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.