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Photo of a Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Suburban

Eight seats and an all-steel body for 1935; the world's longest-running car nameplate.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 37 sources

Also called

  • Square bodyName for the 1973–1991 Suburban generation.3
  • SuperwagonChevrolet's 1973 brochure label for the wagon with four passenger doors.3
  • Six-door wagonThe 1973 Chevrolet brochure counted four passenger doors plus the standard double rear doors.3

At a glance

0250500
60–420 hpPower
0100200
156–182 km/hTop speed
0400800
285–671 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
1,500–2,825 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12811121314

Layout
Front engine; rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive1
Gearbox
Manuals: 3/4-speed early; autos: 4-speed (1954), 6-speed (2015), 10-speed (2025)1812
Built at
GMT400: Janesville Assembly, USA; Silao Assembly, Mexico45
Units built
10 million reached in 20151

The story

The Carryall was designed to fit a whole family and its gear into one small truck. In 1935, Chevrolet gave that mission an all-steel wagon body, eight seats and a half-ton truck chassis.12

1933: Wood-bodied half-ton precursor19331935: Eight seats, two passenger doors19351973: Four doors for a 19-year generation19731996: Vortec brings up to 290 hp19962007: GMT900 adds variable valve timing20072015: 355 hp and direct injection20152019: Hollywood star: 1,750-plus screen credits20192021: 12th generation frees up cabin space20212025: 305-hp diesel reaches Z712025 Chevrolet Master station wagon: 1933Chevrolet Master station wagonChevrolet Carryall Suburban (first generation): 1935–1940Chevrolet Suburban (third generation) (Advance Design): 1947–1955 (First Series)Chevrolet Suburban (fourth generation) (Task Force): 1955 (Second Series)–1959Chevrolet Suburban (seventh generation) (Rounded Line): 1973–1991Rounded LineChevrolet Suburban (eighth generation) (GMT410): 1992–1999Chevrolet Suburban (ninth generation) (GMT800): 2000–2006Chevrolet Suburban (tenth generation) (GMT900): Introduced 2007GMT900Chevrolet Suburban (eleventh generation) (K2XX): Introduced 2015K2XXChevrolet Suburban (twelfth generation) (T1): 2021–presentT1 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1234681016
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1933Chevrolet Master station wagon
1935–1940Chevrolet Carryall Suburban (first generation)
1947–1955 (First Series)Chevrolet Suburban (third generation) (Advance Design)
1955 (Second Series)–1959Chevrolet Suburban (fourth generation) (Task Force)
1973–1991Chevrolet Suburban (seventh generation) (Rounded Line)
1992–1999Chevrolet Suburban (eighth generation) (GMT410)
2000–2006Chevrolet Suburban (ninth generation) (GMT800)
Introduced 2007Chevrolet Suburban (tenth generation) (GMT900)
Introduced 2015Chevrolet Suburban (eleventh generation) (K2XX)
2021–presentChevrolet Suburban (twelfth generation) (T1)
1933Wood-bodied half-ton precursor
1935Eight seats, two passenger doors
1973Four doors for a 19-year generation
1996Vortec brings up to 290 hp
2007GMT900 adds variable valve timing
2015355 hp and direct injection
2019Hollywood star: 1,750-plus screen credits
202112th generation frees up cabin space
2025305-hp diesel reaches Z71
  1. 1933

    Wood-bodied half-ton precursor

    A wood-bodied half-ton wagon is built for National Guard and Civilian Conservation Corps use; its 3.4-liter six makes 56 hp.2

  2. 1935

    Eight seats, two passenger doors

    The Carryall launches with an all-steel wagon body on a half-ton truck chassis, eight seats and just two passenger doors.2

  3. 1973

    Four doors for a 19-year generation

    Four passenger doors arrive, along with a three-quarter-ton passenger version; this generation stays in production for 19 years.2

  4. 1996

    Vortec brings up to 290 hp

    GMT400's 5.7-liter V8 reaches 250 hp; the 2500's 7.4-liter reaches 290. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 is also offered.45

  5. 2007

    GMT900 adds variable valve timing

    The 5.3- and 6.0-liter V8 lineup gains VVT on the aluminum 6.0. Payload reaches 1,162 kg; a 2WD 2500 can tow 4,400 kg.6

