Chevrolet offered a
station wagonA station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
body, built on the 1/2 ton truck frame. This model was specifically built for
National GuardThe National Guard of the United States is a reserve military force composed of state National Guard militia members or units under federally recognized active or inactive armed force service for the United States. Militia members are citizen soldiers, meaning they work part time for the National...
units and
Civilian Conservation CorpsThe Civilian Conservation Corps was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families, ages 18–25. A part of the New Deal of President Franklin D...
units. Much of the body was constructed from wood, and could seat up to eight occupants.
Second generation (1935–1940)
Chevrolet offered the body style as a "Carryall Suburban". These share the front sheetmetal and frames of the 1/2 ton pickup models of the same year, but featured all-metal wagon bodies differing very little in shape from contemporary "woodie" wagons. Seating for up to eight occupants was provided, with three in front row, two in the middle row, and three in the rear row. Either rear panel doors or a rear tailgate/lift window were provided for easy loading and unloading of luggage.
Third generation (1941–1947)
Suburbans were built in model years 1941, 1942, and 1946(also, it was produced during the war as a military transport vehicle at bases). Seating for up to eight occupants was provided. Models with rear panel doors were designated "3106," while those with tailgates were designated "3116." The Chevrolet versions were equipped a
216-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engineThe Chevrolet inline 6 was Chevy's main engine from 1929 , through 1954, and was the base engine starting in 1955 when they added the small block V8 to the lineup. It had finally been completely phased out by 1990 in North America, but Brazil held on to their fuel-injected straight-6 through the...
. The GMC version was equipped with a 228-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine.
Fourth generation (1947–1955)
Beginning in 1954, the
Hydra-MaticHydramatic was an automatic transmission developed by both General Motors' Cadillac and Oldsmobile divisions. Introduced in 1939 for the 1940 model year vehicles, the Hydramatic was the first fully automatic mass-produced transmission developed for passenger automobile use.-History:During the...
4-forward-speed
automatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
is available in the Chevrolet Suburban (GMC offered this transmission in 1953). As with the Art Deco series, models with rear panel doors were designated "3106," while those with tailgates were designated "3116." In 1952, the Suburban came with either a tail gate or panel doors.
This was the last series to feature "
Canopy ExpressA Canopy express is a light-duty cargo van based on the chassis of a panel truck. Canopy express vehicles have open display areas behind the driver's seat commonly used for peddling vegetables and fruit, but also used for other kinds of deliveries that require easy access, such as newspapers and...
" models.
The design of the 1949 Suburban would go on to inspire the design of the
Chevrolet HHRThe Chevrolet HHR was a retro-styled station wagon launched by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2006 model — and designed by Bryan Nesbitt. Smaller than the Equinox, the HHR shared the GM Delta platform with the Chevrolet...
over half a century later.
Fifth generation (1955–1959)
In 1955, all Chevrolet truck models had new styling(different from the now famous Tri-Chevy cars) which included a flatter hood,
the front fenders flush with the rest of the
body, and a trapezoid grill
. The inside had the V-shape speedometer that the cars did. Engines included
I-6The Chevrolet inline 6 was Chevy's main engine from 1929 , through 1954, and was the base engine starting in 1955 when they added the small block V8 to the lineup. It had finally been completely phased out by 1990 in North America, but Brazil held on to their fuel-injected straight-6 through the...
and the small block V-8s.
Chevrolet used its
265 V-8The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
engine, later evolving it to a 283-cubic-inch version. GMC based their V-8 on a
PontiacPontiac began as a adjunct to the Oakland division of the General Motors line of automobiles in 1926. Pontiac successfully competed against more expensive 4-cylinder models with their inline flathead 6 engines. After outselling Oakland, Pontiac became the sole survivor of the two by 1932. In...
design. Standard Suburban model numbers continued from the previous series, but the introduction of four-wheel-drive models in 1957 added the numbers "3156" for 4WD
Suburbans with panel doors, and "3166" for 4WD Suburbans with tailgates.
