Although the heavy duty segment is much smaller than the standard duty portion, there’s a certain buyer who will always have things to tow and large mounds of whatever it may be to haul. Chevrolet has answered this call with the Silverado HD, and at one point, the Suburban 2500 HD.
But the 3/4-ton Suburban HD faded away with the K2XX Tahoe and Suburban, and we haven’t heard much about it since. But decoding the General Motors VINs reveals a new VIN variation for a 2016 Suburban 3500HD.
The new 3/4-ton Suburban HD may merely be an uprated 1500, considering the 5.3-liter V8 is the only engine in the decoder, but it’s a good possibility that the SUV will feature another engine as well as an upgraded suspension package, per spy shots showing the Heavy Duty SUV testing in Colorado. The Suburban 3500HD trim also seems to only be available for 4×4, LS and LT variants of the SUV, seemingly reserving the LTZ trim for a more luxurious offering.
We’ve reached out to Chevrolet for comment on this matter and were told that, as things currently stand, the 2016 Suburban 3500HD will be offered solely to fleet buyers and will not become a new trim for the Suburban range, laying any the speculation to rest.
Speaking of fleet customers, General Motors will reportedly also offer the current-generation Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu for fleet buyers through the addition of a Limited trim level after the next-generation cars are revealed this year. In the meantime, non-fleet buyers can still turn to the fully-capable Silverado HD to service their heavy duty needs.
Update: we have found out more information about the 2016 Suburban 3500HD, including the engine it will use and its GVWR.
Comments
We do have an update to the story. According to a GM rep, the Suburban will in fact be a 3/4 ton.
http://www.cheersandgears.com/_/chevrolet-truck-news/2016-chevrolet-suburban-hd-will-be-34-ton-fleet-only-r2707
Will there be a diesel option?
Duramax???????
I am sorry to hear that it is for fleet only. Sounds like good product that will not be readily available to the public to purchase. I suppose that they may show up on the pre-owned lots once they come out of the rental fleets
Duramax! With a race red color option!
Is there a reason GM has made such a BAD decision? Logic does not seem prevail here??? I mean, if you can sell it …Sell it! Right?! GM is a business. I personally have owned 3 Suburban’s, 2 Yukon XLs, 3 Sierra Crew Cabs, and now on my second 3500 HD LWB Chevrolet single axle (did not desire a dually) I am loving my Chevy High Country Trk. Even with the 8ft bed enclosed w/a fiberglass shell; have to say at times I miss the roominess the Suburban/Yukon XL Platform. If I could get that w/ a 3/4 to or better yet 1 Ton Diesel I would be in GM heaven. So, Why only offer it in a FLEET program? I know there is a market. OBTW.. My whole family if GM loyal. wife is on her 5th Enclave, Daughter 2nd Encore, Son is on his 3rd Silverado, after have had 2 GMC Sierras, Son-in-law, has a Cruze, My Daughter-in-law- has a Equinox and wants a truck now ☺!! Got a little off topic. Butt I ask again WHY,
Signed…GMCED1
I’m sure fleet buyers like fire departments would like the duramax option too. Most fire department emergency vehicles are diesel. It will be interesting to see how much influence fleet buyers will have on GM and their power train decisions.
I heard that the Secret Service are the first in line to replace their fleet of Suburbans
FYI, 3500 is a 1 ton vehicle designation, not a 3/4 ton. That is the 2500 designation. So, if the new fleet suburbans are 3/4 tons, then the designation will be 2500 as it has always been. There never has been a 3500 or 1 ton rated suburban that I am aware of.
Trucks are subject to eight classifications, 1 being the lightest (1/2 ton, i.e. ford F-150 etc), followed by 3/4 ton (i.e. 2500 Chevy or Dodge/F-250) and 1 Ton (3500 Chevy/Dodge, F-350) and so on.
i guess im not alone looking to replace my third 2500 suburban why on earth are the only for fleet sales.i will miss the 8.1 but the 6ltr is good there are people who dont need or want an open bed truck .i love my subs for hauling people,trailers, stowing hunting and fishing equipment as well as almost any other household item, please GM get your corporate head out of your butt. maybe let it be GMC only if its to much for both brands?