  6. 2015

    355 hp and direct injection

    Chip Thole leads exterior design; a direct-injected 5.3-liter V8 pairs 355 hp with a six-speed automatic.78

  7. 2019

    Hollywood star: 1,750-plus screen credits

    The Suburban becomes the first vehicle with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, following more than 1,750 film and TV appearances since 1952.1

  8. 2021

    12th generation frees up cabin space

    Independent rear suspension, optional air ride and 19% more cargo room arrive; the diesel offers 277 hp, 624 Nm, a 10-speed auto and 22 mpg combined (4WD).91011

  9. 2025

    305-hp diesel reaches Z71

    The 3.0-liter diesel rises to 305 hp and 671 Nm, and becomes available on Z71 for the first time.12

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Carryall Suburban (first generation)
    Chevrolet Carryall Suburban (first generation)1935–1940
  • Chevrolet Suburban (third generation)
    Advance Design1947–1955 (First Series)
  • Chevrolet Suburban (fourth generation)
    Task Force1955 (Second Series)–1959
  • Chevrolet Suburban (seventh generation)
    Rounded Line1973–1991
  • Chevrolet Suburban (eighth generation)
    GMT4101992–1999
  • Chevrolet Suburban (ninth generation)
    GMT8002000–2006
  • Chevrolet Suburban (tenth generation)
    GMT900Introduced 2007
  • Chevrolet Suburban (eleventh generation)
    K2XXIntroduced 2015
  • Chevrolet Suburban (twelfth generation)
    T12021–present

Power over the years

From 60 hp to 420 hp in 84 years.

0200400600 194019501960197019801990200020102020 hp 1935 · 60 hp · Carryall Suburban1941 · 90 hp · Chevrolet Carryall 3.5 L1992 · 210 hp · Standard 5.7 L V81996 · 250 hp · Vortec 5.7 L V81996 · 290 hp · 2500 Vortec 7.4 L V82004 · 320 hp · 2500 LT 8.1 L, 597 Nm, 4-speed auto2005 · 295 hp · 1500 LT 5.3 L Vortec V82007 · 366 hp · 1500 LTZ 4WD, optional 6.0 L V82015 · 355 hp · Direct-injected 5.3 L V82019 · 420 hp · RST 6.2 L Performance Package2021 · 277 hp · High Country Duramax 4WD2025 · 305 hp · 3.0 L diesel, now offered on Z71 420 hp RST 6.2 L Performance Package 60 hp Carryall Suburban
245681112151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
193560Carryall Suburban
194190Chevrolet Carryall 3.5 L
1992210Standard 5.7 L V8
1996250Vortec 5.7 L V8
19962902500 Vortec 7.4 L V8
20043202500 LT 8.1 L, 597 Nm, 4-speed auto
20052951500 LT 5.3 L Vortec V8
20073661500 LTZ 4WD, optional 6.0 L V8
2015355Direct-injected 5.3 L V8
2019420RST 6.2 L Performance Package
2021277High Country Duramax 4WD
20253053.0 L diesel, now offered on Z71

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 1500 LS / LT

    Standard

    1500 LS / LT

    2000–2006

  • Standard

    2500 LT 8.1-liter V8

    2004

    320 hp
  • LS / LT / Premier

    Standard

    LS / LT / Premier

    2025

    355 hp
  • RST

    Standard

    RST

    2025

    355 hp

  • Standard

    Z71

    2025

    355 hp
  • High Country

    Standard

    High Country

    2025

    420 hp

  • Special

    Z71 package

    2015

    355 hp

  • Special

    Texas Edition

    2015

    355 hp

  • Special

    Midnight Edition

    2017

    355 hp

  • Performance

    RST Performance Package

    2019

    420 hp

  • Limited

    75th Anniversary Diamond Edition

    2010

    2,570 built

  • Special

    Suburban HD (B6 armored)

