2008 Chevrolet Suburban: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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 only GMC 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 and are teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission. 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.