GM Authority is climbing behind the wheel of the 2023 Chevy Suburban for some first-hand experience with the full-size SUV. The 2023 Chevy Suburban is third model year for the latest twelfth-generation, and our tester is powered by the optional 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine. That all said, we want to know – what you want to know about the 2023 Chevy Suburban Duramax diesel?
Production of the Chevy Suburban takes place exclusively at the GM Arlington plant in Texas, with the SUV riding on the GM T1 platform. The optional 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine is rated at 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The rest of the Suburban’s engine lineup includes the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All three engines pair with the GM 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission, with both RWD and 4WD offered. Our tester is equipped with 4WD.
Our tester is also an example of the range-topping High Country trim level, and is equipped with 22-inch Sterling Silver Painted Wheels with Chrome Inserts. The exterior is covered in Silver Sage Metallic paint (paint code G6N), and features the Jet Black/Mocha (RPO code HVB) interior colorway.
The cabin includes seating for seven passengers, with two bucket seats in front, two bucket seats in the second row, and a bench seat for three passengers in the third row. Standout features in the cabin include heated and ventilated front seats and second-row heated bucket seats. There’s also a 10-speaker Bose audio system, multi-color head-up display, wireless device charging, a 10.2-inch HD diagonal touchscreen, and Bluetooth media streaming.
Safety and security features include:
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Safety Alert Seat
Optional upgrades include the Advanced Technology Package (which adds in the GM Super Cruise System and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist), the Rear Seat Media System (which adds dual rear seat-mounted 12.6-inch screens), power assist steps, a power panoramic sunroof, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the Max Trailering Package.
Standard vehicle pricing is listed at $80,100, while total pricing for options comes to $8,210, with total vehicle and options pricing coming to $88,310. Add in a destination freight charge of $1,795, and the total vehicle price is $90,105.
So then, we have to ask – what do you want to know about the 2023 Chevy Suburban Duramax diesel? Post your questions in the comments section, and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
Ready… set… go.
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Comments
How is the acceleration and passing power? Observed fuel economy on 50 mile loop going 65-70 mph?
I drive a 2023 GMC Denali XL Diesel and could not Believe the MPG, not going to lie it was difficult to drive 65-70 specially when the speed limit is 75mph but I did just that. The road I traveled on was mostly flat and I received 32.7 MPG. Most of the time I drive 78 – 80 MPH on the same road and get around 25-26MPG.
Brandon:
The acceleration is good. It’s not as powerful off the line as the L87, but that’s only temporary. Once the engine is going (a second or so after depressing the accelerator), the torque comes on strong and linear.
The passing power is very good, very much in line with the L87.
I will also say that the diesel is the smoothest and most refined engine in these vehicles. The L87, while strong and powerful, is not as smooth because of the higher levels of power and where it makes it. This makes the entire vehicle lunge and lurch too much.
As for MPG, it’s a bit early to tell, since I only took delivery of this press loaner yesterday. However, I drove a 30-mile stretch on a flat South Florida interstate last night at 75 mph and averaged 29 MPG. The engine also feels smooth, refined, and whisper quiet.
Update: here’s a more in-depth fuel economy write-up and video:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/04/chevy-suburban-diesel-highway-fuel-economy-tested-video/
Thanks for the question, and thanks IJR for chiming in!
Is the current 3.0 LM2 in Yukon,Tahoe and Escalade going to be replaced with 3.0 Lz0 that the Silverado and Sierra all got in 2023
Yes, for the 2024 model year.
What is your effective range of diesel fuel, using the MPG listed without running the fuel tank dry? Reason we ask, 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Duramax at 70 MPH delivered 619 miles New Port Richey, FL to Hattiesburg, MS fueling 21.310 gallons 29.05 MPG. Route 589 Toll Road North, Hwy 19 North, Interstate 10 West, Hwy 98 Northwest.
At 70 MPH delivered 606 miles College Station, TX to Loxley, AL fueling 19.306 gallons 31.39 MPG, Hwy 6 South, Interstate 10 East. U-L-S Diesel by Exxon at $4.299 per gallon, January 4, 2023.
Is the Max Tow Package offered? What are towing ratings for each different power train?
Yes, the NHT Max Trailering Package is offered and typically includes:
– Advanced Trailering Package: Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, trailer brake controller and Smart Trailer Integration Indicator
– Extra capacity cooling system, which is deleted on models with the LM2.
Tow ratings for the LM2 are 8000 pounds for the 2WD models and 7800 pounds for 4WD models, regardless of whether NHT is equipped or not. NHT really only makes a difference when it comes to the gasoline engines, which need the additional cooling capacity.
