2012 Chevrolet Suburban

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Rating7.4

Ranked #7 in 

Fullsize SUV
Write Review
$42,220 - $58,115
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Plenty of space inside the cabin

Unimpressive braking performance due to its heftiness

It gets an updated optional navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system

Strong V8 engine options

Cumbersome handling around corners with numb steering feel

Comfortable and pleasant ride quality in any road conditions

Specs & Features

$45,065

price

320 hp @ 5400 rpm

horsepower

335 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

5.3L 8cyl 4WD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Competing in the fullsize SUV, the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban goes up against other notable names in the class, like the Toyota Sequoia, the Ford Expedition, and the GMC Yukon. Spread across 2 trims which further is divided into 3 sub-trims, the Chevrolet Suburban starts off at a base price of MSRP $42,220 and carries on to $58,115. Not all trims are built equal, however, as there are 2 powertrains on offer. The standard engine is a 5.3L V8 rated for 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Chevrolet Suburban gives you a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. The 2500 trim is powered by a 6.0L V8 engine that produces a stronger 352 horsepower and 382 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is offered alongside both engines.

Buying Advice

Considering the features offered for the price, the base trim itself will do. However, stepping up to the mid-level LT trim gets you some value-for-money features like a locking rear differential, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, an upgraded Bose sound system, and a handful of other convenient features.

Trims

    LS 1500
    $42,220 onwards
    • 17-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone manual front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Rear air conditioning with controls
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    LS 2500
    $43,830 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone manual front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Rear air conditioning with controls
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    LT 1500
    $45,980 onwards
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Ultrasonic Parking assist
    LT 2500
    $47,570 onwards
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Ultrasonic Parking assist
    LTZ 1500
    $55,115 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • 20-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • Front passenger Lumbar support
    • Navigation system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$42,220- $58,115

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.36

Horsepower

352 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque

382 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Capacity

9

Read Review

$36,500- $45,765

Gasoline

7.88

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

7

Read Review

$63,170- $82,495

Gasoline

7.55

403 hp @ 5700 rpm

417 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

7

Read Review

$29,660- $41,035

Gasoline

8.08

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$38,755- $56,075

Gasoline

7.6

320 hp @ 5400 rpm

335 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

9

Read Review

$28,995- $43,195

Gasoline

7.95

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

7

Read Review

$36,530- $52,330

Gasoline

7.47

310 hp @ 5100 rpm

365 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,085- $58,005

Gasoline

8.38

320 hp @ 5400 rpm

335 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

8

Read Review

$22,345- $27,895

Gasoline

6.95

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

167 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,870- $55,120

Gasoline

7.69

317 hp @ 5200 rpm

385 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.5 sec--
    7 sec14.6 sec148 mph
    7.2 sec15.5 sec-
    7.3 sec15.4 sec-
    7.5 sec--
    7.5 sec16 sec114 mph

    2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg31 gal.465/651 mi.
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.
      16 mpg23 mpg19 mpg26.4 gal.422.4/607.2 mi.
      17 mpg24 mpg19 mpg22 gal.374/528 mi.
      17 mpg24 mpg19 mpg22 gal.374/528 mi.
      16 mpg23 mpg19 mpg24.6 gal.393.6/565.8 mi.

      2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        222.4 in.79.1 in.76.8 in.9.1 in.130 in.

        2012 GMC Yukon XL

        Ranked #1

        222.4 in.79.1 in.76.8 in.8.9 in.130 in.

        2012 Ford Expedition EL

        Ranked #2

        221.3 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.7 in.119 in.
        207.7 in.79.3 in.77.2 in.9.8 in.123.2 in.
        206.5 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.7 in.119 in.
        205.1 in.79.9 in.77 in.9.9 in.122 in.

        2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          45.8 cu.ft.131.8 cu.ft.137.4 cu.ft.
          18.9 cu.ft.-120.1 cu.ft.
          55 cu.ft.94 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          16.9 cu.ft.143.8 cu.ft.108.9 cu.ft.
          23.3 cu.ft.153 cu.ft.115 cu.ft.
          16.9 cu.ft.94.3 cu.ft.108.9 cu.ft.

          2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            44.8 cu.ft.45.8 cu.ft.137.4 cu.ft.67 ft.
            65.2 cu.ft.36.2 cu.ft.72.6 cu.ft.-
            79 cu.ft.16.9 cu.ft.108.9 cu.ft.-
            14.3 cu.ft.20 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.-
            63.3 cu.ft.24.4 cu.ft.116.4 cu.ft.98 ft.
            73 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.115 cu.ft.-

            2012 Chevrolet Suburban vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              8100 lbs.1528 lbs.5672 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1751 lbs.5549 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1652 lbs.5448 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1652 lbs.5505 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1612 lbs.5488 lbs.
              8200 lbs.1728 lbs.5372 lbs.

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