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One week with: 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Z71

Given the growth of the SUV market over the last few decades, it's easy to forget about the vehicle that started it all.

Some might point to the Ford Bronco, which hit America's roads and trails in 1965, or the Jeep Wagoneer, which emerged two years earlier as the genesis of this craze. However, it is the Chevy Suburban that came to life in 1934 and is the name of the longest continuously used automobile in history. In fact, both the Bronco and the Wagoneer have come and gone during the Suburban's nearly century-long run.

Overview...The new Suburban Z71 epitomizes what has kept it a mainstay of the Chevrolet lineup for decades: evolution driven by a resolve to give buyers what they want: a big, tough, capable vehicle. While it's no longer just a flagstone rectangle on wheels (okay... it still is, but it has some creases on the side... remember: evolution, not revolution), it's still capable of filling multiple roles.

Need something to carry around the football team? Got it. Need to go to the big home improvement store to buy supplies? Easypeasy. Going on a long trip with a lot of luggage? Good to go!

Today's vehicles are truly utilitarian machines. However, the price of a full-size SUV can quickly — and easily — pass the $100,000 mark. Fortunately, our Sterling Gray Metallic with a Gideon interior test model was well below that at just $77,000, while offering a host of features as well as the function that longtime Suburban fans have come to expect.

Exterior...It's a beautiful beast, certainly looking like an off-roader. It features a massive grille with smaller slit-shaped headlamps that seem de rigueur for so many SUVs these days. Also, you can't miss the big black bow tie in the middle - it almost looks like a nose. At the bottom of the “face” are bright red tow hooks that say, “I can help get you out of trouble.”

It is, without a doubt, a giant rectangle, but the designers softened the corners a bit just to keep it different from some of the competitors. Down the side, there's a crease that runs from the end of the headlight to the taillights, giving it a high-waisted look that makes it look chunky but not chubby.

All in all, it's a masculine look without being over the top and more than adequate for a full-size ute.

Interior...The interior of the Z71 is a great place to be. Ours came with comfortable leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and second row seats. The panoramic roof lets in plenty of light, making an already large space positively feel like an arena.

The layout of the vehicle's controls and gauges is simple without looking cheap – a fine line in the automotive world, one that Chevy often fails to manage, but not this time. The central 10.2-inch touchscreen was bright and easy to reach. The shift buttons are just to the left and, in addition to Park, must be pulled towards the driver to engage the selected gear. It's a safe treatment, but it's still unnerving for me and I'm pretty sure I'm not a fan. At least not yet.

The climate controls sit just below the center air vents and are a simple collection of knobs and buttons that I'm very happy about. The wireless charging pad along with USB and 12 volt ports are just above to allow multiple phones to be charged at the same time. The center console storage is huge, but not so deep that it becomes "bag-like" as one passenger pointed out to me. Not sure if this was intentional, but after hearing this review, we're going to give the design team bonus points for this.

Safety and Technology...It comes with Chevy's Infotainment 3 configuration with integrated Google feature. It's hooked up to a nine-speaker Bose audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound even at higher decibel levels. Again, it's good, but it's not as good as what you find moving to GMC and Cadillac – or Lincoln and Wagoneer, for that matter. The native system is easy to use and pairs wirelessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which I used throughout after an initial run with Chevy's system.

Powertrain...To make sure you can tackle those trails, there are three different powertrains, including a diesel. Our tester came equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 making 355 horsepower with four-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, and will tow 7,600 pounds.

If you're looking for something to rival the Cadillac Escalade-V or anything like that, you're going to be disappointed. However, I found the 5.3 V-8 to be very responsive in everyday driving situations, doing everything you ask it to without a hitch, including no jerky 10-speed shifts.

According to the EPA, it clocks in at 15 miles per gallon in the city, 19 on the highway, and 16 combined. Our real-world results were slightly better, with just over 17 miles per gallon combined driving – a pleasant surprise.

It also comes equipped with various safety and driver assistance technologies such as Forward Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and more. I haven't tested any of these systems, and I'm sure the people at Chevrolet are very happy. It's nice to know they're working, even if just behind the scenes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSB) gives it four out of five stars for crash protection, including five out of five driver side frontal crash ratings and front and rear seat side crash ratings.

Driving impressions...The Z71 is off-road ready, though I don't think I'd use it on the roughest of trails. However, it's clear it can handle tough territory with a front skid plate, electronic limit slip differential and adaptive air ride suspension.

It's also cool to hear the hiss of the air ride release as you pull away from the Z71 after parking it.

Often, “factory-ready” off-roaders are not a pleasant experience for everyday driving. This is often a tough choice when looking to spend over $75,000 on a vehicle. But the Z71 isn't bouncy and stiff like so many others. It really benefits from magnetic steering control technology that ensures the driving modes make a difference. In fact, it was so comfortable on the 75-minute ride to the nearest Ikea that my front-seat passenger nearly dozed off.

That said, running on 20-inch wheels, with plenty of off-road branded components, it's certainly ready to hit the woods or many other off-road locations.

Chevrolet Suburban Z71 2023 — Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Z71 package in a Suburban?

This off-road package comes with metal underbody armor, all-terrain tires, high-capacity air filter, Hill Descent Control, off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, two-speed transfer case and rear differential. with electronic lock.

How many miles can a Suburban Z71 last?

The average Chevy Suburban should last about 200,000 miles. With regular maintenance, it's likely to last even longer. There are several owners that have passed the 500,000 mile mark.

What is the difference between RST and Z71 Suburban?

The 22-inch wheels on the RST are 2 inches larger than those on the Z71. On the Z71, there are 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with technical gray pockets. There's not even the option to put the 22-inch wheels on the Z71. Not much is different inside the Z71 compared to the RST.

Michael Strong, Detroit-USA