Bigger is better this year in Chevrolet’s largest sport utility vehicle, the Suburban.
The expansive, 19-foot-long vehicle was refreshed for its 80th year on the market, with more engine power, best-in-class fuel economy, more features, a surprisingly quiet interior and more comfortable — and larger, of course— seats. It was restyled, too, with a decidedly formal look.
But some things remain the same, such as its rugged truck-based platform, making the Suburban stand out among today’s three-row SUVs. It also is among the few SUVs to still offer up to nine seats.
The Suburban is a capable, if sizable, off-road vehicle, though drivers who stay on paved paths might be unaware because the Suburban’s ride is better controlled than ever, at least on the top LTZ model. That’s in part because the LTZ comes with the latest version of magnetic ride control as part of the suspension.
And no one needs to get bored in the new Suburban: There are up to six power outlets, six USB ports and a rear entertainment center with two sizable screens. Plus, it can become a Wi-Fi hotspot (data usage rates apply).
Starting price for the 2015 Suburban increased — more than $50,000 for the first time, with destination charge included. Specifically, the base, rear-wheel drive, 2015 Suburban LS starts at $50,195, $2,900 more than a base 2014 Suburban. All Suburbans come with the newly invigorated, 5.3-liter, overhead valve V8 that’s direct-injected to produce 355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Competitors include other full-size SUVs with three rows of seats, such as the 2015 Ford Expedition, which has a starting retail price of $45,780. This is for an XLT two-wheel drive model with 365-horsepower, turbocharged V-6. Ford no longer offers a V8 on the Expedition.