2011 Chevrolet Suburban in Rockford, IL - $11,995

The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Suburban SUV is designed for today’s active families needing space for everyone and everything. After 80 years, Suburban continues to offer legendary roominess, unmatched functionality and first-class amenities. It also represents the 12th generation of the original SUV. The new Suburban and the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe are mechanical siblings.

Offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, the exterior design of the 2015 Suburban is more refined and precisely sculpted. New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly improving the quietness of the interior cabin and contributing to improved aerodynamics – an attribute that helps the vehicles slip through the air on the highway with less drag for greater efficiency. Lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels also enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass.

Projector-beam headlamps flank the Chevrolet-signature dual-port grille – now chrome on all models – and sweep into the front fenders. High-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lamps are included on LTZ, along with an exclusive chrome grille surround. The new hands-free liftgate feature allows a customer with a keyless entry fob – and full hands – to open and close the liftgate by waving his or her foot under a sensor beneath the rear fascia. It is standard on LTZ and available on LT.

Additional exterior features include: the windshield angle is raked forward more than before and is flattened at the corners, for better wiper performance; laminated windshield and front door glass that contributes to a quieter ride; the lower front fascias no longer include exposed tow hooks, for a more refined appearance and to accommodate radar-based safety technology; the B-pillar is moved forward slightly and the C-pillar is straighter, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicles – especially when climbing into the third row. LTZ models feature more bright trim on the fascias, grille, body sides, mirror caps and more, and the LTZ also offers power-retractable and illuminated side steps.

Nine exterior color choices are available: Plumberry Metallic, Silver Ice, Black, Crystal Red, Summit White, White Diamond, Champagne Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic and Brownstone (with later availability).

Power for the large Chevrolet SUV is produced by a new EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 engine with direct injection. Torque is communicated to the rear wheels via a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission which also features TapShift control, tow/haul mode and auto grade braking. 4WD is an available option.

The new Suburban rides on a stronger, fully boxed, perimeter frame, which supports payload and trailering capability and a quieter, more controlled ride. Control hardware for both 2WD and 4WD models feature an updated coil-over-shock independent front suspension design, with forged aluminum upper control arms and cast-aluminum lower control arms on select models. They are 12 pounds lighter per side and 10-percent stiffer than comparable steel components. At the rear is a five-link coil-spring suspension design, which enables optimal ride and handling through more precise tuning. Lateral stiffness was increased at the frame-side joint of the lateral link with the addition of a cross-axis ball joint, for a greater feeling of steering precision.

Additional chassis and suspension features include: a wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance; stronger body structure with more high-strength steel for a more solid feel and a quieter cabin; shear-style body mounts, which reduce body shake and enhance the feeling of structural stiffness, improve damping performance when compared with previous compression mounts; and third-generation magnetic ride control on LTZ models.

Inside the passenger cabin, premium materials and enhanced ergonomics demonstrate the Suburban’s blend of sophistication, craftsmanship and function. The new instrument panel has a straightforward design featuring a large, easy-to-view cluster. It includes a 4.2-inch color driver information center display in the center of the cluster, for vehicle, infotainment and other data. There’s also an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen radio on LT and LTZ models in the center of the instrument panel, incorporating secured storage behind the motorized screen. The compartmentalized center console is large enough to store a laptop or iPad.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 130.0; overall length: 224.4; width: 80.5; height: 74.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 5.3L V8 – 355 hp at 5,600 rpm and 383 lbs-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 hwy. (2WD); 15 city/22 hwy. (4WD)
Cargo capacity: 121.1 cubic feet
Payload capacity: 1,682 lbs.
Towing capacity: 8,300 lbs.

Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, traction control, StabiliTrak stability control system, heavy-duty locking rear differential, OnStar communications system, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, rear vision camera, rear park assist, automatic power door locks, Bluetooth hands free phone system, remote keyless entry, remote engine start, theft deterrent system, Rainsense intermittent windshield wipers, full-size spare tire, and tire pressure monitoring system. LT adds OnStar with 4GLTE and a built in Wi-Fi hotspot and universal home remote. LTZ adds navigation system, high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Optional safety features include: power adjustable pedals, forward collision alert, lane departure warning system, safety seat, fog lamps, front parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, side blind zone alert, lane change alert, adaptive cruise control (LTZ), push button keyless start, and content theft alarm system.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban SUV starts from $47,595 for the LS 2WD upto $64,700 for the LTZ 4WD. Destination charges add $995.