Sixth generation (1960–1966)
The styling of the 1960 - 1961 model year took cues from the late 1950s Chevrolet cars and had large oval ports above the grille. The cab featured a "wrap around" windshield. Both tailgate and "barn door" rear openings were available. From 1962 onwards, the hood styling was 'toned down' a bit, with a more modern looking hood that eliminated the large ports. In 1964, the front glass area was updated to a flatter windshield, and larger door glass. 1, 150lbs. of cargo could be carried in the back.
This model series introduced a factory-equipped 4WD ("K") option for the first time. The 2WD "C" models introduced a torsion bar-based independent front suspension and trailing arm and coil spring rear. But by 1963, returned to a more conventional coil-spring approach.
Engines included both
I-6The Chevrolet inline 6 was Chevy's main engine from 1929 , through 1954, and was the base engine starting in 1955 when they added the small block V8 to the lineup. It had finally been completely phased out by 1990 in North America, but Brazil held on to their fuel-injected straight-6 through the...
and
small-block V-8sThe Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
. A
305-cubic-inch 60 degree V-6GMC Truck produced a unique 60° V6 engine from 1960 through 1978. The engine was available in 305, 351, 401 and 478-cubic-inch versions. In late production there was also a version with enlarged crankshaft journals. GMC also made a 60° V8 with twin balance shafts using the same general layout as...
was also available on GMC models. The 305 was actually 'brought down' from GMCs medium duty truck line. It featured huge torque numbers, but was also notable for poor fuel economy. Transmissions where a 3-speed and 4-speed manual, and the automatic Powerglide.
One interesting Chevy Suburban was a 15-passenger conversion done by Stageway of Fort Smith, Ark. These modified Suburbans had three doors on the right, had 171" wheelbase, was 273" long, and weighed 6,300lbs.
One ton (C-30), 10 feet (3 m) panel truck models were no longer available after 1966.
Seventh generation (1967–1972)
The
second generation C/KThe C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear...
Suburbans are easily recognised by having only a single drivers side door and two passenger-side doors. They were available in both 2WD and
4WDFour-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
models. Engines included the V6 (e.g., Chevrolet 292-cubic-inch I6, and
GMC 305 cubic inchGMC Truck produced a unique 60° V6 engine from 1960 through 1978. The engine was available in 305, 351, 401 and 478-cubic-inch versions. In late production there was also a version with enlarged crankshaft journals. GMC also made a 60° V8 with twin balance shafts using the same general layout as...
V-6), and
small-block V-8sThe Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
of the current model year (e.g., 283, 307, 327, 350, 400-cubic-inch V-8s.) For the first time, a three-quarter ton version was available.
1971 saw the introduction of disc brakes on the front wheels, and 1972 was the last year for coil-spring rear suspension on 2WD models. 1972 also introduced rear seat air conditoning. The Comfort-Tilt steering wheel became optional in 1971.
This series would also be the last to offer C-10 & C-20
Panel truckA panel truck is a windowless cargo van built on a truck chassis.Similar in function to its smaller cousin, the sedan delivery; which is a station wagon with no backseat, and no side windows aft of the front doors...
models for commercial purposes.
Brazilian version
In 1964, Chevrolet in
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
introduced a 5-door version of the Suburban called
Veraneio (also known as C-14/16). It was based on the 1960-66 US C/K series. The Veraneio used the instrument cluster from the C/K series although the exterior sheet metal layout is exclusive to Brazil. They were initially powered with a Chevrolet 4.2-liter inline six based on the pre-1962 "Stovebolt" engines. Later they used the 250-cid 4.1-liter engine from Chevrolet's Brazilian mid-size sedan -
the OpalaThe Chevrolet Opala was a mid-size car sold by General Motors do Brasil from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German Opel Rekord and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the Chevrolet 153 4-cylinder from Chevy II/Nova which later got a new crankshaft and...
. The original version of the Veraneio was kept in production, with another grill and interior, until 1988 (model year 1989), but it was eventually replaced with an updated version based on the C-20 family.
