choice ranges from robust daily driving with the 5.3L V8 to maximum towing with the 6.2L V8 or the diesel option.
Additional notes on engine configurations
To clarify common questions that often accompany the Suburban’s powertrain lineup, here are concise answers.
Gasoline V6 option?
There is no current gasoline V6 option for the Chevrolet Suburban as of the 2024–2025 model years. The available six-cylinder powertrain is the inline-6 Duramax diesel, which is not a V6.
Diesel option specifics
The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel is a turbocharged inline-6 that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It emphasizes high torque at low RPM for towing efficiency and long-distance cruising. Power and torque figures are roughly in the 277 hp and 460 lb-ft range, varying slightly by model year and market.
Summary
In today’s Suburban lineup, you’ll find V8 gasoline engines as the primary options, plus a diesel inline-6 for those who prioritize torque and fuel efficiency on longer hauls. There is no gasoline V6 option currently offered, making the Suburban a V8-focused vehicle with a capable diesel alternative. For buyers, this means choosing between strong all-around performance (5.3L V8), higher-end power for towing (6.2L V8), or impressive low-end torque and efficiency on the diesel variant, depending on needs and budget.
Is there a 6 cylinder Suburban?
For drivers requiring additional power, the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban is available with a Duramax® 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 305 horsepower and impressive torque.
Which Chevy SUVs have a V8?
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban
But the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, each iconic traditional SUVs in their own right, are offered with the same pair of V8 engines as the Silverado 1500. 383 lb-ft.
What kind of engine is in a Suburban?
A Chevrolet Suburban has three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8, an available 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. The 5.3L V8 is the base engine, while the 6.2L V8 provides more horsepower and the diesel engine is known for torque and fuel efficiency.
Engine options for the Chevrolet Suburban
- 5.3-liter V8: This is the standard engine, producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
- 6.2-liter V8: This is an optional engine on most trims and comes standard on the top High Country model. It generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
- 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel: This is an available diesel engine that produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It is a good option for those prioritizing torque and fuel efficiency.
Are suburbans V6 or V8?
The Suburban as of today is a full-size SUV (upgraded to extended-length from 1967 onward to make room for the then-new K5 Blazer that debuted in 1969) with three rows of seating, a full pickup truck frame, and V8 engine.
