2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs. Last-Gen Suburban: Dimensional Comparison
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The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban made its big reveal early last month, dropping cover alongside the equally all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Highlights for the next-gen ‘Burban include increases to the exterior dimensions and significant gains to interior dimensions, with more space for both people and things – exactly what’s needed from a big three-row SUV. However, the nitty gritty details reveal a few interesting insights, so we’re breaking down all the important sizing specs in this GM Authority Dimensional Brief.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban
Exterior Dimensions
Let’s start with the exterior dimensions, where the all-new Chevrolet Suburban adds inches in nearly every single measurement. The biggest change is to the wheelbase, which sees a massive 4.1-inch increase, up to 134.1 inches. Chalk that up to the new architecture under the skin, which swaps the old model’s K2 platform for the new T1 platform.
Meanwhile, overall length was increased by 1.3 inches, overall width increased by 0.6 inches, and overall height increased by 1.3 inches.
The only exterior dimensions that saw a decrease with the next-gen model were the front and rear track, which are 0.2 inches and 0.4 inches narrower, respectively.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Last-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 134.1 | 130 | +4.1 |
| Overall Length (in.) | 225.7 | 224.4 | +1.3 |
| Overall Width (in.) | 81.1 | 80.5 | +0.6 |
| Overall Height (in.) | 75.7 | 74.4 | +1.3 |
| Front Track (in.) | 68.5 | 68.7 | -0.2 |
| Rear Track (in.) | 68.3 | 68.7 | -0.4 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Last-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3407 | 3302 | +105 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 5732 | 5697 | +35 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 2059 | 2045 | +14 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1923 | 1890 | +33 |
| Front Track (mm) | 1741 | 1745 | -4 |
| Rear Track (mm) | 1734 | 1744 | -10 |
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Last-Gen Chevrolet Suburban
Interior Dimensions
With larger exterior dimensions, one would assume the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban would see substantial increases to the interior dimensions as well. That assumption is mostly correct, although there are several measurements where the new Suburban actually loses room compared to the old model.
First, lets talk about gains. The big winners here are in second-row and third-row legroom, which see increases of 2.3 inches and 2.2 inches, respectively. First-row shoulder room is also up by 1.45 inches, while third-row shoulder room is up 1.15 inches. We also find the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offering decent gains with regard to first- and third-row hip room, with an additional 0.2 inches and 0.7 inches, respectively.
However, the new Chevrolet Suburban also loses space in other measurements. For example, headroom is down for all three rows, while first-row legroom is down by 0.8 inches. Second-row hip room is also down by a small amount, losing 0.05 inches compared to the outgoing model.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Previous-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (in.) | 42.3 | 42.8 | -0.5 |
| First Row Legroom (in.) | 44.5 | 45.3 | -0.8 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 66.25 | 64.8 | +1.45 |
| First Row Hip Room (in.) | 61 | 60.8 | +0.2 |
| Second Row Headroom (in.) | 38.8 | 39.1 | -0.3 |
| Second Row Legroom (in.) | 42 | 39.7 | +2.3 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 65.25 | 65.1 | +0.15 |
| Second Row Hip Room (in.) | 60.25 | 60.3 | -0.05 |
| Third Row Headroom (in.) | 38.2 | 38.5 | -0.3 |
| Third Row Legroom (in.) | 36.7 | 34.5 | +2.2 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 63.75 | 62.6 | +1.15 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | 50 | 49.3 | +0.7 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Previous-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (mm) | 1074 | 1087 | -13 |
| First Row Legroom (mm) | 1131 | 1151 | -20 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1683 | 1646 | +37 |
| First Row Hip Room (mm) | 1549 | 1544 | +5 |
| Second Row Headroom (mm) | 988 | 993 | -5 |
| Second Row Legroom (mm) | 1068 | 1008 | +60 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1657 | 1654 | +3 |
| Second Row Hip Room (mm) | 1530 | 1532 | -2 |
| Third Row Headroom (mm) | 970 | 978 | -8 |
| Third Row Legroom (mm) | 933 | 876 | +57 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1619 | 1590 | +29 |
| Third Row Hip Room (mm) | 1270 | 1252 | +18 |
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Last-Gen Chevrolet Suburban
Cargo Dimensions
No doubt about it, cargo room is king in this segment, and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban shows healthy increases behind all three rows. Most notably, cargo room behind the first row sees a massive 23 cubic-foot increase, although gains of 16.2 cubic-feet and 1.8 cubic-feet behind the second row and third row, respectively, are nothing to sneeze at either.
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Previous-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft.) | 144.7 | 121.7 | +23 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft.) | 92.9 | 76.7 | +16.2 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft.) | 41.1 | 39.3 | +1.8 |
| Dimension | 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Previous-Gen Suburban | +/- 2021 Suburban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (L) | 4097 | 3446 | +651 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (L) | 2632 | 2172 | +460 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (L) | 1164 | 1113 | +51 |
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The new Chevrolet Suburban is a major improvement over the previous generation in in categories that matter in this segment. First and foremost, the interior space is amazing on the new Suburban. They’ve taken what was great with the previous generation while addressing shortcomings of the outgoing model at the same time, most notably max cargo volume and 3rd row accessibility and comfort thx to the new independent rear suspension. You can legitimately fit 5 to 7 people inside comfortablely and have a bunch of cargo behind the 3rd row, and still have room to spare. Styling is subjective, but I think the new model looks more cohesive and elegant than the previous model, especially in Z71 and High Country trims. The 3.0 liter inline 6 Duramax diesel and 4 corner air suspension are also exciting new additions to new Suburban as well. The new Chevrolet Suburban represents the next exciting chapter of the longest running automotive stories ever written. I can’t wait to check it out in person!
