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2007 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2007 Chevrolet Suburban Review
Chevrolet redesigns its largest SUV for 2007 with more power, fresh styling, and new features. This report covers the half-ton Suburban 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500. These SUVs are essentially extended-length versions of the Chevy Tahoe. Suburbans also share their basic design with the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Compared to Tahoe, Suburban is about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and has nearly 30 cu ft more cargo volume. Suburban 1500s come in LS, LT, and Luxury LTZ trim; 2500s are LS or LT only. Each offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors is standard.

A 5.3-liter V8 is standard on 1500s. Rear-drive models have 320 hp, 4WD versions have 310. Optional on those models and standard on 2500s is a 6.0-liter V8. The 1500 models have 366 hp; 2500s have 352. GM's Active Fuel Management shuts off four cylinders while cruising to save fuel and is standard on all 1500s, unavailable on 2500s. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Available on Suburban 1500 LTs is GM's Autoride suspension that includes load leveling and automatically adjusts firmness based on road and driving conditions. LT is also available with Chevy's Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package.

Passenger capacity ranges from five to nine, with two- and three-place seating available for any of the three rows. Standard with LTZ and available for LS and LT are curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold, and the 3rd row is removable. As in GM's other large SUVs, a spring release option flips the 2nd-row seats to provide 3rd row access. Other new features include a rearview camera, power liftgate, power running boards, and rear obstacle detection. Also available are a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats, and DVD entertainment. OnStar assistance is standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Denali. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Expedition.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Denali, and Ford Expedition.
News
It shouldn't be long before Suburban (Tahoe, too) exchanges its 4-speed automatic transmission for a newer 6-speed unit. The latter is already available in related Cadillac Escalades and some GMC Yukon/Yukon XL models.

An available hybrid powertrain looms as the main news for 2008. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains. Rival Dodge's midsize Durango SUV is expected to offer a similar hybrid setup during the '07 or '08 model years.

Further out, General Motors says it may offer a 330-hp diesel V8 for its largest SUVs by model-year 2010. The company is cagey about details for now, but says this new diesel will be a 32-valve dual-overhead-cam design--and clean enough for sale in all 50 states. GM projects a Yukon so equipped would get around 28 mpg in city driving vs. 21 for a comparable gas-engine model.

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2007 Chevrolet Suburban Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Towing ability
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
6 5.8

With 5.3-liter V8, Suburban 1500 has fine power from any speed. Little evident advantage from Yukon Denali's 6.2-liter V8. No opportunity yet to test 2500 model or any Suburban with 6.0 V8. Transmission shifts smoothly. Towing capacity is 8200 lb.
Fuel Economy

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
3 2.7

Test 4WD LT averaged 15.0 mpg. Suburban uses regular-grade fuel, and the 5.3 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
8 6.4

Among the best of any car- or truck-type SUV. Suburban and Yukon XL exhibit carlike comfort over bumps and aren't prone to floaty motions like its shorter Tahoe counterpart.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
4 3.7

Suburban and Yukon XL react alertly to steering, and while some testers say the steering is too sensitive at highway speeds--especially with 20-inch tires--all agree it lacks the sloppiness that plagued the 2000-2006 generation. These are tall, heavy vehicles, so none feel nimble. But there's no excessive body lean in turns with base suspension, even less with Autoride. Low-speed maneuverability aided by relatively tight turning circle. Brakes feel strong, but some testers want better pedal modulation.
Quietness

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
7 6.5

Moderate highway-speed wind rush. No undue road noise. Denali XL's 6.2 V8 sounds louder, gruffer than 5.3 during rapid acceleration. Powertrains otherwise a model of refinement.
Controls

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
7 6.4

Gauges large, but some testers find markings too indistinct for best legibility. Most controls logically placed, operate with precision. Navigation system has large, easy-read touch screen and absorbs, but doesn't complicate audio functions. High marks to upscale, contemporary cabin ambience. Assembled with attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
9 8.7

Seats are supportive. Generous head, leg room, though bench seat's cramped center position should be reserved for emergency situations. Available power-adjustable pedals a convenience for shorter drivers. Rearview camera aids aft visibility, but distorts distances, compromising usefulness.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
8 7.7

Spacious 2nd row. With $425 option, 2nd-row seats spring forward to ease access to 3rd row, though passage is still tight, and seats must be manually restored to original position. Third row best left to children; low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone else. High step-in complicates entry/exit.
Cargo Room

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
9 8.6

Spacious behind 3rd-row seat. Folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest well above level of rear load floor, complicating loading of larger items. Third-row seats unlatch easily, but are heavy and cumbersome to remove. Once removed, space is cavernous. Cabin storage enhanced by large center console bin. Roomy door pockets in front, but none in rear.
Value within Class

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
9 7.6

GM's 2007 redesign of its largest Chevrolet and GMC SUVs address the most egregious flaws of their 2000-2006 predecessors: sloppy steering and subpar interior appointments. Third-row accommodations in the regular-length versions are still best suited to children, but for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, these are first-rate trucks. A carefully optioned Yukon XL is the best choice in the GMC lineup, and like the Suburban, is a Best Buy value among large SUVs.
Total Score

