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May 10, 2018
2019 Chevrolet Suburban RST Gets Available 6.2L V-8
High-Performance Powertrain Moves to Biggest Chevy SUV
When the Tahoe and Suburban RST debuted last year, we were disappointed to learn the Performance Package, with its 6.2L V-8, 10-speed transmission, and Magnetic Ride Control, would only be available on the Tahoe variant. But for 2019, Chevrolet will right that wrong by offering the Performance Package on the Suburban RST. The powertrain replaces a 5.3L V-8 and eight-speed transmission that will continue as the standard setup in the Suburban RST.
The Performance Package boasts 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and thanks to a wide ratio spread from the 10-speed, the Suburban RST should be able to hit at least 20 mpg on the freeway, based on EPA estimates for the similarly sized Cadillac Escalade ESV. We’ve sampled the same engine and transmission in a variety of platforms, and it’s got plenty of punch even when hauling 6,000 pounds of SUV down the road.
Remaining as part of the standard Tahoe/Suburban RST package are bold 22-inch wheels and monochromatic exterior styling, giving Chevy’s biggest SUVs some aftermarket flair. The RST is also available with a Chevrolet accessory side-exit exhaust system made by Borla, as well as upgraded Brembo brakes to bring the whole kit-n-caboodle to a stop.
So does the newly upgraded Suburban RST have what it takes to fend off the newcomer Ford Expedition MAX for big-SUV mastery? Although the Chevy is built on some aging bones, it’s still a comfortable, quiet SUV, and let’s be honest: We’ll forgive a lot of shortcomings if there’s a big stonking V-8 under the hood.
