Chevrolet Suburban Review

2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT SUV Shown

One of the longest-running models sold in the United States, the Chevrolet Suburban debuted back in 1936. After serving faithfully for many evolutionary years as a truck primarily meant for commercial or rural use, the extra-large Suburban has increasingly become the go-to choice for families or those in need of class-leading passenger and cargo capacity, third-row seating and solid truck-based towing capability.

With flexible, capable underpinnings, strong powertrains and spacious seating for up to nine plus their cargo, the current truck is a capable large SUV. A short list of competitive sport-utilities may offer more refinement and ultra-lux conveniences for more bucks, but the big 'burban, as well as its GMC equivalent, the Yukon XL, remains the only full-size SUV available in both light- and heavy-duty versions. It certainly comes recommended, and older models are also good choices for consumers desiring a used SUV.

Current Chevrolet Suburban

The current-generation Chevrolet Suburban was fully redesigned for the 2007 model year. It rides on an updated chassis possessing all of its prior strength, plus a more comfortable ride and improved overall agility, performance and efficiency. Two advanced V8 engines are available to handle just about any conceivable need, and a full load of options allows one to add as much or as little luxury and capability as desired. Safety advancements like front seat side-impact airbags, stability control and side curtain airbags for all three rows make the new Suburban safer than ever before.

Three well-equipped trim levels let you tailor the Suburban to fit your needs: base LS, more luxurious LT and the sporty LTZ. There are also two V8s available. Standard on the half-ton Suburban 1500 is a 5.3-liter V8 making 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, equipped with GM's new fuel-conserving cylinder-deactivation technology; a larger 6.0-liter V8 now packing 366 horses and truckloads of torque powers the 3/4-ton Suburban 2500. Initially, both were matched to a four-speed automatic transmission, though for '08 the 2500 was upgraded to a six-speed unit. A choice of two- or four-wheel drive is yours either way, and towing capacities can approach 10,000 pounds.

For such a big truck, the Chevrolet Suburban is relatively quick when unloaded and can reach 60 mph in under 9 seconds. However, our editors found that the base V8 Suburban doesn't always feel so quick when carrying a load of power- and fuel-sapping stuff. We're impressed with the new suspension system, though -- coil-over shocks up front and a five-link setup out back, plus more precise rack-and-pinion steering -- that makes for more composed handling and a smoother ride than before. It's still not exactly nimble around corners, but the cabin is quiet at speed and the ride is always comfortably controlled. When pointed straight down an interstate or out in the wide open spaces, there aren't many better, more capable cruisers than the new Chevrolet Suburban. Overall, it's a compelling and top-rated choice we recommend for those whose people- and gear-hauling needs push the envelope of full size.

Past Chevrolet Suburban Models

The previous-generation Suburban that debuted for the 2000 model year and lasted through 2006 was packaged more efficiently than before -- and although increasingly outclassed by newer competitors in its later years, its warehouse-sized interior made it an easy pick for families and home remodelers who truly needed to max out passenger and cargo space. Interior materials and fit and finish were merely adequate, however, and the exterior design was beginning to look a tad dated. Plus, it was still a brick aerodynamically.

It was slightly shorter than its predecessor, as earlier Suburban models shared much of their styling and powertrains with the GM full-size pickups on which they were based. Several trim levels and a couple modest V8s were available initially, but by 2001 the two "small-block" engines were up to 285 and 320 hp, and were still outpaced by an available new 8.1-liter V8 with 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque.

The Chevy Suburban inched further up the comfort scale as the years went by, but the big news for 2003 was the availability of an innovative Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering system on 3/4-ton models -- reducing the turning circle by a substantial 8 feet and also improving towing stability. The cabin was now more accommodating, too, with numerous improvements like tri-zone climate controls and available DVD entertainment, second-row captain's chairs and power-adjustable pedals. Updates including OnStar, steering-wheel audio controls and tire-pressure monitoring carried the big Chevy through 2006.

Previous to this, there was the Suburban from 1992-'99. After a long, enduring model run by the previous generation that extended from 1973-'91, the then-new '92 Chevrolet Suburban finally adopted the sleek body design and freshened interiors of its previously updated pickup truck siblings. In addition to handsome new looks, the completely redesigned next-generation Suburban boasted more glass area and a lower step-in height than its predecessor.

After a few years of detail improvements, redesigned seats and a new modular dashboard graced the Suburban's interior in 1995, and a year later daytime running lamps marked the adoption of several powerful new Vortec gasoline engines ranging up to 290 hp. For off-roaders, four-wheel-drive models substituted a modern independent front suspension and more convenient Insta-Trac electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. In 1998, four-wheel-drive operation was enhanced again with an optional AutoTrac automatic full-time 4WD system for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.