General Motors has released 2021 Chevy Suburban diesel towing ratings.
The automaker says the 2021 Chevy Suburban diesel 2WD has a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package, along with a max payload of 1,625 pounds. As for the 2021 Chevy Suburban diesel with 4WD, tow ratings haven’t been confirmed yet.
The maximum towing capacity for the 2021 Chevy Suburban is 8,300 pounds. Only models equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8, rear-wheel-drive and Max Trailering Package have this towing capacity, however. Models equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, rear-wheel-drive and Max Trailering Package have a max towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.
We can see how the Chevy Suburban diesel towing capacity stacks up against the max ratings for the two V8 gas models in the chart below.
| Engine | Drivetrain | Standard Tow Rating | Max Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| L84 5.3L V8 | 2WD | 7,900 | 8,300 |
| L84 5.3L V8 | 4WD | 7,700 | 8,100 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 2WD | 7,800 | 8,200 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 4WD | 7,500 | 7,900 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 2WD | TBD | 8,000 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 4WD | TBD | TBD |
The optional Duramax turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six engine for the 2021 Chevy Suburban is rated at an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and is paired exclusively with a GM 10-speed automatic transmission in the full-size SUV. The efficiency-minded diesel engine comes with a standard exhaust brake that is available in the tow-haul mode in the Suburban and provides “additional driver confidence when towing,” the automaker says. The exhaust brake restricts the exhaust path from the engine, using the engine to slow the vehicle down and offer supplemental braking when trying to slow the vehicle while towing or hauling a heavy load.
Chevy offers the 3.0L LM2 inline-six on the 2021 Chevy Suburban in the LS, LT, RST and Premier trims. The engine is a $995 upcharge over the base 5.3L L84 V8 engine and is also available in the range-topping High Country trim, where it is actually $1,500 cheaper than the powerful 6.2L L87 V8.
Suburban diesel towing numbers aside, the SUV boasts fuel economy numbers of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined when equipped with 2WD.
The diesel engine was a late availability option for the 2021 Chevy Suburban and related 2021 Chevy Tahoe, although Chevy expects customer examples of the diesel models to begin before the end of the year. Both SUVs are built at the GM Arlington Assembly plant in Texas alongside the GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV.
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Comments
Let’s look at the bright side…
You would think the air ride suspension would allow for a higher max spring rate for higher towing. I do think even with a weight distribution hitch that past 9000lbs, you want to go gooseneck.
Wow I was all excited when I found out Chevy was going to put a diesel in the suburban. But if the early number of 8000lbs is all the better the tow rating is then I am truly disappointed in Chevy. An SUV of that size with a diesel should easily be rated 9000lbs or more for towing.