Review
Introduction
The Chevrolet Suburban underwent a major redesign for 2007 and emerged as a more modern, refined, handsome, and user-friendly truck. Built on a traditional body-on-frame platform, the Suburban weighs a bit more than some of the newer unibody trucks, but the engineering tweaks that it received in 2007 went a long way toward improving the ride, structural rigidity, and driving experience. That sturdy frame also helps the Suburban 1500 achieve a towing capacity of up to 8100 pounds, and Suburban 2500 models can tug up to 9700 pounds.
Inside, a modern and uncluttered interior gives the Suburban a luxurious look that is in step with the nearly $39,000 base price. Three rows of seats are standard on all Suburban models, although the third-row seats are only somewhat useful for adults. Since the Suburban is essentially a Tahoe with an extension grafted on behind the rear wheel wells, there is plenty of space behind the third row for cargo. Like the Tahoe, six-footers might find the front seat lacking in headroom especially if the sunroof is ordered.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all Suburban models; rear-wheel drive is standard. Chevrolet offers two 5.3-liter V-8s and two 6.0-liter V-8s in the Suburban lineup. Under the hood of 1500-series two-wheel-drive (2WD) models is an iron-block, aluminum-head 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 320 horsepower. Suburban 1500 models with 4WD get a lighter all-aluminum version of the same engine that puts out 310 horsepower. Both versions of the 5.3-liter engine are E85 compatible and have fuel-saving cylinder deactivation which allows the engine to run on four cylinders when full power isn’t needed. An all-aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 with 366 horsepower is optional on Suburban 1500 3LTs. The heavier-duty Suburban 2500 gets an iron-block version of the 6.0-liter that makes 352 horsepower and mates to a six-speed automatic. A four-speed automatic is standard on all Suburban 1500s.
For 2008, Chevy offers five different trim levels for the Suburban 1500: the LS and 1LT offer excellent value, while the 2LT, 3LT, and LTZ offer a bit more luxury and power. Customers shopping for the heavy-duty 2500 Suburban have LS, 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trim levels to consider. All Suburbans are comfortable, spacious, and good-looking large sport-utilities that can be configured in nearly any way and for any use. Even with optional 20-inch wheels the ride is supple and quiet and the Suburban isn’t that far off the refinement and driving experience of smaller unibody competition.
Major competitors and alternatives to the Suburban include the Ford Expedition EL, Lincoln Navigator L, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. The Suburban is a mechanical twin to the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Verdict
The Suburban is a large body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle that blends handsome design inside and out with the ability to go just about anywhere and haul just about anything. Engine choices are superior to the competition from Ford, although Toyota and Nissan also offer excellent engines.
As one might expect, the fuel economy of a SUV this big is hard to swallow in an era of $3.00 gas, but if you need the large Suburban’s towing and people-carrying ability, it is one of the better large SUVs.
Click here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Suburban
What’s New for 2008
For 2008, all Suburbans get standard head-curtain airbags and LS models get a standard 40/20/40 split front bench seat. All models also get more wood trim on the center console. The Z71 off-road package returns for those who enjoy boulder bashing—or looking like they do. Two new colors are offered for ’08: Blue Granite and Deep Ruby Metallic. Suburban 2500 models get a six-speed automatic transmission, standard stability control, and a new style of optional 17-inch aluminum wheel.