Thank you for your comments Alex
1: It is not clear to me that the Max Trailering Package deletes the extra capacity radiator with diesel engine. Is the diesel package already includes the extra capacity radiator? Or for some other reasons?
2: Max Trailering Package on 4WD shows Autotrac 2-speed transfer case. What is the purpose of this option? Is it the big difference between this option and the Prograde Trailering Sytem? Please make a status with pros and cons.
Thank you
Two engines offer the same output of 460 pound feet of torque, how do each drive. Diesels make power on a lower end so does that engine drive and feel better than its gasoline counterpart? What is the fuel economy on both of the engines above?
Ive had the 2021 Ukon XL Denali 6.2 for 23k miles and now swapped to the 2023 Xl 3.0 and the power is better, below the 2900rpm mark. My wife is the primary for this vehicle and i dont think she ever sent it above 3k rpm in either. The decider for each buyer needs to be based on how much time you tend to spend above 3k rpm. with the diesel she averages 2100rpm now in general and that number was higher on the 6.2. The 6.2 was effectively castrated to keep fuel burn in check and only enriched for power when serious on the throttle. The diesel is the way to go, specially if you get enjoyment out of the feel for electric-like thrust. Time will tell how the tiny cam chains hold up to stretch, but still better chance of success than LT cam lifters.
how much will the “data” required to operate the info center with google navigation cost. I pay for a 5 gig plan that only lasts me 3 weeks-then I have to call onstar and buy more.
I find it very expensive
How’s the driveability? is there a significant lag at takeoff or is the throttle responsive?
It’s very good. There is a slight lag from a standstill, but once that’s out of the way, the power comes on strong and smooth.
As I said earlier, my opinion is that the diesel is the smoothest and most refined engine in these full-size SUVs. The L87 is certainly strong and powerful, but it makes the entire vehicle feel more jerky and less smooth, likely due to the higher levels of power and where within the powerband it makes it.
1) What is the actual highway trip mpg?
2) When pulling up a 1-2 mile 6% grade at 65 mph, what gear does it downshift into, what is the rpm of the engine, what is the engine and transmission temp at the top of the hill?
When descending a 1-2 mile 6% grade at 65 mph, does the engine or transmission help hold speed without having to ride the brake?
While I don’t have exact answers, here is what I’ve seen.
Driving NY to Fl and back I averaged 24 mpg, including first oil change I’ve been getting slightly better mpg). This was going at least 10 mph over the speed limit. It’ll do at least 21 mpg at 90. 65 on flat ground without touching the brake you can get into the low 30s mpg.
Generally, engine braking sucks (even with manual downshifts). You can turn on tow/haul mode and get exhaust braking which has a much stronger effect, but it isn’t actually that strong if you are towing anything. (Steeper than 6%)
With 10 gears it’s hard to notice shifts. I don’t think it shifts very much while cruising the interstate. You need more than 6% grade for noticeable shifts in rpm.
If you do a lot of highway miles, I thoroughly recommend it, although I would definitely wait to get the LZ0 over the LM2.
WM: I have a thorough highway fuel economy comparison right here for ya:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/04/chevy-suburban-diesel-highway-fuel-economy-tested-video/
I Have had 4 of these diesels already and they are absolutely fabulous. No lag anywhere they just pull up hills with even downshifting and same against wind. 40 % less fuel usage than gas jobs. Super quiet inside and outside vehicle. I am super keen waiting for the new version of it higher HP and torque with improved fuel economy and less emissions. Right now only available in pickup trucks and I want another Yukon with the new engine LZO.
I have a 2018 2500 HD Denali, I love how it will pull up a mountain without downshifting. I am curious if the 10 speed transmissions behind the 6.6 would downshift. I have been waiting for GM to put the big Duramax in the Yukon XL.
0-60 MPH time and real-world city and highway (70-80 MPH) gas mileage.
After 50 mph, acceleration goes to $hit.
Mpg is going to suck in the city. I get around 24.5 mpg for my personal mix, most of my miles are highway but trip length is a better differentiator. About 85% of miles are on trips longer than 30 mins, 15% of miles are shorter trips.
Actual real world mpg w/o towing anything, then mpg towing say a boat or an rv trailer. Or a trailer hauling ev batteries that already need to be recycled.
I OWN A 2021 SIERRA AT4, W/3.0 DURAMAX it’s QUICKER OFF THE LINE THAN MY 5.3 V8 ON MY PREVIOUS 2016 LTZ. No turbo lag whatsoever.
Just returned from a trip from Florida to Michigan and got between 650 to 720 miles per fuel tank (25 gal). It’s very responsive at highway speeds at 70 mph and above.
