1992-1999 GMC Suburban: Road Test

Though front- and middle-row passengers have ample room in the Suburban, there's not enough room for adults to stretch out in the back. Still, each seat is wide enough for three to fit easily. The rear bench does not fold flat, but it's removable. Step-in height is a lot lower than in prior Suburbans. Cargo space is cavernous. Access to the optional third seat demands serious stooping. Visibility is fine, from a car-like seating position. Acceleration with the 5.7-liter V8 is sufficient for most requirements, but only adequate in town, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift. The extra 50 horsepower delivered by the Vortec engine, introduced for 1996, gives the Suburban a welcome boost. Still, a 7.4-liter gasoline V8, or the 6.5-liter turbodiesel, is better for heavy-duty tasks. Gasoline V8s guzzle heavily. Expect no more than 10-12 mpg in city driving, or 16-18 on the highway. Suburbans are smooth, capable, and comfortable on the highway, absorbing bumps well with only moderate floating. On the negative side, substantial body lean in turns at any speed encourages drivers to slow down. Simulated panic stops can produce pronounced nosedive, and occasional rear-wheel lockup.

Value for the Money
If you must have space for nine occupants and a heavy load of luggage, or need to tow a trailer or boat, only Ford's Expedition comes close. But we prefer the more-nimble GMC Yukon.