There aren’t too many products, let alone automobiles, that can lay claim to an 80-year legacy. First introduced in 1935, Chevrolet’s Suburban has stood the test of time, and most importantly, it has retained its core identity while adapting to the changing market for a span that’s only a few decades short of the century mark.

Entering its 12th generation, Chevrolet designed a new Suburban for 2015, offering “the original SUV” in LS, LT and LTZ models. Suburban’s sibling the Tahoe was also redesigned for ’15, and Chevy proudly hails that both vehicles make up nearly 50 percent of the sales in the segment. As one of its most important segments, Chevy wants to make sure its latest incarnation of the family-focused, long-wheelbase SUV is modernized and better than before.

Changing With the Times
As gas prices have risen, along with the social consciousness of efficiency, the Chevy Suburban has battled the “gas-guzzling” image of large SUVs. The 2015 Suburban proves that times are a changing, and the addition of Chevy’s new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 not only provides an increase in horsepower and torque but also an increase in efficiency. The new EcoTec3 motor produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, which is a marked improvement over the outgoing 5.3-liter V8 that produced 320 hp and 335 lb.-ft. of torque.

Performance output aside, the new EcoTec3 V8 provides a 10 percent increase in highway mileage and a 7 percent bump in city driving (16/23 mpg). As expected, the 4x4 models have a slightly lower EPA rating at 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.  The new motor also features Chevy’s Active Fuel Management system, which allows the V8 to operate in four-cylinder mode at cruising speeds. Aside from the engine itself, Chevrolet also credits improved efficiency to new engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems and improved aerodynamics.

The new 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that features tow/haul mode and auto grade braking for steep downhill roads. A new four-wheel disc brake system was added to the Suburban, and Chevy says that this, in combination with new Duralife brake rotors, provides up to double the service life.

For on- and off-road performance, both 2WD and 4WD Suburbans feature independent front suspension equipped with coilover shocks. The upper control arms of the front suspension are constructed of forged aluminum, while the lower arms are made of cast-aluminum that Chevy says are 12 pounds lighter per side and 10 percent stiffer than comparable steel parts. Out back, the Suburban features a five-link coil-spring suspension design. Chevy also added a cross-axis ball joint to the frame-side joint of the lateral link to increase stiffness and improve steering control. The rear track of the Suburban was also widened for what Chevy describes as a “more planted stance.” More high-strength steel was also used in the body structure for added stiffness and to reduce cabin noise.

The Suburban’s exterior and interior are also redesigned for 2015. The doors on the new-generation model are designed to fit inside of the body-side openings versus over the top of the body to improve the aerodynamics, appearance and interior cabin noise. Chevy also shed a few pounds with the addition of a lightweight aluminum hood and lift gate panels. Out back, a new hands-free lift gate allows for easy access via the key fob, and a swipe of the foot under the rear fascia sensor will close it (standard on LTZ and optional on LT).

In the cabin, Chevy added a new instrument panel in front of the driver that features a 4.2-inch color center display that is sandwiched between an analog speedometer and tachometer. On the LT and LTZ models, an 8-inch color touchscreen controls stereo, navigation and infotainment functions of the MyLink system. The next-gen MyLink on the Suburban allows for the pairing of up to 10 devices, and it includes inputs for an SD card and MP3 player. For those who occasionally work out of the car or need to stay connected on the road, the OnStar 4G LTE hotspot option is available (for a monthly fee). When work is done the center console storage is large enough to store a laptop or tablet. Wireless phone charging is now available as well and is a standard feature on the LTZ models and available on the LT.

Our LT model was equipped with heated leather bucket front seats that offer 10-way power adjustment. The driver’s seat is also equipped with vibrating seat alerts to warn of objects near the SUV when backing out of or into a parking spot. The second-row seats now recline on the Suburban, and they thoughtfully, and easily, retract to allow passenger access to the third-row bench seat. The standard third-row bench seat has been updated to fold flat to the floor when added storage space is needed. Power-adjustable second row bench or bucket seats are optional, as is a power-folding third-row bench seat.

The Suburban now comes with a standard rear backup camera. The SUV is also equipped with a number of new safety features, including the segment’s first Front Center Air Bag on bucket seat models, which inflates between the driver and front passenger for protection from side-impact crashes. Other safety features include: side blind zone alert that uses sensors to monitor for vehicles in the blind zone; lane change alert to warn the driver of vehicles quickly approaching in adjacent lanes; rear cross traffic alert warns the driver of passing vehicles drivers might not see while backing up; forward collision alert warns the driver of a potential front-end crash; lane-departure warning notes when the vehicle drifts out of its lane; and crash imminent braking automatically applies added force to lessen the effects of the collision.

 
Room to Spare
As a single man, I could never envision owning a Suburban myself. I’m a truck guy, and I’m used to the versatility of a truck bed. That’s not to say a truck can’t be a family car also, but I have traditionally valued that blank canvas of bed space compared to the closed rear cargo area and additional seat space.
 
Having now started a family, my perspective has changed a bit. I’m still a truck guy at heart, but having transported around our son and all his gear (car seat, diaper bag, stroller, toys, etcetera, etcetera) in my truck and our smaller SUV, the Suburban’s size and space suddenly looks more appealing. Admittedly, I was a bit snarky about the Suburban at first, thinking it was an oversized SUV only really necessary for giant families. OK, let’s check out the behemoth, I thought. I’ll play Mr. Mom and pretend like I’d seriously drive one of these for the sake of the review.

