Peter Palmer: Older Brother Does Something With His Life: 2019 Chevy Suburban RST Performance Package

These days American automotive shoppers are hungry for two things: SUVs and special editions of those SUVs. Meet the Chevy Suburban with the new RST Performance Package. It’s old school thinking combined with new ideas: the big SUV, big engine part is old school and the new ideas? Well, that comes from the modern styling that befits the RST Performance Package.

The Suburban’s little brother, the Tahoe, already has an RST Performance Package. It has for a year. Every family has that annoying overachiever, but now the Suburban is off the couch and more than just marginally employed.

Here are the details, starting with the old school.

Power & Performance

This whale swims through urban oceans and concrete seas with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. GM fans seem to love the 6.2 and it rarely needs an introduction. Pedal down equals vehicle forward. The current Suburban is only offered with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 (still a good engine) but the RST Performance Package pours on the gravy as the 6.2 churns out an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque.

Towing capacity is expected to be 8,100 lbs. although that figure is not official yet.

The engine and transmission work in unison for an optimum balance of power and efficiency. The 6.2 utilizes direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management while the transmission has smaller steps between each ratio to maximize acceleration. The 10-speed also features a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower numerical top gear ratio.

Available as an upgrade to the Suburban RST, customers can now opt for the Performance Package. Photo: Chevrolet.

Magic Carpets

This is a bit on the new school side, although GM’s Magnetic Ride Control has been around for a hot minute. Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension that “reads” the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as few as five milliseconds. In other words, it’s a proactive approach to dealing with harsh or bumpy roads.

Magnetic Ride Control provides greater control, especially around corners, and will make being on a long trip much more comfortable.

“When you want to hustle, the Suburban RST with the Performance Package offers high levels of acceleration, braking, and road-holding grip,” said Eric Stanczak, Chief Engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. “When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness.”

Styling Themes

The Performance Package eliminates most of the chrome to mirror a look consistent with current aftermarket trends. Styling is more body-color-oriented and matched: grille surround and door handles, for example; the gloss-black grille and mirror caps; black roof rails, window trim, badging, and Chevy bowties. Less chrome for a different kind of shine. Some say it’s more bold, others say it’s more subtle. It’s really up to you.

The Suburban RST can be further decked out with a Borla custom exhaust system, Brembo brakes, 22-inch wheels, and Bridgestone P285/45R 22 tires. Go big or go home right?

Pricing & Availability

Chevy did not announce pricing but said to expect the Suburban RST Performance Package later this summer. Complete performance specs, like the towing capacity, will be announced closer to that time.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.