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- Highs Powerful V-8 engine, huge interior, loaded with standard tech features.
- Lows Disconnected steering feel, jittery ride over bumpy surfaces, unwieldy to drive around town.
- Verdict The Suburban’s size is both its best and worst attribute, but if you need this much SUV, the Chevy is a great choice.
Overview
Chevrolet has the oldest nameplate in the U.S. with its iconic Suburban, a tall station wagon body on a pickup truck platform offering maximum interior space, towing and hauling capacity, and decent sport-utility off-roadability. While its primary competitor, the Ford Expedition, adopted an innovative independent rear suspension way back in 2007, the Suburban retains its more truck-like solid rear axle, which requires a removable third-row seat for maximum cargo capacity. The Suburban handily outsells Expedition most years, however, and remains one of GM’s most profitable models. It seats six with the optional second-row captain’s chairs, or seven with a bench seat for the second row. Suburban is the extra-large alternative to Chevy’s popular Tahoe, at 224.4-inches long on a 130-inch wheelbase.
What's New for 2017?
The top-trim Suburban LTZ is renamed “Premier” for 2017, and two new exterior paint colors, Blue Velvet Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic have been added. Also this model year, the optional rear entertainment system is upgraded and front active shutters and GM’s teen driver safety system are added as standard equipment on all trim levels. There’s a new Midnight Edition available for LT and Z71 trims, both available only in black with black bowtie badging, as well as black roof racks and rails.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LS: $51,210
- LT: $56,450
- Premier: $66,135
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Suburban is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive but comes with only one engine choice, a 5.3-liter version of Chevy’s venerable small-block V-8 that produces 355 horsepower. It comes with GM’s seamless Active Cylinder Management—which shuts off four of the cylinders at cruising speed for better fuel efficiency—and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In testing, we described the V-8, which delivered a 15.5-second quarter-mile sprint, as smoothly competent, “responding instantly and eagerly to inputs.” We found the steering to be light and direct at highway speeds but said it lacks feel or feedback. There’s some body lean, unless you order the top-spec Premier model with its standard magnetic dampers, and the solid-axle rear suspension reminds you that this is a truck platform at heart. Big bumps in the road lead to a bouncy-castle-like ride.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Suburban's interior furnishings range from sturdy, plain vinyl and cloth seats in the base LS to plush, two-tone leather-surfaced interiors in the Premier, which bumps up against the GMC Yukon XL Denali in terms of luxury and price. Standard features include power front seats, 60/40 folding second- and third-row seats, three-zone climate control, remote start, and multiple power outlets. Higher trims add such conveniences as heated and ventilated seats, perforated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated power folding rear seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space ranges from 39.3 cubic feet behind the third-row to a generous 121.7 cubic feet behind the first row, with the second-row folded and the third row removed. But note that the heavy third-row seat must be removed for maximum capacity and a flat load floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Suburban comes with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which includes such leading-edge tech as an 8.0-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio. Higher trims bring additional features like navigation, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio setup. There's also an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with HDMI and MHL inputs, an extra USB port, digital headphones, and a new video system designed to benefit the visual and hearing impaired.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Suburban‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
