The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban introduces a new RST Performance Package that creates the sportiest Suburban model available, while bringing a seamless blend of style and performance to Chevy’s biggest SUV.
The Suburban RST Performance Package includes the following components:
- 6.2L V-8 L86Â engine making 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque
- Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission
- Magnetic Ride Control suspension with sport/performance calibration
- High-capacity air cleaner
- 170 amp alternator
- 3.23 rear axle ratio
- 2-speed active transfer case (4WD only)
- Trailer brake controller and Sport calibration
In addition, the Performance Package includes the visual enhancements of the Suburban Rally Sport Truck (RST) appearance package, which includes:
- 22″ Gloss Black aluminum wheels with custom silver inserts
- Front and rear black bowties
- Unique Gloss Black Sport grille with body-color surround
- Body-color door handles and headlamp accents
- Black mirror caps
- Beltline moldings and roof rails
- Black nameplate badging
“The RST Performance Package made its debut on the Tahoe RST last spring, and the response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevy Trucks Marketing and Advertising. “In fact, Tahoe RST with the Performance Package is the fastest-turning Tahoe model, and we’ve received customer requests to offer the same performance and power to Suburban RST. Delivering on those requests with the Suburban RST Performance Package is another example of how Chevrolet has continually invested in the segment, developing models with combinations of capability, technology and performance to meet the needs of different customers.”
“When you want to hustle, the Suburban RST with the Performance Package offers high levels of acceleration, braking and road-holding grip,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. “When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness.”
The 2018 Suburban with the RST Performance Package is powered by GM’s mighty 6.2L L86 V8 engine mated to GM’s new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission driving exclusively the rear wheels. The combination produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The transmission, which debuted in the 2017 Camaro ZL1, features smaller steps between each gear, maximizing engine power under acceleration. A wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and a lower numerical top gear ratio, the transmission also improves efficiency by reducing engine revolutions at highway speeds.
0-60 estimates for the Suburban RST Performance Package are not yet available. However, the Suburban’s slightly shorter brother, the Tahoe RST with the Performance Package accomplishes the 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds.
The 2018 Suburban RST Performance Edition is available in either 2WD or 4WD, with 2WD models sending power to the rear wheels.
Not just another straight-line hotrod, the 2018 Suburban RST features a notable suspension upgrade.
The Magnetic Ride Control suspension features a special, performance-calibrated tune that’s more aggressive than what is currently offered in the range-topping Suburban.
Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension that “reads” the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as few as 5 milliseconds. As a result, the suspension delivers both improved body-motion control during cornering and a more comfortable ride while cruising. The new performance calibration included in the Suburban RST Performance Package increases body control for even higher levels of responsiveness and comfort.
The RST Performance Package enables the Suburban the following performance attributes:
- 0-60 mph sprint:Â TBD
- Towing rating: 8,100 pounds
- Improved handling
Assigned RPO code WPK, the Suburban RST Performance Package is only available on the Premier (1LZ) trim level. The package includes the items, equipment, and features Suburban RST appearance package (RPO code SCN).
The 2019 Suburban RST Performance Package is available with the following exterior colors:
- (GAN) Silver Ice Metallic
- (GAZ) Summit White
- (GBA) Black
- (GJI) Shadow Gray Metallic
The package is not available with:
- (BRS) power-retractable assist steps
- (Y66) Adaptive Cruise Control
- (RVQ) Black assist step kit (LPO)
- (RZ9) grille insert (LPO)
- (SDA) Black recovery hooks (LPO)
- (SFZ) Black bowtie emblems
- (SJA) grille insert (LPO)
- (VQY) Chrome recovery hooks (LPO)
- (VQZ) polished exhaust tip (LPO)
- (VXH) Chrome assist step kit (LPO)
- Any other RPO or LPO wheels
- Not available for vehicles delivered to Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
The 2019 Suburban RST Performance Package goes sale late summer 2018 across North America.
Pricing for the Suburban RST Performance Package has not yet been announced. However, we could use pricing for the Tahoe RST Performance Package as an indicator.
The 2018 Tahoe RST Performance Package starts at $68,845, including a $1,295 destination freight charge. By comparison, a base 2018 Tahoe LS starts at $48,795, while the 2018 Tahoe Premier starts at $63,495 (including destination. As such, the RST Performance Package adds $5,350 to the price of a Tahoe Premier, and $14,700 to the price of a base Tahoe.
The Suburban RST Performance Package offers an optional custom-tuned Borla dual-side exit performance exhaust system.
Designed engineered and backed by Borla, with sleek exhaust tips that improve exhaust flow by 28 percent for enhanced performance and decreased fuel consumption.
Notably, Borla, and not GM, is responsible for the safety, quality and warranty for this exhaust system.
The Suburban RST Performance Package offers an optional performance brake package that is designed, engineered and backed by Brembo.
The package features massive six-piston, fixed aluminum calipers in the front with brake pads clamping on larger-than-stock 410 x 32mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife rotors coupled with an 84 percent increase in brake pad area and a 42 percent increase in rotor area to increase system thermal capacity. Notably, Duralife rotors feature a hardened surface to reduce corrosion and provide quieter braking with less vibration.
To top it all off, the exterior of the calipers are finished in red for a performance-oriented appearance.
Chevrolet has not announced final estimates for braking distance, but the hardware hints at significant improvements over lesser Suburbans.
The Suburban Performance Package was announced on May 4th, 2018.
