A large Sport Utility Vehicle or SUV, the Chevrolet Suburban has been in production since 1935, the longest ever for any automobile, anywhere in the world.
The Chevy Suburban family consists of two top-level models – Half-Ton and Three-Quarter-Ton, both of which can in turn come in either 2WD or or 4WD. In this post, we look at the Half-Ton model. To compare the trims within the Half-Ton model, click here.
The Half-Ton 2WD can deliver EPA estimated fuel efficiency of up to 21 MPG on the highway, working out to about 650 highway miles between fills, which is more than any of its competitors, including Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. For a full, independent, competitive comparison, click here.
The Half-Ton Suburban is powered by a Vortec 5.3L V8 engine that produces 320 hp and 335 lb.-ft. of torque, giving the vehicle enough trailering capacity of even up to 8,100 lbs.
A Chevrolet Suburban LT
On the safety front, the Chevy Suburban Half-Ton receives a five-star rating for frontal crash, which is quite commendable. Additionally, a high-strength steel safety cage, six air bags, and safety belts in all seating positions, all work together towards protecting you in case of a crash. But even more commendable are the features that try to ensure that a crash does not take place at all, including GM’s proprietary StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control as well as 4-wheel antilock brakes. Should any mishap still occur, GM’s OnStar service (Standard for the first year) will ensure that assistance reaches you as soon as possible.
On the Comfort front, there is a lot on offer inside the Half-Ton Chevy Suburban, including a touchscreen navigation radio which includes a 6.5 inch diagonal color display, rearview camera system, heated and cooled front and second row bucket seats, XM NavTraffic, as well as a power-remote liftgate. Note that some of these features would be trim-specific and not be available as Standard across all models/trims.
A 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
Looking to be entertained inside the Suburban? Well, there’s plenty on offer, on this front too, including XM Radio (with three months trial), 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround sound system, CD/MP3 player with USB port, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for select phones. Again, some of these features would be available only on select models and trims.
In terms of seating capacity too, the Suburban scores well, with even the LS trim managing to seat up to 9 persons. As far as cargo capacity goes, that too is definitely more than both the Ford Expedition as well as the Nissan Armada.
Inside the Chevrolet Suburban
Lastly, to look at the Warranty that you get with the Suburban – it is certainly the best that you can possibly get in America; Chevy 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Powertrain limited warranty, which is 40,000 miles more than the warranty available on both the Toyota Sequoia as well as the Ford Expedition. If that isn’t enough, you also have another 100,000 mile/5-year Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Programs facility available alongside, which together definitely make up the best coverage that any vehicle manufacturer has to offer in America.
Having looked at all the various features on offer, in the Chevy Suburban, and also looked at competitive offerings, and seen the fact that they fare rather poorly in comparison to the Chevy, there is simply no compelling reason at all for you to consider any other vehicle other than the Suburban.