Are you sure the 2023 suburban doesn’t have the second gen.LZ0 3.0 diesel?
Glad to know they can supply the press High Country’s. While dealers and customers take a backseat. 🥴 A Premier or LT would have worked just fine for a review.
Charles – yes, the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukons and Escalades have the LM2. The 2024 model year refresh will bring the LZ0 to these nameplates.
Richard – if it weren’t a High Country, it would be a Premier, and someone who has one on order would feel the way you do. They’re damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. But do know this: the press fleets have become minuscule in size (vehicle quantity) compared to even two years ago.
Is this the same motor that is in the 23 1500 pickup. If so let us know when the check engine light comes on. Seems to be a big problem with them and nobody knows how to fix it. If anyone has had a dealer figure this out please let us know. Thanks
Yes, I can answer that! Check out Theel Bottineau Chevrolet in North Dakota, they can get that check engine light taken care of will all the details your provided. They can repair that check engine light that is a BIG PROBLEM that EVERYONE has. You are welcome.
So what is the code indicated by that light?
Rick – this is not the same engine as in GM’s 2023 Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500.
The 2023 model year SUVs use the LM2, while the 2023 half ton trucks use the LZ0. The LZ0 is an improved version of the LM2. More details about it here:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lz0/
I would be interested to hear from anyone who owns a 2nd gen LZ0 3,0 duramax as far as performances.
It has 305 hp and 495 ft lb torque.
How did you get diesel High Country? When was it built? Ordered it when? Found it on a lot? Many of the features are or have been under constraint….
Bill – this is a press vehicle.
Why doesn’T GM offer A larger fuel tank (28-30 gal ) like Ford?I travel back and forth from ny-fl keys 1450 miles each way
Are you trying to drive there without making a single stop?
How bad is the silly button shifter? Does it look like they’ll break after time just like anything you frequently touch in a gm
The buttons feel pretty sturdy to me. It does take some getting used to though.
I second Frank’s response. The buttons are of a high quality, and if you manage to break those, you’re probably doing something wrong.
What is the oil consumption like with the 3.0 vs. the 6.2l V8?
I haven’t observed any oil consumption between oil changes, except I did have a problem where oil leaked at the oil filter (after dealer freebie change and 5k miles), tightened it and it was fine. Some other people have reported this occuring. (Even when they did the oil changes themselves – dealership is expected to screw things up) I haven’t had any issues since changing the oil myself.
Will they be putting the new LZ0 Duramax into the Chevy or GMC?
Both Sierra and Silverado for 2023
Suv in 2024 predicated
Charlie – we expect the LZ0 to make its way into the 2024 model year Tahoe/Suburban, Yukon/Yukon XL, and Escalade/Escalade ESV. This will coincide with the midcycle refresh for these models.
Any info on the DEF consumption rate would be great.
The press loaner I have has 2,065 miles on the clock, and the DEF indicator shows half full. I do not know if the DEF fluid was or wasn’t added prior to me driving it.
Keep in mind that these press loaners typically see an irregular type of use, as they are pushed hard when driven and do a lot of idling as well. I think under normal operating conditions, there would be more DEF than what we see here.
I just picked up a 23 Silverado High Country with the LZ0. When I left the dealer all the bars were lit up showing full DEF as the dealer said they had topped it off, at just 180 babied miles three of the bars are out.
At 260 miles message in the DIC said I had 999 miles before Def would need refilling.
Hoping that this is a fluke, and it showed full bars after the dealer just splashed a small amount in the filler neck or I’m going to be spending a lot to keep that DEF tank filled.
I went with the diesel over the gassers due to lifter issues and AFM/DFM in general, I found the LZ0 to take off quickly and smoothly, no problem not having enough grunt at highway speeds, at 70 mph it doesn’t take much pedal and speed just climbs. On the test drive I was surprised by how quiet this thing is, sure you can hear it a little while you have your foot in it, but cruising along very nice.
Just so everyone knows, def fluid level vs def gauge level is not very accurate. Most def senders only understand 4-5 levels of fluid capacity in the tank. It does not work like your fuel gauge in a diesel tank or gas tank does which measures fairly accurately. Now I’m not sure about this new suburban with the 3.0 haven’t worked on a def tank on one just yet.
When I got my Tahoe they had forgot to fill the def tank, but unlike your case it never showed full. Took it back and they filled it. Consumption should be 1.5 to 2% of you diesel consumption (I’ve observed about 1.6%).
Sounds like you should take it back to the dealer to check it out. I refill the def tank about once every oil change.
