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2008 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review
Date Published: 6/25/08
2008 Chevrolet Suburban Review
The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban gets no major changes this year. This report covers the half-ton Suburban 1500 and three-quarter-ton Suburban 2500. These large SUVs share their basic designs with the GMC Yukon XL and premium-large Cadillac Escalade ESV, though neither offers a three-quarter-ton version. Compared to Chevy's Tahoe, Suburban is about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and has nearly 30 cu ft more cargo volume. Suburbans come in LS, LT, and LTZ trims. All are available with rear-wheel drive or with GM's full-time Autotrac 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading.

A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 is standard on the 1500. Some versions of that engine can run on regular-grade gasoline or E85 ethanol fuel. Optional on those is a 366-hp 6.0-liter V8. Both engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Suburban 2500s have a 352-hp 6.0-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8100 lb for the Suburban 1500, 9700 for the 2500.

Standard on LTZs and available on 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 six to nine, with two- and three-place seating available for any of the three rows.

Available safety features include: ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. A power tailgate, power running boards, navigation system, and DVD entertainment are among available features on the 2008 Suburban.
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, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.

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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2008 Chevrolet Suburban Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Towing ability
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
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2008 Chevrolet Suburban Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/06/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 1500 LS 4-door wagon $38,085 $34,848 $900
4WD 1500 LS 4-door wagon $40,930 $37,451 $900
2WD 2500 LS 4-door wagon $39,495 $36,138 $900
4WD 2500 LS 4-door wagon $42,335 $38,737 $900
2WD 1500 LT 4-door wagon $39,025 $35,708 $900
4WD 1500 LT 4-door wagon $41,870 $38,311 $900
2WD 2500 LT 4-door wagon $40,415 $36,980 $900
4WD 2500 LT 4-door wagon $43,260 $39,583 $900
2WD 1500 LTZ 4-door wagon $39,025 $35,708 $900
4WD 1500 LTZ 4-door wagon $41,870 $38,311 $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 (1500), 6-speed automatic transmission (2500), traction control (1500).
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, 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, 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, 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, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, 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 adds: 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 adds: 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
Rear-obstacle-detection system, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear 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 adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
2LT Option Pkg.
LT
$2,525
$2,096
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.
3LT Option Pkg.
LT
$3,590
$2,980
2LT Option Pkg. plus 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.
1LZ Option Pkg.
LTZ
$8,535
$7,084
Standard equipment.
Convenience Pkg. 1
LS, LT
$610
$506
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start.
Convenience Pkg. 2
LT
$725
$602
Rain-sensing wipers, power liftgate. Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Sun, Entertainment and Destination Pkg.
LT, LTZ
$4,790
$3,976
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, power sunroof, DVD entertainment system. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
LTZ
$1,895
$1,513
Chrome tow hooks, stainless steel exhaust tips, chrome alloy wheels.
White Diamonds Appearance Pkg.
LTZ
$1,270
$1,054
Chrome Appearance Pkg. plus unique exterior trim, chrome side steps. Requires navigation system.
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
$1,830
$1,519
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.
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. Requires rearview camera, DVD entertainment system. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. and Bose sound system or 3LT Option Pkg.
Rearview camera
LT, LTZ
$250
$208
Requires navigation system. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.
Tri-zone automatic climate controls
LT
$195
$162
Includes rear controls.
DVD entertainment system
LT, LTZ
$1,295
$1,075
LT requires tri-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
$500
$415
Power sunroof
LT, LTZ
$995
$826
LT requires tri-zone automatic climate controls and universal garage-door opener or 2/3LT Option Pkg.
2nd-row split folding seat
LTZ
$0
$0
2nd-row bucket seats
LT
$590
$490
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
$0
$0
3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
LS, LT
$100
$83
Heated power camper mirrors
2500
$175
$145
Includes turn-signal lights.
Universal garage door opener
LT
$120
$100
Power-deployable running boards
LTZ
$1,095
$909
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
LS, LT, LTZ
$90
$75
Engine-block heater
LS, LT, LTZ
$75
$62
Roof-lamp wiring provisions
2500
$30
$25
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Transmission cooler
1500 LS/LT
$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
$695
$577
Polished alloy wheels
1500 LT
$1,795
$1,490
Includes P275/55R20 tires. Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
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2008 Chevrolet Suburban Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 130.0
Overall Length, in. 222.4
Overall Width, in. 79.1
Overall Height, in. 76.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 5745
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 137.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 31.5
Seating Capacity 9
Front Head Room, in. 41.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.3 /325 6.0 /364 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 320 @ 5200 366 @ 5500 352 @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 340 @ 4200 380 @ 4300 383 @ 4300
Availability Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 14/19 12/17 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- --/-- 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
4WD Rollover 3
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
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
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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