In 1997 GM introduced in Brazil the Silverado pickup, replacing the "C Series". The Brazilian version of the Suburban, which was made in the same style of the 1992 American Tahoe until 2001, was called the Grand Blazer, a successor to the Veraneio. The 4.1-liter inline six engine with 138 hp was offered on both models with option for a MWM 4.2-liter turbodiesel unit with 168 hp.
Eighth generation (1973–1991)
With the
third generation C/KThe C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear...
models, the Suburban became a 4-door vehicle. The rounded 1970s body style remained largely unchanged for 19 model years - making this series the longest in production of any Suburban. Both 2WD and 4WD models, designated "C" and "K", were offered, as well as one-half ton and three-quarter ton ("10" and "20" on the Chevy, "1500" and "2500" for GMC) models. The one ton model designation was the C or K 30 for Chevrolet and 3500 for GMC.
Stageway(now with a company named Armbruster) were still making 15-passenger Suburbans in 1973, but know they had 5-doors in each side, plus, front-and-rear
air conditioningAn air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, a baggage rack, a heater under the third seat, step-plates for easier access, etc.
The base engine was the
small-block 350-cubic-inch V-8The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
. A 400-cubic-inch V-8 was optional. The
454-cubic-inch big-block V-8The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
was now available for the first time, most commonly in the 2WD three-quarter ton models. The 379 cu in (6.2 l) 130 hp
Detroit Diesel V8 engineGeneral Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line...
was also available from 1982-onwards. The Diesel later became the engine of choice for Suburbans exported to Europe from USA.
Three-speed
Turbo-HydramaticTurbo-Hydramatic is the registered tradename of a family of automatic transmissions developed and produced by General Motors. These transmissions mate a three-element torque converter to a Simpson planetary geartrain, providing three forward speeds plus reverse.The Turbo-Hydramatic series was...
automatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
s were available for only small block engines. The Turbo-Hydramatic 400 was used for big block and 6.2 diesel engines. The 700R4 4 speed automatic was introduced in 1981 and was available with the small block and the 6.2 diesel. Towing packages, offering gearing reduction, TH400, and cooling additions for heavy loads, were available. A "positraction"
limited slip differentialA limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
was optional. Later vehicles came equipped with rear anti-lock brakes (available on C and K series Suburbans).
Trim options included base level, and upgraded Silverado versions. An optional 3rd row bench seat allowed for 9-passenger configurations. A rear heating system was optional, as well, to help heat the long vehicle's interior.
In 1981, automatic locking front hubs were added on four-wheel-drive models, and the NP208 transfer case replaced the NP205 in most models.
In 1986 and 1987, the method of fuel delivery for the engines was switched from
carburetorA carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
s to electronic fuel injection. The system that GM chose was called
throttle body injection, or TBI. The change improved fuel economy, performance, and emissions. A heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, the
4L80-EThe 4L80-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears. It is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October, 1963...
was added in 1991.
GMGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
temporarily changed the usual "
C/KThe C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear...
" designation to "R" and "V" for the 1987 through 1991 model years. This was done to avoid confusion with the GMT400-based
Chevrolet C/KThe C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear...
pickup trucks, which were introduced in 1988, during the overlap period.
Ninth generation (1992–1999)
The GMT400-based Suburbans were introduced in the 1992 model year. This was actually quite late compared to their
pickup truckA pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
brethren - which switched platforms in the 1988 model year. Both 2WD and 4WD models, again designated "C" and "K", were offered, as well as half ton and three-quarter ton ("1500" and "2500") models.
The base engine for all variants was the small-block 5.7 L (350 cu in) V-8. The
big-block 7.4 L (454 cu in) V-8The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
was optional for the 2500 series. The optional
6.5 L Turbo dieselGeneral Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line...
was available on all models - though rare on the 1500 series. The 6.5 L Turbo diesel used in the Tahoe was reduced in power to 380 lbft torque due to the limitation of the 8.5 inches (215.9 mm) axle capacity. 1500 Suburbans with the 6.5 L Turbo diesel used the 14 bolt axle from the 2500 series.
Transmissions included the
4L60The 4L60-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears...
