2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 Goes From ‘Burbs To Backwoods

DON’T buy that minivan. We know you’re busy and you have a family and way more important things to worry about than some nonsense like how fashionable your mode of transportation is. But just don’t do it. At least, not until you’ve taken a good, long look at the 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 — an off-road ready SUV that’s built like a full-size truck, whose nameplate has been relevant in the automotive world since a decade before the current President Of The United States was even born. Can’t say that about the Dodge Caravan, can you?

Just Say No

We get it. Minivans are important. The unheralded backbone of the American family’s automotive universe. Busy families need to transport multiple children and groceries and 10 pieces of luggage. They need good fuel economy, proper safety, ease of entry, and plenty of legroom. Sure, minivans provide these things in spades, without question.

But it’s time for an uncomfortable truth.

There’s not a damn thing about minivans that is inherently cool.

Yeah, they may have accumulated some indie rock cred over the last decade or so. The hand-me-down Ford Windstars and Chevy Luminas inherited from suburban parents now have a degree of ironic chic attached to them, much like the wood-paneled station wagons they succeeded. But they aren’t straight-ahead, Dean Martin-style cool. They’re cool like Weezer’s Raditude album. When really, deep down, we’re looking for the cool of Weezer’s Blue Album. And they ride like cars—heaven forbid you should need to get any further off-road in one than the edge of the kids’ soccer field.

So, what’s the solution? How do we fit a gaggle of passengers, all of their gear, and still be able to get far away from the pavement, all while not having to shell out six figures for a mini bus with some kinda monster truck suspension?

For some time now, it seems that Chevrolet holds the best answer to this riddle. The 2020 Chevy Suburban is just beyond the horizon, expected to launch this fall. And, since 2021 will bring with it a full redesign for the iconic Suburban, we’re more than happy to tide ourselves over with the 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71, a capable behemoth with a Silverado’s soul and all the comforts anyone could expect from a family vehicle.

There’s Something Better

The 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 package is available exclusively on mid-level LT and LTZ Suburban models. There are two power options for the Suburban at-large, but all LT models (and therefore, all models with the Z71 package) sport a 5.3-liter EcoTec V8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A pairing that is good for a beefy 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, Chevrolet’s cylinder-deactivation technology allows for fuel conservation, shutting down part of the engine when it isn’t needed. Though it is by no means a hybrid, the Suburban is smart on fuel for its size, getting a respectable 22 miles per gallon on the highway.

With its pickup truck chassis and added bevy of off-road-ready equipment, the 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 is rough and tumble, without question. But once inside, the quiet ride and abundance of tech and safety features, roomy cabin, and luxurious choices makes this beast tame enough to keep any family riding comfortably. Each one is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot to keep everyone connected. There are a whopping five USB ports and five 12-volt outlets.

Wireless charging, top-of-the-line Bose speakers, and parent-favorite rear-seat entertainment systems are available as well. On the safety side of the tech resumé, the Suburban boasts available rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Bigger & Better

Indeed, the 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 and the 2019 Chevy Tahoe Z71 are siblings, but their ties are actually closer than that. They’re more like twins that somehow grew up to be slightly different sizes. But if the Tahoe is hailed for its extra room, comfort, and ergonomically-pleasant layout, then the larger Suburban deserves even more credit.

Like the Tahoe, it is praised for its smart use of space throughout, with a particularly big and useful center console storage bin and multiple well-placed cubbies throughout the interior. With the second and third rows folded down, there is an insane 95 cubic feet of storage space. And with 39 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row alone (24 more than the Tahoe), everything and everyone can fit in here at the same time. (Technically, you can still leave your toddler at home and pack that extra suitcase of evening attire for this year’s vacation. That’s totally up to you. We’re just saying, you can definitely fit both if you want to. No judgement, though.)

That Z71 Badge Stands for Something

Again, don’t mistake the 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 for just another family wagon. With this package, you are purchasing an off-road MACHINE. So, strap in, and go wherever it is you need to go with confidence, whether a paved road leads there or not.

The Suburban LT’s Z71 package includes plenty of useful equipment and upgrades, starting with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels and a Z71 suspension specifically tuned to handle obstacles at lower speeds. Taller all-terrain tires improve the already-stellar ground clearance, while Z71-specific skid plates protect the undercarriage. There are black tubular side steps and recovery hooks, and a two-speed transfer case. The grille is specific to Z71 models, as are the badged floormats. And it further stands out from all other Suburban models with Z71 decals on the cluster, pillar, and liftgate. But it’s not all just suspension and good looks, Z71 models also offer Hill Descent Control, front and rear park assist, and a high capacity air cleaner to keep things running smoothly. An improved rear-axle ratio (3.42) is geared for more capability.

The 2019 Chevy Suburban Z71 offers a wide range of abilities. Few vehicles offer so much room, horsepower, fuel economy, and off-road readiness. And while there are less expensive options, few can match the all-around skill set of a Suburban Z71 in its price range.

According to Chevrolet.com, a 2019 Chevy Suburban LT with a Z71 package and four-wheel drive can be had for just a shade under $61,000. But if you consider how comfortable a vehicle like this can make a family adventure, it might just be worth its (quite substantial) weight in gold.