The classic workhorse Chevy Suburban has been
thoroughly redesigned for 2007. This is the 11th generation of the venerable
Suburban. Despite the fact that the current times might be less friendly to the
trusty old truck than before, the Suburban is no dinosaur. It is necessary and
it is loved by those who need it. It can tow heavy trailers and haul loads of
people and gear, all at once.
Trim Levels for 2007
The Chevrolet Suburban comes in three trim levels:
LS, LT and LTZ plus two or four wheel drive options of each trim. Each trim is
also available in 1500 or 2500 chassis for added power and towing capability.
The styling changes to the new Suburban are subtle but significant, and
handsome. The windshield is raked for better aerodynamics, and the chrome has
been swept off the LS and LT. Inside, the dashboard has been lowered and
instrument panel finally made tidy. The seats have been raised, giving a
commanding view of the road with the lowered dashboard; with optional
adjustable pedals, a driver of any size can achieve a comfortable and confident
driving position.
The LT 2WD and 4WD come with front bucket seats and
a floor console between them, rear audio controls, six-disc sound system, cargo
shade, and optional 18- or 20-inch wheels.
The LTZ 2WD and 4WD come standard with leather
interior, full-length airbag curtains, a 12-way power memory driver's seat,
20-inch wheels, locking rear differential, power adjustable pedals, XM Satellite
Radio, and the Autoride semi-active electronic suspension, which uses body and
wheel motion sensors to respond to road and driving conditions. The Suburban
2500 comes in LS and LT versions. Four-wheel drive is available.
Suburban Powertrain and Handling
The 2007 Suburban sports a new generation engine
which has an aluminum block and makes 310 horsepower with 355 pound-feet of
torque. The optional 6.0-liter engine is all aluminum with variable valve
timing, making 366 horsepower and 380 pound-feet. Another 6.0-liter engine, with
an iron block comes with the 2500 models. There are three transmissions, all of
them four-speed automatics, but with three levels of beefiness: Hydra-Matic RL60
for the 5.3-liter engines, RL70 for the aluminum 6.0-liter engine, and RL80 for
the 6.0-liter in the 2500.
The Suburban is a dream in the handling department. The new boxed frame is 49 percent stiffer and 35 percent more resistant
to twisting. The front track has been widened by three inches, and the rear by
one inch. The suspension has been totally redesigned, using coil-over-shock
absorbers in front and a beefed-up five-link rear suspension around a solid rear
axle (better for towing) in the rear. A power rack-and-pinion steering system is
used for the first time. The upgraded suspension and steering have moved the
Suburban into new territory: quality ride and handling. Either engine can run on
regular unleaded fuel or cleaner-burning E85. Ours was four-wheel drive, EPA
rated at 15 city and 20 highway miles per gallon. If you need more power for
towing, which is what the Suburban excels at, you can get the 2500
(three-quarter ton) chassis and/or the 6.0-liter engine, making 360 horsepower
and 380 pound-feet of torque, still using regular unleaded fuel. With 4WD, it is
rated to tow 9400 pounds, compared to the 1500's 8000 pounds. The 5.3-liter
engine uses GM's Active Fuel Management, which shuts down four of the eight
cylinders when they're not needed. The new brakes with vented rotors are bigger
(13 inches in front and 13.5 inches rear) and the dual piston calipers are
stiffer increasing break stability.
Chevy Interior Features
Standard equipment on the LS and LS 4WD
includes cloth interior, power locks and windows, power steering and air
conditioning, tinted windows behind the B pillar, roof rails, folding heated
mirrors, recovery hooks, a seven-wire trailer harness, 17-inch aluminum wheels,
three power outlets, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with eight speakers, center
fold-down armrest with storage, overhead console, cruise control, 40/20/40 split
front bench seat with six-way power adjustment for the driver, 60/40 second-row
seat, and third row split bench seat.
The Chevy Suburban can seat six to nine passengers.
Cargo space
is plentiful, with 137.4 cubic feet of storage behind the front seats (with the
second row folded and third row removed). With all the seats in place, set up
for passengers, 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space is available. The third-row
passengers have their own climate control vents, as do the second-row
passengers. Smart storage space abounds.
Suburban Design
The new, 2007 Chevy Suburban has a square-jawed
face that is smooth and rugged at the same time. A very
convenient power liftgate is available. The Suburban LT looks clean and stylish from the
side, without chrome trim.
The Z1 Off-road Appearance Package includes a
different grille and fascia, rectangular rather than round fog lamps,
body-colored wheel flares, satin chrome mirrors and door handles, tubular assist
steps, 18-inch wheels with on/off road tires, off-road suspension package,
exterior badging, different instrument cluster and two-tone interior trim.
Safety
Safety equipment on all models includes dual
frontal airbags, anti-lock disc brakes with electronic proportioning, and
electronic stability with anti-rollover mitigation and traction control. Full
length airbag curtains are optional, but front side airbags are not available.
The redesigned 2007 Chevy Suburban is improved in
every respect. The engine is more powerful and efficient. The body is more
aerodynamic and the styling sleeker. The interior is more comfortable,
convenient and cleaner. The new suspension has smoothed out the old wrinkles,
and the new power rack-and-pinion steering has tightened up the handling. The
mix-and-match options, especially with engines and seating positions, allow the
building of a custom vehicle to suit your needs. It will still tow like a
locomotive and keep as many as nine passengers happy while doing so. You can
take your family and friends and a houseboat to the lake in one neat swoop.