4-speed automatic in the 1500 series, and the heavier duty
4L80The 4L80-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears. It is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October, 1963...
4-speed automatic in the 2500 series. The manual transmission option from the previous generation was dropped as it was not a popular option.
The GMT400 series introduced independent front suspension for a more comfortable ride compared to older models. The 2WD models used
coil springA Coil spring, also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device, which is typically used to store energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces...
s and 4WD models used torsion bars in the front suspension. All models used a
live axleA live axle, sometimes called a solid axle, is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit....
and
leaf springOriginally called laminated or carriage spring, a leaf spring is a simple form of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles...
s in the rear.
Trim options included a base-level version, the LS, and the LT. Interior seating arrangements allowed for either bucket or bench seating in the first row, and optional 3rd row bench. Thus it could be configured from 2- to 9-passenger seating.
Beginning in 1994, GM began making numerous annual changes to the Suburban, including:
- Revised front clip and center stop lamp (1994)
- Revised interior including a driver-side air bag, revised side mirrors (1995)
- Revised Vortec "5700" (350 cu. in.) and "7400" (454 cu. in) engines with increased power
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
and fuel efficiencyFuel efficiency is a form of thermal efficiency, meaning the efficiency of a process that converts chemical potential energy contained in a carrier fuel into kinetic energy or work. Overall fuel efficiency may vary per device, which in turn may vary per application, and this spectrum of variance is...
, electronic 4WD shifting, daytime running lights, illuminated entry, and some new interior features (1996)
- Revised transmissions, improved steering system and added passenger-side air bag (1997)
- Onstar
OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin...
, PassLock security system and full-time AutoTrac 4WD option added, next generation "depowered" air bags, revised steering wheel, transmissions revised again (1998)
- No major changes upon introduction of redesigned 2000 models (1999)
In 1998, Holden premiered the right-hand-drive version of Suburban for local Australian and New Zealand markets with either petrol or diesel motors, built utilising the modified dashboard from 1995-2005 RHD Chevrolet Blazer. However, the sheer size and poor quality material doomed its first foray into the RHD market. Despite being withdrawn as a Holden brand, Chevrolet continues to export Suburbans to Australia with the Chevrolet badge.
Tenth generation (2000–2006)
The GMT800-based Suburbans were introduced in late 1999 for the 2000 model year. They were sold in two series: 1/2-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500. Suburbans came in Base, LS and LT trims. All were available in either 2wd or optional pushbutton 4wd (with low-range transfer case). A tow hitch with a trailer wiring was a popular and relatively inexpensive option found on most new Suburbans.
For 2000, Chevrolet's long-serving 5.7 L and 7.4 L V8 engines were retired along with the 6.5 L diesel; in their places came the new 325 cu in (5.3 l) and 364 cu in (6 l) in the 1500 and 2500 series, respectively.
New features included:
- A spare tire relocated beneath the vehicle (instead of in the cargo area as on previous models)
- "Puddle lamps" in the exterior mirrors on LS and LT models
- New instrument panel including a driver message center and engine hour meter
- Electronic climate control available on LT models
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Load-leveling Autoride suspension available on LT models
- Premium Ride rear self-leveling suspension available on LS models
For
2001, the 6.0 L V8 in 2500-series Suburbans gained 20 hp from a number of changes including aluminum cylinder heads. A new 496 cu in (8.1 l) V8 was added as an option for the 2500 as well. OnStar became standard on LT models and LS models with the new Z71 package.
QuadrasteerQuadrasteer is the name of a 4 wheel steering system developed by Delphi Corporation while under the ownership of General Motors for use in automobiles. It was available as an option on GM's full-size pickup trucks and 2500 suburbans for model years 2002 to 2005, inclusive...
four-wheel steering was added as an option on 1500 series trucks.
2002 saw many optional features made standard equipment on the LS model, including front and rear air conditioning, alloy wheels, power windows, power front seats, side steps, fog lamps and heated outside rear view mirrors. Base models were discontinued, leaving LS and LT.
