2026 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country Review & Test Drive

General Motors keeps setting the bar for full-size, body-on-frame SUVs, and the 2026 Chevrolet Suburban High Country proves such a case. There are no major changes from 2025 as I get a week to spend with one of the largest SUVs around reminding me how far the Suburban has come. The lines between Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac large SUVs remain blurred, and that is especially true in High Country trim in the Chevy Suburban where things get murky between the new Yukon XL Denali and Escalade ESV. The fine print in materials and brand cachet still separates them, but the Suburban’s fundamentals continue to land right in the sweet spot where some wonder if the Caddy Escalade commands the extra pricing.

Performance and Driving Character

The prided 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque keeps on ‘trucking’ in the Suburban High Country, backed by a smooth 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive with an automatic setting. It is the same consistent, confident powertrain that moves this big SUV to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds and feels more assured in both acceleration and under braking than older generations. The height-adjustable air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control keep the big body settled, reading the road and calming unwanted motions. Our 2026 tester wore massive 24-inch alloys wrapped in quiet Bridgestone Alenza all-seasons, and the ride remained composed, even during situations where you would otherwise expect lofty movements. No, no, there’s no slop here as the magnetic dampers do their job paying dividends to keep the large Suburban smooth and compliant, more so than any other SUV in such a class. The look is classy and nearly luxurious, especially in Radiant Red Tintcoat, which flatters the refreshed sheet metal without shouting for attention – an attribute some in wearing the Chevrolet bowtie instead of the Cadillac crest.

Fuel Economy

Reality hits hard with V8 SUVs, though I had no trouble matching the EPA’s 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined in the real world. Highway stints just under 70 mph returned close to 19 mpg. Cylinder deactivation works seamlessly, and with a 28-gallon tank and premium fuel, expect just over 500 miles of cruising range.

Interior and Technology

Family resemblance across GM’s big SUVs is most obvious in the area of technology sans screen sizing and positioning. The 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen pairs nicely with the 11-inch digital cluster, with quick responses and an easy learning curve. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain, as does the actively cooled wireless charger. A bright color head-up display, integrated Google Maps and Assistant, and the availability of GM’s SuperCruise appease on long trips.

Space is generous across all three rows, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third row that can actually fit adults. Cargo remains a Suburban party trick with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 with it folded, and a vast 144.7 with the second row powered down. As always, I welcome the 360-degree camera system and a digital rearview mirror, which is something essential for a vehicle this big.

Pricing

The 2026 Suburban High Country we tested comes in at $100,800 including a $2,595 destination charge. That is about a $5,000 increase over the 2025 model year example I reviewed last year. Pricing continues to overlap with GMC Yukon XL Denali though remains distant from the Cadillac Escalade ESV, which means you will want to weigh interior materials, dealer experience, and brand draw as the money-adding factors. The kicker is how much of the same capability and tech you get here, which is why the Suburban’s appeal has only grown as the years have stacked up – even with the now-six-figure pricing.

2026 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country

Starting Price: $87,795 / as-tested $100,800
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon/SUV

Powertrain

Engine: Pushrod 16-valve 6.2L V8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Horsepower: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Fuel Economy & Range

EPA Fuel Economy: 16 mpg combined / 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
Fuel Tank Capacity: 28 gallons
Range (City/Highway): — / 500
Fuel Type: premium unleaded recommended

Brakes

Brake Type: 4-wheel vented disc with ABS
Front Brakes: 13.5 in vented discs
Rear Brakes: 13.6 in vented discs

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase: 134.1 in
Length: 226.3 in
Width: 81.0 in
Height: 76.2 in

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
Passenger Volume: 68 / 59 / 51 cu ft (F/M/R)

Cargo & Weight

Trunk Space: 42.0 cu ft behind third row (94.0 cu ft behind second, 145.0 cu ft max)
Curb Weight: 6,203 lb

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