Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet's Suburban full-size SUV is available in a 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 2011
The optional towing package now includes an integrated trailer brake controller.
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 crossbars. A variety of wheel sizes are available, with 17-inch wheels standard and 18- or 20-inch wheels optional.
Available turn-signal display in outside mirrors
Optional power liftgate
Optional power running boards
Variety of chevy chrome accessories, including a chevy 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
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. The 5.3-liter V-8 in the 1500 can run on E85 and uses Active Fuel Management to shut down cylinders to improve fuel economy. On rear-drive 1500 models, the 5.3-liter V-8 has an iron block; on four-wheel-drive models, it has an aluminum block. 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. Both engines mate to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 with 335 pounds-feet of torque (326 hp and 348 pounds-feet of torque with E85) in 1500 models
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