    2019

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1935–1940: two passenger doors, with rear barn doors or a tailgate/lift window.1
  • 1967–72: one passenger door on the driver's side, two on the other.3
  • 1973–1991 square bodies have four side doors, plus twin rear doors or a wind-down-window tailgate.3
  • 1992–1999: large side windows reach the roof, ending at black rearmost pillars.4
  • 2015 design: stacked split headlamps, a split grille and a rear wiper hidden under the spoiler.7

Year by year

  1. 1981

    Rectangular headlights, a flat hood and horizontal side markers replace the early round lights and vertical markers.3

  2. 1987

    C/K designations become R/V: R means 2WD and V means 4x4, with badges moving to 1500 and 2500.3

  3. 1989

    A flush, mostly black grille and four small rectangular headlights arrive; economy trims can have two headlights.3

  4. 1994–1997

    A high-mounted brake light arrives for 1994; 1995 brings a new interior and driver airbag; 1997 adds a passenger airbag.5

  5. 2017

    The top trim changes its name from LTZ to Premier; new Midnight packages bring black bowties and roof hardware.20

  6. 2025

    Split LED running lights and lower headlights mark the nose; LED taillights and a black panel below the rear glass mark the tail.23

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Suburban
    Suburban
    Photo of a Chevrolet Tahoe
    Chevrolet Tahoe

    Chevrolet Tahoe

    Same height and width, but the Suburban is longer; look for the extended body and cargo section behind the rear seats.1

  • GMC Yukon (2000)

    A closely related shorter shape: the 2000 Yukon is smaller overall, with far less space behind the third row.24

Against its rivals

  • Suburban vs Ford Expedition XLT (1997)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Suburban10.4 s
    Ford Expedition XLT (1997)10.6 s
    14

  • Suburban vs GMC Yukon SLT K1500 (2000)