The 5.3 L V8 in the 1500 series added flex-fuel capability.
The 6.0 was not available in the 1500 series
For
2003, all GM full-size trucks received an upgraded interior, with better-quality materials and other enhancements. New radios offered
Radio Data SystemRadio Data System, or RDS, is a communications protocol standard for embedding small amounts of digital information in conventional FM radio broadcasts. RDS standardises several types of information transmitted, including time, station identification and programme information.Radio Broadcast Data...
compatibility,
XM satellite radioXM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...
, Bose sound and improved ergonomics. Adjustable pedals were added as an option, and the instrument cluster-mounted Driver Information Center was improved and could report to the driver on as many as 34 vehicle functions. A Panasonic DVD system was added as an option.
GM's Stabilitrak system was added, and
QuadrasteerQuadrasteer is the name of a 4 wheel steering system developed by Delphi Corporation while under the ownership of General Motors for use in automobiles. It was available as an option on GM's full-size pickup trucks and 2500 suburbans for model years 2002 to 2005, inclusive...
became available on 2500 series Suburbans, although it never became popular because of its cost and the fact that it ultimately reduced the heavy-duty Suburban's towing capacity to little more than that of the half-ton series.
For
2004, 1500-series Suburbans got a new braking system, Hydroboost. The Hydroboost system had already been used on several model years prior in the 2500 series. Instead of relying on engine vacuum, Hydroboost is driven by the vehicle's steering system and is capable of providing better braking in case of an engine failure or stall.
The Mexican-market Suburban received a front end update this year, matching that of the Silverado.
The
2005 model year saw the long-standard "barn doors" discontinued in favor of the formerly optional liftgate. All engines switched to an all-electric cooling system to reduce power loss and fuel consumption. It also improved performance, both of the engine and the vehicle HVAC system.
The Z71 package, long exclusive to 4wd models, became available on 2wd Suburbans. OnStar also became standard across the board.
Finally, Stabilitrak became standard on all models shortly after the start of the model year.
For
2006, the GMT800 Suburban's last year, a special LTZ trim package became available, coming with 20 inches (508 mm) wheels, all-wheel drive, and the LQ4 6.0 L engine found in the 2500 series of trucks and SUVs.
The
catalytic converterA catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious byproducts of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint...
s were relocated closer to the engine, allowing for faster "light off" and reduced emissions. Improved appearance resulted from combining the XM radio antenna and the OnStar antenna into a single unit instead of two separate devices.
Engines
- Vortec 5300 325 cu in V8 270hp (00), 285hp(01-03) 295hp (04-06)03-06 at 5200 rpm and 335 ft·lbf (454 N.m) of torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
at 4000 rpm.
- Vortec 6000 364 cu in V8 (335 hp at 5200 rpm and 375 ft.lbf of torque at 4000 rpm).
- Vortec 8100 496 cu in V8 (325 hp at 4200 rpm and 447 ft.lbf of torque at 3200 rpm).
Eleventh generation (2007–present)
The 2007
model yearThe model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
Suburban and Yukon XL were unveiled at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. Production of the redesigned GMT900 Suburban and Yukon XL began at
Janesville AssemblyJanesville Assembly Plant is an automobile factory owned by General Motors located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Opened in 1919, it is the oldest-operating GM plant.-History:...
and Silao Assembly in March 2006, with the vehicles arriving at dealerships in April.
The new models were redesigned with more modern, less boxy styling, already seen on the previously released 2007
Tahoes and YukonsThe Chevrolet Tahoe are full-size SUVs from General Motors. Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their Blazer/Jimmy model names through the early 1990s. This situation changed when GMC rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the Yukon in 1992...
. The exterior features a more aerodynamic shape, made partly by a steeply raked windshield angle. The new design has less drag than previous models, making it more aerodynamic.