4WD LT w/leather, nav. sys. Class Average
70 64.1
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
55
Average Score
64
High Score
70
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2007 Chevrolet Suburban Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/13/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 1500 LS 4-door wagon $37,000 $33,855 $900
4WD 1500 LS 4-door wagon $39,800 $36,417 $900
2WD 2500 LS 4-door wagon $38,185 $34,939 $900
4WD 2500 LS 4-door wagon $40,985 $37,501 $900
2WD 1500 LT 4-door wagon $37,775 $34,564 $900
4WD 1500 LT 4-door wagon $40,575 $37,126 $900
2WD 2500 LT 4-door wagon $38,945 $35,635 $900
4WD 2500 LT 4-door wagon $41,745 $38,197 $900
2WD 1500 LTZ 4-door wagon $37,775 $34,564 $900
4WD 1500 LTZ 4-door wagon $40,575 $37,126 $900
Price note: LTZ requires 1LZ Option Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation (1500), 6.0-liter V8 engine (2500), 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control (1500).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor (1500), tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, rear air conditioning and heater, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row 2-passenger split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital clock, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, side steps, roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks (2500), trailer-hitch platform, 7-lead trailer harness, heavy-duty suspension (2500), full-size spare tire, P265/70R17 tires (1500), LT245/75R16E tires (2500), alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT245/75R16E on/off-road tires (2500).
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats, center console, rear radio controls, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, LT245/75R16E on/off-road tires (2500).
LTZ adds to LT:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 12-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-release folding 2nd-row bucket seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirrors w/turn signals, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washers, remote engine start, universal garage-door opener, power liftgate.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, P275/55R20 tires, polished alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
2LT Option Pkg.
LT
$2,440
$2,025
Rear-obstacle-detection system dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, remote engine start, universal garage-door opener, heavy-duty engine cooling (1500).
3LT Option Pkg.
LT
$4,050
$3,362
2LT Option Pkg. plus curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, heated 12-way power front seats, power-folding mirrors w/turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, Bose sound system, satellite radio.
1LZ Option Pkg.
LTZ
$8,500
$7,055
Standard equipment.
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
LTZ
$2,930
$2,432
Chrome tow hooks, stainless steel exhaust tips, chrome alloy wheels.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD 2500
$255
$212
Instrument-panel switch, roof-beacon and forward-light wiring. NA w/power sunroof, universal garage-door opener.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
1500 LT
$1,795
$1,490
Limited-slip differential, heavy-duty air cleaner, wheel flares, side steps, tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/65R18 on/off-road tires. Requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg. NA w/275/55R20 tires or polished alloy wheels.
Autoride Suspension
1500 LT
$1,120
$930
Automatic shock absorber control, load-leveling rear suspension. Requires 6.0-liter V8 engine.
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
1500 LT/LTZ
$1,095
$909
LT requires 3LT Option Pkg. 6.0-liter V8 engine.
Limited-slip rear differential
LS, LT
$295
$245
Special axle ratio
LS, LT, LTZ
$100
$83
Requires limited-slip differential. 1500 requires transmission cooler.
Safety
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment
LS, LT
$350
$291
Rear-obstacle-detection system
LS, LT
$245
$203
Requires power-adjustable pedals.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LT, LTZ
$2,250
$1,868
Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. LT includes Bose sound ssytem. LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
OnStar assistance system delete
(credit)
$-200
$-166
Rearview camera
LT, LTZ
$250
$208
Requires navigation system. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. and curtain side airbags or 3LT Option Pkg.
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
LT
$195
$162
DVD entertainment system
LT, LTZ
$1,295
$1,075
LT requires dual-zone automatic climate controls or 2/3LT Option Pkg.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LS, LT
$300
$249
Bose sound system
LT
$495
$411
Satellite radio
LS, LT
$199
$167
Power sunroof
LT, LTZ
$995
$826
LT includes universal garage-door opener. LT requires dual-zone automatic climate controls, 2/3LT Option Pkg.
Leather upholstery
LS
$900
$747
Requires LS Preferred Equipment Group 1SK.
2nd-row split folding seat
LTZ (credit)
$-490
$-407
2nd-row bucket seats
LT
$490
$407
Requires 2/3LT Option Pkg. and 3rd-row split folding seat.
Heated 2nd-row seats
LT
$200
$166
Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Automatic-folding 2nd-row seats
LT
$425
$353
Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
3rd-row 2-passenger split folding seat
LTZ (credit)
$-100
$-83
3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
LS, LT
$100
$83
Power-adjustable pedals
LS, LT
$120
$100
Requires rear-obstacle-detection system.
Heated power camper mirrors
2500
$175
$145
Includes turn-signal lights.
Universal garage door opener
LT
$105
$87
Power-deployable running boards
LTZ
$1,095
$909
Power liftgate
LT
$350
$291
Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Rain-sensing wipers
LT
$350
$291
Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Heated washers
LT
$85
$71
Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Cargo management system
LS, LT, LTZ
$200
$166
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
LS, LT, LTZ
$45
$37
Special paint
LS, LT, LTZ
$395
$328
Engine-block heater
LS, LT, LTZ
$50
$42
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Transmission cooler
1500
$95
$79
Requires special axle ratio.
LT245/75R16E tires
4WD 2500
$0
$0
LT245/75R16E on/off-road tires
2WD 2500
$150
$125
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
1500 LS/LT
$125
$104
P275/55R20 tires
1500 LT
$1,195
$992
Polished alloy wheels
1500 LT
$1,795
$1,490
Includes P275/55R20 tires. Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
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2007 Chevrolet Suburban Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4-door wagon Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 130.0 130.0
Overall Length, in. 222.4 222.4
Overall Width, in. 79.1 79.1
Overall Height, in. 76.8 76.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 5745 6328
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 137.4 137.4
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 31.5 31.5
Seating Capacity 9 9
Front Head Room, in. 41.1 41.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.5 38.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.5 39.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.3 /325 5.3 /325 6.0 /364 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 320 @ 5200 310 @ 5200 366 @ 5500 352 @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 340 @ 4200 335 @ 4400 380 @ 4300 383 @ 4300
Availability Standard Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 15/21 15/20 14/18 NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4-door wagon Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 5 NA
Rollover Resistance 3 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/100,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Mexico, USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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