Pros: Ample passenger and cargo space; quiet interior; tractable and easy to drive for the size; 3rd-row seats fold flat with the cargo floor as do 2nd-row seats; towing capability
Cons: Fuel economy; tight-quarters maneuverability; jittery ride with available 20-inch wheels; high-end models get very expensive
CG Says: For 2018, Chevrolet Suburban gains an RST Edition package for LT and Premier models that includes 22-inch wheels and unique trim. The Chevrolet Tahoe offers a 6.2-liter V8 option with RST Edition, but the larger engine is not available for Suburban. LED daytime running lights are now standard on all models. Suburban is Chevrolet’s largest SUV with three rows of seating that can hold up to nine passengers with available front- and second-row bench seats. The 3rd-row seatbacks fold flat into the floor. Designers had to raise the cargo floor to accomplish this, which makes for a higher liftover, but also allows for some handy under-floor storage bins. Suburban shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Tahoe. Suburban is 14 inches longer than the Tahoe in wheelbase and 20 inches longer overall. The extended length gives the Suburban notably better rear cargo room and 3rd-row seat space than its Tahoe sibling. GMC sells versions of the Tahoe and Suburban named Yukon and Yukon XL, respectively. The sole engine is a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower. Safety features include forward collision alert, low-speed automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some of the new safety features use GM’s Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates to warn the driver of potential obstructions. Interior materials are of high quality, especially on higher-end models. Enhancing the upscale feel are available features such as adaptive cruise control, a power-folding 3rd-row seat, and keyless entry and starting. The very notion of a hulking, V8-powered full-size SUV seems anachronistic to many shoppers these days, but for those who need the power, interior room, and towing capacity that only a large SUV offers, the Suburban is an excellent choice.
Class | Large SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 9 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
Nation of Manufacture | USA |
Base Prices | LS: $51,445 4WD LS: $54,445 LT: $56,575 4WD LT: $59,575 Premier: $66,125 4WD Premier: $69,125 |
Base Engine 5.3-liter V8 engine |
Horsepower 355 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 15-16 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-23 |