Newest Tech Meets Legacy: Arlington-Made Chevy Suburban, the Oldest SUV in the Auto Industry

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, the industry’s first SUV, boasts the most advanced driving technology in the segment. This is quite impressive considering that the Chevrolet Suburban has been in production since 1935 and is the oldest nameplate in continuous production. Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, has been added to the 2023 model, making it cutting-edge. Super Cruise is similar to Tesla’s Autopilot and is classified as a Level 2 system by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It can only be activated in the top two trim levels of the Suburban – Premier and High Country. Super Cruise utilizes the vehicle’s GPS and cameras to map the highways where it can be used, ensuring reliable and impressive performance. Its lane-centering software keeps the vehicle in its lane without the typical side-to-side sway found in other competitors. Changing lanes is equally stress-free, as the Suburban does it automatically when the turn signal is activated. However, Super Cruise does have limitations and will notify the driver when mapping is unavailable, giving them the opportunity to take control.

In addition to its advanced technology, the Suburban offers ample cargo space, with over 41 cubic feet available even with all three rows in use. The High Country trim level, in particular, comes with various interior amenities found in GMC and Cadillac models, including a large infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the finishes may not be as fancy as its more expensive counterparts, the Suburban offers similar features at a lower price point. The starting price for a Suburban without Super Cruise is $57,200, but the tested model was priced at over $91,000. Nonetheless, this vehicle offers exceptional capabilities with its body-on-frame construction, rear- or all-wheel drive, and multiple engine options.

Driving the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban can be challenging in smaller parking lots due to its size, but it is powerful and spacious enough to handle all tasks with ease. Although it may come with a higher price tag than some lower-trim Cadillac Escalades, it provides a comparable ride experience thanks to its available air and adaptive suspensions. However, the Suburban’s understated design may cause it to go unnoticed compared to its more attention-grabbing counterparts. For those who value practicality over flamboyance, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban offers a no-nonsense, useful and dignified option.