The Suburban can seat from six to nine passengers, depending on the seating configuration ordered. There is 137.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seats, with the second row folded and third row removed. Behind the raised third row there are still 45.8 cubic feet. The seats don't fold flat into the floor, but the Suburban will accept a lot of cargo including very long items.
Suburban comes in three trim levels, with two- or four-wheel drive. It's available with a light-duty 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 chassis. The latest generation of its 5.3-liter Vortec engine makes 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque in 2WD models, and 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet with 4WD. A new 6.0-liter V8 is optional, with an aluminum block and heads and variable valve timing, making 366 horsepower and 380 pound-feet.
The 2500 models come with a different 6.0-liter engine, with an iron block. The 2500 uses Hydroboost brakes, a stiffer suspension with leaf springs in the rear, and 16-inch truck tires. It is a serious tow vehicle with an enclosed passenger/cargo compartment.
The base-level 5.3-liter (1500 2WD) is EPA-rated at 14 City and 20 Highway miles per gallon on regular unleaded. The same truck with the optional 6.0-liter engine is rated at 12/17 mpg. Both engines feature what GM calls Active Fuel Management, meaning they can shut down up to four cylinders to save gas. But your actual mileage will vary, and will probably be less.
Acceleration is strong, considering the Suburban weighs three tons (5,613-6,328 pounds). And the powerful sound of the engine under full throttle is satisfying, if expensive. The 1500 comes with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission.
For 2008, the 2500 has a six-speed automatic for better performance and efficiency.
The 2500 2WD is rated to tow 9700 pounds, while the 1500 can tow 8100. Next Page