Last year, the Chevrolet Tahoe – a slightly shortened version of the Chevrolet Suburban, was given an RST Performance package (RST for Rally Sport Truck). The automaker has just announced that its bigger sibling will get the same treatment.
This performance-focused package namely gives the model a 6.2L V8, already found in the Cadillac Escalade. This engine delivers 420 hp and an impressive 460 lb-ft of maximum torque and is wedded to a 10-speed automatic transmission. We actually tried this powertrain out in both the Tahoe RST and the Escalade, and we confirm that it delivers a very big bite.
Bite it will get, but at the same time, the Suburban remains a big, weighty creature. The RST treatment will not deeply alter the Suburban’s character, although it will certainly give added colour to the decidedly grey universe the model inhabits. The RST package gives the Tahoe 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6 seconds, and we expect it will do the same for the Suburban.
The other noteworthy feature the package adds is the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Chevrolet describes it as an active unit that reduces roll when cornering and gives the vehicle a smoother ride overall.
We should make it clear right here and now that in no way does the package give these large SUVs sporty driving dynamics. On the other hand, the more-powerful mechanics and a chassis to match to make the driving experience a little less, shall we say, boredom-inducing.
The SRT Performance package also includes a grille coloured to match the body of the SUV, roof rails, special window accents and RST badging. The door handles are also body-coloured, and the whole thing runs on 22-inch Bridgestone tires mounted on aluminum alloy wheels.
Options with names like Brembo (brakes) attached to them are on the list of available add-ons. No pricing has been announced for the packaging, which will be offered on 2019 model-year Suburbans.