Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 4, 2009Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet's Suburban full-size sport utility vehicle is available in a wide variety of payload, drivetrain and trim-level configurations, including regular-duty 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Suburban can seat up to nine, and its GM sibling is the more upscale GMC Yukon XL. The Suburban competes with other full-size SUVs including the Ford Expedition EL, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia.
New for 2010
The 6.0-liter V-8 on 2500 models can run on E85, and a single-speed transfer case is standard on four-wheel-drive models. A two-speed transfer case is optional. A 6.0-liter V-8 is no longer available on Suburban 1500 models.
Exterior
The Suburban is one of the biggest SUVs on the market, with traditional, boxy styling. Various option packages can dress up the Suburban with things such as fog lamps and luggage-rack cross bars. A variety of wheel sizes are available, with 17-inch wheels standard and 18- or 20-inch wheels optional. There are also a variety of new color options for 2010.
- Available turn-signal display in outside mirrors
- Optional power liftgate
- Optional power running boards
- Variety of chrome options, including a custom grille, recovery hooks, door handles, mirror caps and fuel-filler doors
Interior
The Suburban can seat up to nine people in three rows of seats, but that third row doesn't fold flat into the floor, which can limit storage options. Other options include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and first- and second-row heated seats.
- Optional DVD screen for third row
- Bluetooth connectivity with steering-wheel controls
- All stereo systems now feature a USB port to connect MP3 players
- Optional upgraded stereo and remote vehicle start
Under the Hood
The Suburban's engines differ depending on whether a regular-duty 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 is selected, as well as whether it has two- or four-wheel drive. The 5.3-liter V-8 can run on E85 and uses Active Fuel Management to shut down cylinders when they're not needed to improve fuel economy.
A 6.0-liter V-8 is no longer available on Suburban 1500 models.
Suburban 2500 models are powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 that can run on E85. When properly equipped, the Suburban 1500 can tow up to 8,100 pounds and the 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds. All engines are mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
- 310-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 with 335 pounds-feet of torque (326 hp and 348 pounds-feet of torque with E85)
- 352-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 382 pounds-feet of torque (2500)
- Integrated brake controller for electric trailer-brake systems
- Optional heavy-duty trailering package with 3.42 axle
Safety
Safety features include:
- Standard antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability system
- Standard side curtain airbags for all rows
- Optional backup camera with display in rearview mirror or navigation screen
- Optional blind spot warning system
- Optional rear parking sensors
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