2007 Chevrolet Suburban

Big Enough for the Kitchen Sink

Chevrolet's long-standing (and just plain long) Suburban SUV gets a much-needed makeover for 2007, adding power, sophistication and features.

Following on the heels of the standard Chevrolet Tahoe sibling's redesign, the extended-length Suburban is all new for 2007. As before, it’s a clone of the GMC Yukon XL and the flashier Cadillac Escalade ESV.

The new Chevrolet Suburban is offered in three trim levels — SLE, SLT and the well-equipped LTZ — in rear- and four-wheel-drive versions. While it remains a large and rectangular-shaped vehicle, with what appear to be only relatively minor exterior styling changes, the Suburban manages to bring several key enhancements to the table, including added power and increased fuel economy.

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The previous generation’s 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine continues but now includes GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, in which half of the engine’s cylinders are deactivated during low-stress driving. The EPA’s fuel-economy estimate for RWD Suburbans is 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and for 4WD models, 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway, which is several mpg better than before and is on par with many V6-powered midsize models.

Of particular note if you live in the Corn Belt, a Flex-Fuel E85 version, which is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline, comes standard on 4WD models and is available on RWD models. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn husks and other vegetable waste. Flex-Fuel Suburbans are less efficient when running on E85, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 12 mpg to 13 mpg city/16 mpg to 17 mpg highway.

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Heavy-duty three-quarter-ton models (designated "2500," as opposed to "1500" for half-ton versions) offer a 350-hp 6.0-liter V8 that produces a strong 360 pound-feet of torque for extreme towing and hauling duties. Later in the production run, a new all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8 will be available that produces 355 hp and includes Active Fuel Management.

Unfortunately, the 5.3-liter and 6.0-liter engines remain saddled with the carryover four-speed automatic transmission; the similar Yukon XL, meanwhile, offers a six-speed automatic with the 6.2-liter V8 in the Denali version that is light-years ahead in terms of technology.

Chevrolet Suburban Comparison

The Chevrolet Suburban rides on an all-new chassis with a fully boxed frame that’s stiffer than before for added refinement with reduced noise, vibration and harshness. A wider track and a lowered center of gravity contribute to enhanced on-road stability, while a revised suspension provides a compliant ride and more-precise handling qualities.

The LTZ adds the otherwise optional Autoride suspension in which electronically controlled shock absorbers make nearly instantaneous adjustments in stiffness according to changing road and driving conditions to help maintain a smooth and controlled ride at all times. GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system is standard across the line for added on-road command; here it newly incorporates rollover mitigation technology that can deploy the vehicle’s head-curtain airbags before a crash occurs if it determines a rollover is imminent.

A nicely resculpted two-tone interior is crafted from higher-quality materials than before, with redesigned seats that offer greater fore and aft travel to accommodate long-legged riders in the front or second row. The instrument panel is positioned lower for easier visibility.

Chevrolet Suburban Vehicle Summary

A third-row seat is standard; depending on the seating configuration, the Chevrolet Suburban can accommodate as many as nine passengers. With the second-row seats folded flat and the third row removed, the vehicle boasts a mammoth maximum cargo capacity of 137.4 cubic feet.

The Suburban comes fairly well-equipped, even in its base version. Optional features include a power liftgate, heated front and second-row seats, power-release second-row fold-and-tumble seat, power-adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, rear parking assist and a Bose premium audio system with XM satellite radio compatibility.

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An optional Z71 Off-Road Package (available in late 2006) offers upgraded 18-inch wheels and tires, larger tow hook openings on the front bumper, more prominent fog lamps and a unique front grille treatment.

Is the Chevrolet Suburban for You?

 

Buy this Vehicle if	You require a full-size SUV for serious towing or hauling; you need seating for up to nine; you drive on rough terrain.
Keep Looking if	A smaller and more fuel-efficient model fits your character, budget and lifestyle.
Who Fits?	Four or five full-grown adults can enjoy reasonable comfort with generous leg- and headroom. There's space for a couple of kids in the standard third row. Shorter motorists will benefit from available adjustable pedals and power-retractable assist steps.
Options Worth Splurging on	With the LT version, a rearview camera ($195) aids parallel parking; a power-operated liftgate ($350) is a welcome convenience on shopping runs and the power-release fold-and-tumble second row ($425) makes loading passengers into the rearmost seats easier.
Closest Competitors	Ford Expedition EL GMC Yukon XL 2006 Nissan Armada 2006 Toyota Sequoia

Did You Know ...

 

Chevrolet’s original SUV, the Suburban, has been around since the 1930s. Back then, a variety of automakers used the title as a generic term to distinguish their wagon-like vehicles that — it was assumed — were being used for family transportation in the spralling suburban communities beginning to develop at the time.

Chevrolet eventually formally adopted the name for its largest non-commercial truck, which is now a longer version of the full-size Tahoe SUV and shares platforms, powertrains, components and styling with the GMC Yukon XL. The Suburban also provides the basis for the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Hummer H2.

While it existed for decades as a specialized vehicle primarily bought by municipalities, tradespeople and outdoor adventurers, it gradually turned into a big and burly family vehicle during the SUV boom of the 1990s and is now worthy of its bedroom-community moniker. To that end, it seats as many as nine passengers.