It’s taller, yet has less head-room. Just what i wanted.
The day Ford moved to IRS, I purchased Suburban as our ultimate family vehicle that could Tow our our camping trailer, get 8 people on board, load our stuff, take off highways and show some medium off road skills anytime and anywhere. Trust me you need that solid axle ground clearance when exploring for amazing views your family needs.
I remember when driving on i-95 we drove over an alligator, thanks to its high ground clearance of the rear suspension we did not roll over or hurt ourselves. God that thing hold up well. When stopped and I saw some chunks of the alligator’s back parts scrubbed. Now, with the new GM IRS we are not sure if the lower hanging parts of the suspension can give us the same ground clearance. Look at those hanging lower parts (compare to previous generation). They are pretty low, and easily can brake off when angled, or hit a rock/stump or logs. Don’t look at the space in the center, GM thinks you are a master to drive thru an object centered perfectly. The sides are where most objects hit the suspension and now they are totally sedan like low. I’m going to look into Toyota 4Runner for solid axles. Sorry GM, I’m not going to shop for your new Suburban or Tahoe… thanks but no no. The sales will of course go up when introduced, but just for short term. Now that Ford and GM full size SUVs have no difference in the suspension GM’s dominance is at huge risk as Ford is going to take dominance.
I believe GM had a lead because people who were comparing both SUV always opted in for solid axles for more reliability, durability and dependability. Suburban and Tahoe ratings will collapse and Ford will be selling at 27$ per share. I’m buying Ford shares people!
You have utterly zero clue to what you are talking about. You honestly think the solid rear axle is what drove all the sales of the Tahoe and Suburban (and their twins)? Come on, I bet 80% of the buyers have no clue what a solid or independent axle is…
You do realize they are still making the current gen right (or just finished) and there are tons available on the lots, go pick up one of the final remaining trucks, they are great. If you need the room of the suburban how are you going to fall in to a mid size suv to handle your towing and hauling needs? It won’t haul 8 people or tow your camping trailer comfortably if at all (depending on the size it only has a 5k lb towing capacity). Either way, you say you need all this off road ability that a current I am guessing un-altered version gives you and the stats don’t change much if at all from current to new generating. The front already had an IFS which nullify’s your argument to begin with than make an IRS so limiting, so what do you really need or want? That was just one rambling counter intuitive post…
You don’t need to sacrifice towing and hauling abilities for ride and handling with independent rear suspension, you can have the perfect combination of both. The new Ford Expedition has proven that you can have the perfect combination of ride and handling, and towing and hauling abilities as well as improved interior packaging and third row access and comfort. With the new Suburban and Tahoe being fully-baked all-new models, the new IRS should give the new Suburban and Tahoe a more flexible interior and a more plush, comfortable ride without any sacrifices to towing and hauling capability.
I love the new Suburban, but I’m just not feeling those cup holders at the back of arm rest. Who are they for? Back seat passengers?
a) I wish there was a bench front seat option. b) Apparently the diesel will not be available in the off road trim, too bad. c) Are there stronger materials that can be used so that the pillars can be less stocky and block light and visibility less, but still satisfy safety requirements? d) Does the tailgate window open (electronically) on the new models?
No split bench / console delete: no sale. I just don’t like being boxed in with those things.
I can understand having a console in a sports car, but really miss the feeling of space one gets in a large vehicle if there none. In the pickup trucks at least, and likely in these, some of the electronics and audio equipment is put in the console. One can get a pickup without one, but only lower trim levels without the upscale safety and audio. Also, the heart of the designers really is not in the “no console” version, as the dash still swoops down a bit more than it needs to in middle.
If one looks at the advertising when the Oldsmobile Toronado first came out, all that room in the front was touted as A Big Deal. Just a very slight hump in the floor for front-to-rear stuff like exhaust and hydraulic lines. The consoles that came later were low, and housed just an extra glove compartment and the shifter. What they are fitting now border on the silly.
Am I the only one or does the touch screen just look like an afterthought?
OMG here we go on touchscreens again.
Just like the subject was chewed on when the new trucks came out.
Go home on your sofas and play with a big screen there and please let vehicles be good reliable products instead of some sort of electronic wizardry.
If you are going to have a screen make it look like it belongs. 80K for an add on screen?. I will be keeping my 02 Tahoe. Because of government regs you now have to have one for the mandated back up camera.
The “afterthought” mimics imports like Honda and Mercedes Benz. Fifty years ago, Mercedes, BMW, and a few other brands, slapped a thing under the center of the dash for a radio, as if an afterthought. Monkey-see-monkey-do, Detroit did the same with the awful center-stack concept that is still with us.
Chevy lost me at, head-up display not available on Z71 or RST and the no fog light design.
Can someone please help me find the Interior Cargo Dimensions for 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban? I am need of the Width, Length, and Height of the Cargo Space in Inches, please. It is for a move. I need to ensure I can fit a big floor mirror in the back, amongst other things… Thank you so much in advance.