The interior has a redesigned dashboard and improved seats. It still retains its 9-passenger seating availability, which is available on LS, LT, LTZ, and Z71 models. LT2, and LT3 models have leather seating and available 6-, 7-, and 8-passenger seating. There is a Z71 package available on LT2 and LT3 models which includes two-tone leather seats. All Mexican-built Suburbans including the 9-seat models offer the special two-tone leather seating used by the Z71. Chevrolet-Mexico offers a police variant of the Suburban with factory installed armor plate and an uprated Vortec 8100 RPO L18 and is arranged in the 9-seat configuration retaining the two tone leather trim of the Z71. This model is used by the Mexican Federal Police and is marketed as the LT-P (P for Policia).
For the 2010 model year, in which
U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
ranked it as the number one affordable large SUV, the Suburban will add a new premium interior package that includes tri-zone climate control and handy features like Bluetooth and rear audio controls. In addition, radios that are standard in all 2010 trims get a USB port, allowing for music to be played from auxiliary devices though the radio, as well as charging other small electronics. The 6.0 liter engine in the 2010 models will also be flex fuel capable. Minor front end changes including a slightly raised front bumper and side torso air bags were also made standard for 2010.
In February 2010, Chevrolet unveiled a 75th anniversary edition of the Suburban, which will have the LTZ trim with white diamond tricoat exterior paint and cashmere interior, along with standard 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, revised roof rails, integrated navigation radio, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rearview camera, rear park assist, remote starting, adjustable pedals, and leather upholstery with heated/cooled front seats. Chevrolet says that the anniversary edition will be limited to 2,570 units because of the amount of white diamond paint GM can procure.
The 5.3 L and 6.0 L engines carried over, and a new 403 hp 6.2 L Vortec V8 was added for the Yukon XL Denali. The 8.1 L engine was dropped.
For the 2011 model year, the Suburban will add three new exterior colors to the lineup: Mocha Steel Metallic, Green Steel Metallic, and Ice Blue Metallic. The trims will also get a updated modification, with the rear audio system, Bluetooth, floor console/storage area, wood grain interior, luggage rack rails, body-color exterior door handle/mirror caps and premium-cloth front bucket seats now standard on the 1LS trim, and chrome recovery hooks, two-speed transfer case, and 20-inch chrome wheels standard on its 1LZ 4WD models. In addition, the trailering package will feature the trailer brake controller as a standard on all trims.
The three-quarter ton model's towing capacity is 9600 lb (4,354.5 kg), being one of the best of any 4x4 SUV and matched only by the
Toyota SequoiaThe Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. It is derived from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck but differs in its use of an independent rear suspension. It is priced between the mid-size 4Runner and Toyota's flagship Land Cruiser...
's towing capacity. The three-quarter ton model also has a GCVW of 16000 lb (7,257.5 kg).
The 2500 Suburban was originally sourced from Silao, Mexico from 2007-2008 but was moved to the Arlington, Texas assembly plant for the 2009 model year, where production of all GM fullsize SUVs was consolidated after the closing of the Janesville plant.Suburbans for the Mexican market however, are still manufactured in Silao.
Safety
For the 2009 model year, the Suburban received the U.S.
National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
's (NHTSA) best rating of 5 stars in the frontal driver/passenger and side driver/passenger categories.
NHTSA Chevrolet Suburban crash test results (For 2009 models):
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- 2WD Rollover:
- 4WD Rollover:
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year |
Suburban | Yukon XL | Total U.S. sales |
| 1998 |
108,933 |
- |
108,933 |
| 1999 |
138,977 |
1,857 |
140,834 |
| 2000 |
133,123 |
47,016 |
180,139 |
| 2001 |
154,782 |
70,706 |
225,488 |
| 2002 |
151,056 |
67,556 |
218,612 |
| 2003 |
135,222 |
70,887 |
206,109 |
| 2004 |
119,545 |
65,917 |
185,462 |
| 2005 |
87,011 |
53,652 |
140,663 |
| 2006 |
77,211 |
45,413 |
122,624 |
| 2007 |
83,673 |
45,303 |
128,976 |
| 2008 |
54,058 |
26,404 |
80,462 |
| 2009 |
41,055 |
16,819 |
57,874 |
| 2010 |
45,152 |
23,797 |
68,949 |
External links