Acceleration

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
6	5.9

With the 5.3-liter V8, Suburban 1500 has fine power from any speed, and the transmission shifts smoothly. No Suburban 1500s with the 6.0 V8 or any 2500s have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
3	2.8

In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD LT averaged 15.0 mpg. Suburban uses regular-grade gas, and the 5.3 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
8	6.3

Among the best of any SUV, crossover or traditional truck-type. Suburban and Yukon XL exhibit carlike comfort over bumps and aren't prone to floaty motions like their shorter counterparts.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
4	3.8

Suburban and Yukon XL react alertly to steering, though some testers say the steering is too sensitive at highway speeds, especially with the available 20-inch tires. 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 is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. Brakes feel strong, but some testers want better pedal modulation.

Quietness

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
7	6.6

Moderate highway-speed wind rush. No undue road noise. Powertrains are models of refinement.

Controls

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
7	6.2

The gauges are large, but some testers find markings too indistinct for best legibility. Most controls are logically placed and operate with precision. The navigation system has a large, easy-read touch screen. It absorbs audio functions but doesn't complicate them.

Details

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
7	5.8

High marks to upscale, contemporary cabin ambience. Assembly quality of models tested shows strong attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade, though soft-touch surfaces are scarce.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
9	8.8

Seats are supportive. Generous headroom and legroom, though the bench seat's cramped center position should be reserved for emergency situations only. Available power-adjustable pedals are a convenience for shorter drivers. Rearview camera aids aft visibility, but it distorts distances, compromising its usefulness.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
8	7.8

Spacious 2nd row. An option for the 2nd-row seats allows them to spring forward to ease access to the 3rd row, though passage is still tight. The seats must be manually restored to their original position. The 3rd row is best left to children; low-to-floor cushion forces knees-up discomfort for anyone else. High step-in complicates entry and exit.

Cargo Room

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
10	9.6

Spacious behind the 3rd-row seat. Folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest well above the level of the 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 is enhanced by large center console bin. Roomy door pockets in front, but none in rear.

Value within Class

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
10	7.5

For smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, these are first-rate trucks. A carefully optioned LT is the best choice in the Suburban lineup and is a Best Buy value among large SUVs.

Total Score

4WD 1500 LT	Class Average
79	71.1

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		61
Average Score		71
High Score		79