What kind of engine does a Suburban have?
The current Chevrolet Suburban lineup offers three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6. All are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the choice affects power, towing, and efficiency.
Across model years and trims, Chevrolet has kept the Suburban’s powertrain simple and capable: strong gasoline V8s for everyday performance and a diesel option for higher torque and better highway efficiency on long trips. This article outlines the present lineup and how it evolved to meet buyers’ needs for a large, capable SUV.
Current engine lineup
The following engines are available in the Suburban in recent model years (notably 2021–present), with general power and用途 guidance to help compare options.
- 5.3-liter V8 — roughly 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This is the baseline gasoline option, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for everyday driving and payload capability.
- 6.2-liter V8 — roughly 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The strongest gasoline choice for brisk acceleration and maximum towing potential, linked to the same 10-speed automatic.
- 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6 — roughly 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Emphasizes high torque and better highway efficiency for long trips and heavy towing, also mated to a 10-speed automatic.
Choosing among these options affects towing capacity, payload, fuel economy, and overall driving character. Consumers weigh daily usability against the desire for power or efficiency when selecting an engine.
Engine history and evolution
GM’s approach to the Suburban’s powertrains has tracked broader corporate trends toward flexible V8 gasoline options and a modern diesel option for efficiency. Since the 2021 redesign cycle, the Suburban (like its Tahoe sibling) has offered the Duramax 3.0L inline-6 diesel alongside gasoline V8s, with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s continuing as the standard gasoline choices. The diesel option targets buyers who tow frequently or embark on long highway journeys, while the larger V8s provide peak power for loaded or high-speed driving scenarios.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline options have historically centered on the 5.3-liter V8 as the entry-level performance engine and the 6.2-liter V8 as the high-power alternative. These engines pair with GM’s modern automatic transmissions and annunciate strong all-around performance for a full-size SUV.
Duramax diesel option
The 3.0-liter Duramax inline-6 diesel was introduced to the Suburban lineup for efficiency and high towing torque. It delivers substantial low-end torque for moving heavy loads and can offer improved highway fuel economy on long trips, at the cost of some peak horsepower relative to the V8 options.
Summary
For the Chevrolet Suburban, three primary engine choices define the current lineup: a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6. The 5.3L strikes a balance of cost and capability, the 6.2L offers maximum gasoline power and towing, and the Duramax diesel emphasizes torque and efficiency for long-range towing and travel. Over generations, GM has refined these options to combine modern efficiency tech with the Suburban’s trademark capability.
Which Suburban engine is best?
The Suburban is most efficient when equipped with the available diesel engine, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 27 highway for the rear-drive version. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 is estimated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive.
What kind of engine is in a Suburban?
6.2-L EcoTec3 V8 Engine
6.2-L EcoTec3 V8 Engine
Installed by default on the 2024 Chevy Suburban High Country model, the 6.2-L engine earns a 420-hp rating per SAE compliance.
Is Suburban a V6 or V8?
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.
What Suburban has a 6.2 L 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
