2017 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is an American institution dating to 1935, and enabling an American tradition, the big family hauler. It began its 12th generation in 2015 with fresh styling and a refined cabin, and hasn't changed for 2017. The chassis is body-on-frame, like a truck, and comes from the 11th generation. The engine was all new in 2015, a direct-injected 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 with aluminum block and heads. It makes 355 horsepower (380 hp on E85 fuel) and 383 pound-feet of torque (416 lb.-ft. on E85). It's mated to a smooth six-speed automatic, but don't be surprised if that's soon replaced by a transmission with more gears, to increase fuel mileage.
Suburban's only rival is the Ford Expedition EL with its EcoBoost turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower, 420 pound-feet of torque, and a 9200-pound towing capacity.
It would be nice if the more powerful 6.2-liter EcoTec3 engine that's available in the Tahoe and Silverado would also be optional for the Suburban, that needs it the most. The Suburban is rated to tow 8300 pounds with rear-wheel drive, but that's making 355 horsepower work awfully hard. That much towing needs the bigger engine that can't be had.
The handling is impressive for a nearly three-ton vehicle, that's 224 inches long on 103-inch wheelbase. It's surprisingly brisk, which contributes a lot to family safety. And the ride is smooth, which contributes a lot to family happiness. So does the quiet cabin.
The Suburban gets 15 city and 23 highway miles per gallon with rear-wheel drive, a whisker less with all-wheel drive.
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The chassis is body-on-frame, like a truck, and comes from the 11th generation. The engine was all new in 2015, a direct-injected 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 with aluminum block and heads. It makes 355 horsepower (380 hp on E85 fuel) and 383 pound-feet of torque (416 lb.-ft. on E85). It's mated to a smooth six-speed automatic, but don't be surprised if that's soon replaced by a transmission with more gears, to increase fuel mileage.
Suburban's only rival is the Ford Expedition EL with its EcoBoost turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower, 420 pound-feet of torque, and a 9200-pound towing capacity.
It would be nice if the more powerful 6.2-liter EcoTec3 engine that's available in the Tahoe and Silverado would also be optional for the Suburban, that needs it the most. The Suburban is rated to tow 8300 pounds with rear-wheel drive, but that's making 355 horsepower work awfully hard. That much towing needs the bigger engine that can't be had.
The handling is impressive for a nearly three-ton vehicle, that's 224 inches long on 103-inch wheelbase. It's surprisingly brisk, which contributes a lot to family safety. And the ride is smooth, which contributes a lot to family happiness. So does the quiet cabin.
The Suburban gets 15 city and 23 highway miles per gallon with rear-wheel drive, a whisker less with all-wheel drive.
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| Engine | 5.3L V-8 |
| MPG | Up to 16 city / 23 highway |
| Seating | 8 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 355 @ 5600 rpm |
| Drivetrain | four-wheel, rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 5,586 - 5,822 lbs |
