Chevrolet Suburban

Name: 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The huge Suburban might not be politically correct, but it has been the vehicle of choice for families who won't fit in a minivan or another SUV, or for those who need heavy-duty towing or offroading capabilities. It can seat nine (though more commonly seven or eight) with plenty of room for luggage. A comfortable ride, quiet interior, and a well-mannered V8 engine are among the key attributes. However, handling is ungainly and fuel economy is poor. Test results also apply to the GMC Yukon XL.

2012 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Large SUVs Ratings

2012 Chevrolet Suburban

$8,450 - $11,225

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

$6,775 - $10,725

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Durango

$6,875 - $10,125

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Expedition

$4,200 - $9,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Flex

$5,900 - $7,325

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Yukon

$7,150 - $10,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Yukon XL

$8,125 - $9,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Armada

$6,350 - $8,300

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Sequoia

$12,000 - $16,675

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Large SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

3 front, 3 rear, 3 third

4WD, Rear

5.3-liter V8 (320 hp)
6-liter V8 (352 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The new for 2021 Suburban enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable but steadier in the Premier trim. Handling is rather ponderous but safe. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Controls are mostly straightforward to use except for the tricky gear selector which was replaced with a more traditional column-mounted design for 2025. It’s a big step to get into the Suburban and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. Updates for 2022 include standard lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning. Significant changes for the refreshed 2025 model include a larger 17.7-inch infotainment screen, a more powerful diesel engine and automatic emergency braking that functions at highway speeds.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third row seats, as well as optional advanced safety features. It's also more fuel-efficient than previous models. Cabin finish and in-dash electronics are much improved. The interior is considerably quieter too. LT and LTZ models include standard forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems. We'd also get the optional blind-spot monitoring system, which is helpful for keeping track of flanking vehicles. If your budget allows, get the LTZ version because the available Magnetic Ride Control package significantly improves emergency handling, as well as ride quality. Changes for 2016 include available Apple CarPlay capability, a heads-up display and lane-keeping assist.

2007-2014

2007 Redesign Year

More agility, better steering and brakes, along with a more efficient six-speed automatic transmission arrived with the 2007 redesign. The interior was also significantly upgraded, but the third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold into the floor, as some competitors' did by then. The full-time four-wheel-drive system is a plus.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

An immensely capable offering, GM's largest SUV can seat up to nine people, haul massive loads, or tow big trailers. Sharing its basic platform with GM's pickups, power comes from a strong-but-thirsty 5.3-liter V8. Ride, handling and braking are much improved over its predecessor, but parking is awkward and fuel economy, as you might imagine, is on the poor side.