• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices
• Photo Gallery

Chevrolet Suburban - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban ranks 2 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Suburban, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban can haul up to nine people in comfort and tow heavy loads. It's a good choice for buyers who need its full-sized capabilities.

The Chevrolet Suburban was redesigned from the ground up in 2007 with what most reviewers agree are positive results. For 2009, little has changed on the Suburban, but the world around it is a different place. With memories of high gas prices, a sinking economy and a domestic auto industry in turmoil, many buyers may wonder if buying a Suburban still makes sense. 

If a Suburban makes sense for you depends on a lot of factors. 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-foul-weather-or-off-road-performance.-If-you-hit-the-road-with-a-lot-of-people,-as-well-as-a-boat-or-horse-trailer,-the-Suburban-is-an-excellent-choice. -Cross-shop-it-with-the-Ford-Expedition.

General-Motors,-Chevrolet's-parent-company,-has-recently-declared-bankruptcy.-While-the-company-says-that-business-should-continue-as-usual,-the-bankruptcy-could-add-a-layer-of-uncertainty-for-GM-buyers.-However,-those-who-are-able-to-stomach-the-uncertainty-may-be-able-to-get-a-great-deal-on-a-new-Chevrolet.-Check-out-What-GM's-Bankruptcy-Means-for-You-to-answer-any-questions-you-have-before-buying.

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 either a 5.3 liter or 6.0 liter V8 engine.

• "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
• "The 2009 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. The Cars.com reviewer 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." continue

Suburban Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Chevy Suburban is handsome, with an upscale design. AutoWeek says that since the 2007 redesign, the suburban "looks better, with crisper, sleeker sheetmetal." continue

Suburban Interior - 8.8 (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." continue

Suburban Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban earns excellent scores in government crash tests. continue

Suburban Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 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. continue