    Base payload

    Suburban1,288 kg
    GMC Yukon SLT K1500 (2000)794 kg
    24

Prices

Value today $8.0K–$30.0K3

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 19901995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $8,000–$30,000 1990 · $25,720 · US V1500 Silverado, sticker total1996 · $26,988 · US base, K1500 LS2007 · $47,035 · US base, 1500 LTZ 4WD2015 · $51,590 · US base, 4WD2017 · $51,210 · US base, LS2021 · $52,995 · US LS, incl. $1,295 destination2021 · $82,495 · US High Country Duramax 4WD, tested2025 · $96,130 · US High Country 4WD, tested 2014 · $20,900 · 1955 3100 Suburban, California 20142025 · $13,750 · 1998 K1500 LT 4×4, 180k miles shown, BaT2025 · $40,000 · 1957 Carryall, BaT2025 · $9,500 · 2007 2500 LS 4×4, 135k miles, BaT2025 · $42,000 · 1957 Carryall, 57k miles shown (rolled odometer), BaT2025 · $54,000 · 1950 Carryall 3100 5.3L V8, 4,200 miles shown, BaT2025 · $30,250 · 1972 K10 4×4, 92k miles shown, BaT2026 · $40,250 · 2004 2500 LT 8.1L 4x4, 96k miles, BaT2026 · $15,777 · 1990 V1500 Silverado 4x4, 126k miles shown, BaT2026 · $20,250 · 1957 Carryall 4-speed, 26k miles shown, BaT2026 · $19,300 · 2005 1500 LT 5.3L 4x4, 61k miles, BaT2026 · $8,500 · 1989 Scottsdale Compliment 4×4, 82k miles shown, BaT2026 · $27,500 · 2001 2500 LT 4×4, 85k miles, BaT $54.0K BaT, 2025
681011131415162023293031323334353637
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1990Price when new$25,720US V1500 Silverado, sticker total
1996Price when new$26,988US base, K1500 LS
2007Price when new$47,035US base, 1500 LTZ 4WD
2015Price when new$51,590US base, 4WD
2017Price when new$51,210US base, LS
2021Price when new$52,995US LS, incl. $1,295 destination
2021Price when new$82,495US High Country Duramax 4WD, tested
2025Price when new$96,130US High Country 4WD, tested
2014Auction sale$20,9001955 3100 Suburban, California 2014
2025Auction sale$13,7501998 K1500 LT 4×4, 180k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$40,0001957 Carryall, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,5002007 2500 LS 4×4, 135k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$42,0001957 Carryall, 57k miles shown (rolled odometer), BaT
2025Auction sale$54,0001950 Carryall 3100 5.3L V8, 4,200 miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$30,2501972 K10 4×4, 92k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$40,2502004 2500 LT 8.1L 4x4, 96k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,7771990 V1500 Silverado 4x4, 126k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,2501957 Carryall 4-speed, 26k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,3002005 1500 LT 5.3L 4x4, 61k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,5001989 Scottsdale Compliment 4×4, 82k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$27,5002001 2500 LT 4×4, 85k miles, BaT
2026Value today$8,000–$30,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Wood, steel and the longest-running name”
    • “A fifth Baja win after towing a rival”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. Chevrolet Suburban - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Chevy Suburban Timeline + Photo Gallery: Hits and Highlights motortrend.com
  3. Square Body Suburban 4x4 (1973–91) Buyer's Guide & Problems boxytrucks.com
  4. Chevrolet Suburban (eighth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 1992-99 Chevrolet Suburban | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  6. 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ 4WD caranddriver.com
  7. Interview: Chip Thole, Exterior Design Manager, GM Full-Size SUVs motortrend.com
  8. 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD Tested: Staying the Course caranddriver.com
  9. The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban Super Cruises in Comfort caranddriver.com
  10. 2021 Chevrolet Suburban starts at $52,995, no change from 2020 - Autoblog autoblog.com
  11. 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Diesel First Test: The Most Efficient Big SUV motortrend.com
  12. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban First Drive Review: The Biggest Boy Gets New Diesel Engine, Screens motortrend.com
  13. No Reserve: 1957 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,250 on May 20, 2026 (Lot #243,547) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  14. Sumo-Sized: 1997 SUVs Compared caranddriver.com
  15. No Reserve: 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LT 8.1L 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,250 on March 15, 2026 (Lot #233,537) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  16. 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,300 on September 28, 2026 (Lot #265,475) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  17. 2019 Chevrolet Suburban Adds 6.2-Liter V-8 Option motortrend.com
  18. How to buy a 9th generation Chevrolet Suburban (2000-2006) — Suburban Camping suburbancamping.com
  19. 2015 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban get the Z71 Treatment [Gallery] - TFLcar tflcar.com
  20. 2017 Chevrolet Suburban Review, Pricing, and Specs caranddriver.com
  21. 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition caranddriver.com
  22. Federal Fleet of Supercharged Chevy Suburban HDs Now Available to the Public [UPDATE] thedrive.com
  23. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban Review: Righting Wrongs to Retain Benchmark Status thedrive.com
  24. Tested: 2000 Full-Size Detroit SUVs vs. Arizona's Canyons caranddriver.com
  25. Action From NORRA Mexican 1000: BFI’s Suburban Races to Its Fifth Win | General Tire generaltire.com
  26. Volcano Vehicle: The ‘Dante’s Peak’ Chevy Suburban Is Getting Restored After Years of Rotting thedrive.com
  27. Chevrolet Suburban common problems — Suburban Camping suburbancamping.com
  28. Transport Canada Recall - 2025225 - GENERAL MOTORS - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  29. No Reserve: 1990 Chevrolet Suburban V1500 Silverado 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,777 on April 23, 2026 (Lot #239,191) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Suburban | California 2014 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  31. No Reserve: 1989 Chevrolet Suburban Scottsdale 4x4 Compliment Conversion for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on October 28, 2026 (Lot #271,082) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 5.3L-Powered 1950 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban 3100 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $54,000 on July 16, 2025 (Lot #200,673) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LT 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,500 on February 9, 2026 (Lot #229,420) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1998 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 LT 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,750 on December 16, 2025 (Lot #223,711) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. Original-Family-Owned 1957 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $42,000 on July 22, 2025 (Lot #201,456) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LS 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,500 on October 13, 2025 (Lot #214,626) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 1972 Chevrolet K10 Suburban 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,250 on April 3, 2025 (Lot #186,142) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • boxytrucks.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoblog.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • suburbancamping.com
  • tflcar.com
  • thedrive.com
  • generaltire.com
  • recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  • rmsothebys.com

Photo credits

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