Getting behind the wheel, I expected the Suburban to feel bulky and be tedious to maneuver, but I was pleasantly surprised this wasn’t the case at all. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering helped guide the Suburban relatively effortlessly around town, and surprisingly it wasn’t difficult to navigate around parking lots or into parking spots – clearly my preconceived notions about its size were off base. The standard rear backup camera definitely aids with visibility, and since our 4WD LT model featured the upgraded Luxury Package, the rear cross traffic, side blind zone, and lane departure warnings all came in handy at different times and kept us aware of passing vehicles and objects with the vibrating seat alert. We also appreciate the new projector-beam headlights that are now standard on the Suburban and offer plenty of visibility while driving at night.

Although it has shared parts with the Silverado over the years, Chevy has further distanced the body-on-frame Suburban SUV from its truck brethren this go-around. That said, the Suburban’s redesigned exterior styling is more chiseled and less round than years past, and it does actually look more truck-ish, but that’s a good thing in our opinion. The interior styling of the Suburban feels nice without being too stuffy. The leather seats throughout our LT are a nice touch and are comfortable for longer drives, and there is ample storage and enough charging ports to keep everyone in the group happy. We appreciate the ability to control the air conditioner for the backseat passengers as well. We’ve been on the record as being fans of Chevrolet’s 8-inch touchscreen and MyLink system (which is also found on the Silverado), as it is straightforward to navigate and easy to use.

The Suburban is available with 18-, 20- or 22-inch wheels, and we’re happy our 4x4 is fitted with the smaller, more off-road friendly 18s. Our upgraded Z71 Suburban gets 265/65R18 Goodyear SR-A shoes that are technically considered all-terrains but they lean toward the road-friendly end of the spectrum for ATs.

Although most owners won’t use the Suburban as a serious trail bruiser, this SUV’s 4x4 capability is a great asset for family camping trips, ATV/UTV and dirt bike day rides, and other off-highway adventures where you need your vehicle to get you there. It’s good to know that if the weather gets rough or the road becomes less friendly, the Suburban won’t shrink at the challenge. Our test vehicle features an upgraded two-speed transfer case that offers 4WD High and 4WD Low settings as well as a locking rear axle, so of course we ventured to one of our many Southern California off-road test locations to gauge how this SUV handles non-paved terrain.

While in 4WD High on fire-road-type dirt roads that are mostly flat with minor weather cross-ruts, we were impressed with the Suburban’s rigidity and comfortable attitude. This stable stance is partially aided by the uniquely tuned shocks that come with the Z71 Off-Road Package. Though it doesn’t share the same chassis as the Silverado, we felt the Suburban offered that same sturdy, composed demeanor traditionally found on off-road trucks.

We eventually came to a more challenging trail just wide enough for the Suburban to fit through, and we shifted the transfer case into 4 Low to see how the SUV would fair in more demanding terrain. We were surprised just how well it performed actually, as the chassis rigidity we noticed on less bumpy fire roads was even more pronounced in tighter, more twisty trails. The Suburban offers just enough ground clearance (roughly 8 inches) to tackle moderate rocky, dirt slopes without rubbing the side steps or front end. In the event you take a section too quickly or cut the clearance too close, the Z71 package provides a two-piece front skid plate as well as a transfer-case skid plate for added peace of mind.

While the Suburban gets the thumbs up for its off-road capability, there are limitations to what it can handle. When climbing one ledge in particular that had a loose-dirt base, the Suburban’s tire right rear tire struggled to find traction. This isn’t a knock on the Suburban so much as a reminder that while it is a 4x4, there are limitations to how far it should be pushed. When all is said, however, we were very happy with its off-road performance both in terms of capability and its sturdy, confident handling. We didn’t find any moderate obstacles we couldn’t climb, and the vehicle simply requires a careful eye of its surroundings since it is larger than most vehicles one would ever take on the trail.

Final Thoughts
The 2015 Suburban made me a believer. Although our family is still growing and only numbers four (including our dog), we were sad to see this SUV go. The new Suburban offers smooth steering and great on-road handling, and its additional safety features and standard rear backup camera help keep the driver informed of the surroundings. Although its size may appear daunting at first glance, we walked away feeling the Suburban is just as easy to drive and navigate as a truck or standard SUV. 

The off-road performance of the Suburban was a pleasant surprise, and we have confidence that it can handle those weathered roads leading to a campsite or the family cabin. Its 7,000-pound towing capacity means it can tow a small camper or trailer confidently as well. Our test vehicle has an EPA fuel economy rating of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined). Our combined rating during testing was 17.2 mpg, which is shade under the combined claim but still within range.

The Suburban is simply a great family SUV that can tackle a lot more than simple trips to the grocery store. With enough space for nine occupants and the ability to transform the interior for whatever the task may be, this is one SUV that can roll with the punches and adapt just about any situation. For those of us with kids, life is now in a constant state of change. Fortunately the Suburban can adapt.

Specifications – 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD LT
Engine: 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3
Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 383 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission:  6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic
Height: 74.4 in.
Track Width: 68.7 in. (front & rear)
Length: 224.4 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Approach Angle: 15.5 degrees
Departure Angle: 21.1 degrees
Breakover Angle:  N/A
Ground Clearance (suspension or axle to ground): 7.9 in. (front & rear)
Claimed Curb Weight: N/A
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 7,500 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs.
Payload Capacity: 1,495 lbs.
Fuel Tank: 31 gal.
Seating Capacity: 9 (as tested w/third-row seating)
Axle Ratio: N/A
Aver. MPG (tested): 17.2 mpg overall
Price: $63,035*
*Sticker price as tested, includes destination charges