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Chevrolet Suburban - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban ranks 4 out of 12 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Suburban, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chevrolet Suburban combines a cavernous interior with beefy towing capabilities, making it a strong choice for buyers who need to transport a crowd and all its stuff.

However, while the Suburban is an excellent choice for those who need its outsized seating and towing capacities, with memories of high gas prices, a sinking economy and a domestic auto industry in turmoil, many buyers may wonder if buying a Suburban  makes sense.

If the Suburban makes sense for you depends on your lifestyle. If you routinely haul eight people, the Suburban is a good choice, but you should also consider GM's large crossovers, the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Chevy Traverse, as well as the Ford Flex. All can haul plenty of people and have much better fuel economy than the Suburban. However, none can match the Suburban when it comes to towing and cargo space. If you routinely hit the road with a lot of people and gear, as well as a boat or horse trailer, the Suburban is an excellent choice. Compare it with the  Ford Expedition EL, which has a long wheelbase, like the Suburban. Both can tow a lot and seat a crowd, but many reviewers say that the third row seat in the Expedition is more comfortable and easier to get out of the way when you need to haul cargo.

Check out this month's Best Chevrolet Deals where we've done the research for you to get you the best deal on a new Suburban.

The Suburban comes in half- or three-quarter ton models, with  a 5.3 liter engine on the 1500 or 6.0 liter V8 engine on the 2500. For 2010, the Suburban added a new premium interior package adds tri-zone climate control and handy features like Bluetooth and rear audio controls.  For 2010 all radios get a USB port, allowing for music to be played from auxiliary devices though the Suburban's radio.  The port also charges some small electronics.  Finally, new in 2010, the 6.0 liter engine is flex fuel capable, meaning it can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol, an alternative fuel made from corn and other plant matter. While fuel economy doesn't improve with E85, harmful emissions are lowered.

• "Compact-vehicle fans have a hard time grasping the appeal, but full-size "truck wagons" have been luring more and more upscale motorists." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• "For smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, Suburban is a solid choice. A carefully optioned LT is the best choice in the Suburban lineup, and is a strong value among large SUVs. " -- Consumer Guide
• "Chevrolet Suburban is a compelling choice for those who need a traditional full-size SUV with maximum capacity. We just wonder how many people really do." -- Edmunds
• "Like a nice new home in suburbia, we are pleasantly surprised with our Suburban's high level of refinement and the extra room inside that we've come to expect from a big SUV." -- AutoWeek
• "More desirable and more formidable than ever," -- Motor Trend
• "If you have a large family, haul lots of things and/or tow, Suburban is the vehicle of choice for its three rows of seats, spacious cargo hold and sufficiently muscular V-8." -- The Chicago Tribune
• "The Chevy Suburban is a big ol' hunk, but it's the perfect vehicle for swallowing six adults and their carry-on bags for a long weekend." -- Kansas City Star
• "The Suburban hauls more passengers and cargo than anything in its segment, a fact not overlooked by those who need such convenience or capability." -- Kelley Blue Book

 

Suburban Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

If you need a full-size SUV, reviewers say that the Suburban is one of the easiest to live with on a daily basis. Cars.com  says, "I also became a fan of the Suburban's pleasant ride and decent handling. While it's no sports car, the Suburban didn't feel as unwieldy as other large vehicles." Read More

Suburban Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Chevy Suburban is handsome, with an upscale design. AutoWeek says that since the 2007 redesign, the suburban "looks better, with crisper, sleeker sheetmetal." Read More

Suburban Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

With adult-sized seating in the front two rows and comfort all around, the Suburban's interior is one of the nicest in the class. Consumer Guide says, "High marks for Suburban's upscale, contemporary cabin ambiance. Assembly quality of models tested shows strong attention to detail. Most interior materials feel high-grade." Read More

Suburban Safety - NA

The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban earns excellent scores in government crash tests. Read More

Suburban Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Suburban comes with GM's three-year or 36,000 mile warranty. Read More