The 2013 Suburban carries over with minimal changes. Aside from new exterior color choices, the biggest new feature is that powertrain grade braking, previously used only in tow/haul mode, now works in normal transmission mode. The feature slows the vehicle on steep descents using engine torque, which can reduce brake wear.
Chevrolet has been building the Suburban for nearly 80 years, making it the oldest nameplate in automotive history. Generations of families have grown up with the Suburban, which is why, despite its massive size and thirst for fuel, it remains an integral part of the American automotive story. With an all-new Suburban on deck for 2015, the 2014 Suburban acts as a holdover model, losing the larger V8 and 9,000-pound tow rating of the now-defunct 2500 model in the process. While the Suburban is good at what it does, it doesn't offer the towing ability or flush-folding 3rd-row seat of the Ford Expedition, or the superior horsepower offered by the Toyota Sequoia.