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If you’ve been waiting for heavy-duty SUVs to make a comeback, then we don’t have great news. The Chevy Suburban HD does exist, but not for civilians. Plus, the Chevrolet Suburban HD isn’t made for towing. 

What is the Chevy Suburban HD? 

The Heavy-Duty Sport Utility Vehicle parked on pavement
Heavy-Duty Sport Utility Vehicle | GM Defense

The Chevy Suburban HD is the newest government vehicle to enter the fleet. It has so many modifications that calling it a Suburban could be unfair. It actually goes by ‘HD SUV’ or Heavy-Duty Sport Utility Vehicle. 

GM Defense LLC has taken the General Motors truck and technology to craft a brand-new armored beast. 

The government has been using General Motors vehicles for decades, but GM Defense has a new approach. The vehicles were purchased, taken to aftermarket armor companies, disassembled, modified, armored, and reassembled. 

Now GM Defense can build these vehicles with armor during the original manufacturing process. 

It has a new and unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension to support the weight of extra equipment. 

The body, interior, brakes, exterior, propulsion, and brakes have been modified to provide protection during government missions. Plus, it has bulletproof glass. 

It could be equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque or the diesel 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. 

How much does the Suburban HD cost? 

Pricing for the Chevy Suburban HD is tricky to track down. But it’s safe to assume that this armored beast is expensive due to the customization and added equipment. 

The regular 2023 Suburban starts at $57,200, so that’s already on the higher end of things. Also, the government is absolutely stoked because it invested $36.4 million in a contract for these HD SUVs. 

If you want one, you might be able to save with a fleet deal. But it’s unclear how much these SUVs can tow. 

For civilians, the regular Suburban can tow up to 8,300 lbs. The Silverado 3500 can tow up to 14,000 lbs, and the 4500 can tow up to 37,000 lbs. 

If you want a true Suburban HD model then it might be best to write General Motors a few letters.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.