Most all def vehicles are designed to go an oil change on a single tank but driving habits, type of usage can greatly affect def usage. Stop n go makes for more usage, long idle periods, incomplete regens having to be restarted, hauling things, skewed sensors, operator error, many things can have an effect.
Thanks for the info. I’m also considering the 3.0 to avoid potential DFM issues, and like the idea of getting far better MPG for my road trips.
Just drove aver 3000 miles on my 3.0, Gage is still above half full. The bigger the load you get higher usage
3000 miles? That’s awesome!!
It’s about a 5 gallon def tank and it lasts about 1 oil change (7500 miles) for me (almost no towing).
How about an in the driver seat video of driving it?
Working on that 🙂
Number one fuel economy as tested and would also like to know about how many miles until DEF fills. Any check engine lights or codes as I have heard some people having issues early.
When the new LZ0 Duramax 3.0l diesel will show up under Yukon’s hood?
Currently available for Silverado pick-ups, why not available for Yukon models and other full size SUV? Some reports big updates and improvements over the current LM2 engine.
Some lights about this? Thank you
Serge – we expect the LZ0 to come to the SUVs for the 2024 model year refresh.
Thank you for the follow up Alex.
Here are some unanswered questions I posted after you answered on March 15, 1:27PM after Carl’s comment on March 15, 5:28AM.
Would you please clarify these topics? Thank you
1: It is not clear to me that the Max Trailering Package deletes the extra capacity radiator with diesel engine. Is the diesel package already includes the extra capacity radiator? Or for some other reasons?
2: Max Trailering Package on 4WD shows Autotrac 2-speed transfer case. What is the purpose of this option? Is it the big difference between this option and the Prograde Trailering Sytem? Please make a status with pros and cons.
Thank you
Serge:
1. From what I understand, the diesel does not need to be cooled in the same way as the gasoline engines, hence the reason for excluding the extra capacity radiator.
2. AutoTrac/2-speed transfer case is what enables the vehicle to switch from 2WD to 4WD. There isn’t a Prograde Trailering System available for the 2023 Suburban, but there is a Max Trailering Package. Is that what you’re referring to?
Thank you for the follow up Alex.
Regarding your answer to question 2, up to now Max Trailering Package (NHT) are few and far apart at least in Canada. I ordered a Yukon in January 2022. Yes 2022, and I’m still waiting for it. The NHT unvailabiliy is the dealer’s excuse. Also,only 10% of the Yukon production is crossing the border shows the statistics.
Reading all the good comments about the new LZO diesel engine,now I hope to stay in the waiting list up to the 2024 production.
Thank you.
Serge
Have they gotten rid of the extremely stupid belt driven oil pump, or at least redesigned it so that the scheduled replacement of the belt does not require removal of the engine?
Still there, but I believe they did increase the maintenance interval on the belt from 150k up to 200k miles on the LZ0. Also, it’s the transmission that needs to be removed to get to the belt, not the engine itself.
People seem to like to harp on the Duramax belt-driven oil pump. How many engine components in ANY engine have a planned replacement interval of 200,000 miles? Sounds like something that can be easily planned for, even if you keep the vehicle that long.
We have a 2022 Suburban 4×4 with the 3.0 turbo diesel Duramax. We have taken it on multiple trips to Kissimmee Florida and back from Mid Michigan. All I can say is WOW!!!!! Our first and only fuel stop is between knoxville and Dalton Georgia. We set the adaptive cruise at 75 mph and average around 27 mpg. That is well over 700+ miles of range per 28 gallon tank. The engine just sips gas and has plenty of passing power when needed. It also does very well in the mountains/hills of TN and KY. I can’t wait until the newer 3.0 diesel is available in the Tahoes. We also have a 2021 Tahoe with the 5.3. That engine is a dog and sucks down the fuel. That same trip with the Tahoe 5.3 is right around 19 mpg.
Can anyone tell me why the 2021 truck towing max, changed from 9500 lbs. in 2021 to 13000 lbs. in 2022.for the LM2 3.0.L All other specs. are the same?
Chuck – see our article about this here:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/09/2022-chevy-silverado-duramax-gets-significantly-higher-towing-capacity/
Have you towed with the diesel? And if so what is the drop in MPG? I have a 21 Suburban with the 6.2 and I tow a lot. MPG is horrible. I towed a 6K lb 20′ enclosed trailer across country and averaged 8-9 MPG.
Is the trailer package with a trailer brake or that’s a separate add on?
Alex when are yall going to fix the lifter issues in the 6.2 or just keep making a faulty engine until the new 6 cylinder comes out in 27?
Alex when will you fix the lifter issues on the 6.2 or just wait until the new 6 cylinder is introduced