When it comes to moving people and packages, the Chevrolet Suburban has been the king of the hauling hill for 80 years. And with the introduction of the 12th generation of the mammoth mover, it looks like its position isn’t going to be threatened anytime soon.
Chevrolet hosted a host of Canadian auto writers in the Gaspe region of Quebec for the launch of the 2015 Suburban and its smaller sister, Tahoe. Gaspe is gorgeous and the two Chevy SUVs aren’t bad either.
Chevrolet brand manager Sharon Sikorski says Tahoe and Suburban are the number one and number two sellers in the SUV market. It’s not a huge market, but Chevrolet owns 70% of it.
The oldest continuously available nameplate in the industry, Suburban attracts a higher percentage of buyers with kids – 55% to Tahoe’s 35%. That probably has something to do with the big ute’s ability to carry a family of four and still tote a pile of stuff kids need.
The difference in length of the two utes is obvious from the outside and the length is where it’s needed most: behind the rear seat where cargo capacity in Tahoe is cramped. Suburban has a great dealmore space to use. Tahoe’s capacity behind the third row is just 433 L (15.3 cu. ft.) while Suburban offers 1098 L (38.8 cu.ft.)
The second and third row seats fold at the touch of a button in the rear cargo area to provide a flat load floor, a welcome alternative to removing the seats although it does marginally reduce the load height. With both rows folded, Tahoe offers 2681 L (94.7 cu. ft.) while the Suburban will swallow 3429 L (121 cu. ft.) of whatever you can fit in the rear hatch. If you fold the third row only, Tahoe has 1464 L (51.7 cu. ft.) of space to the Suburban’s 2163 L (76.4 cu. ft.)
Craig Couch, product manager for full and mid-size trucks, points out that “there’s no shared sheet metal with pickups. Tahoe and Suburban have brand specific hoods, grilles, fascias and fenders.
They are built on a ladder frame and extensive use of high-strength steel has made them a much more rigid vehicle.
New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top, improving cabin quietness and improving aerodynamics. Lightweight aluminum hood and lift gate panels reduce overall mass.
Projector-beam headlamps flank the Chevrolet-signature dual-port grille – chrome on all models – and sweep into the front fenders. HID headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lamps are standard on the LTZ.
Third row seats are notoriously difficult for adults to access but Tahoe and Suburban have taken steps to make it easier by narrowing the base of the B pillar, rounding the seat edges and pushing the C pillar back. Suburban’s rear seat access is the best I’ve come across, but Tahoe still requires some agility more associated with younger passengers rather than adults.
The only propulsion option on either vehicle is GM’s 5.3-L V8 with cylinder deactivation, which shuts down four of the engine’s cylinders under certain light-demand conditions.
The system is completely transparent. Our drive route took us over hilly terrain and it was virtually impossible to detect the engine’s change from eight to four and back to eight-cylinder operation.
Power gets to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with a tap-shift control, tow/haul mode and Auto Grade Braking.
The fleet of test vehicles was comprised of all four-wheel drive models. The LTZ models I got to drive up the content ante considerably in both vehicles, leaving little to be desired in the way of creature comforts and convenience.
These vehicles are big and require some extra attention in tight places, especially the Suburban. However it doesn’t take long to learn to take corners a bit wider and to avoid situations that would require fitting a full-size vehicle into a medium-size space.
The cabins of both of the big Chevys feature high-quality materials, including heated leather seats, tilt/telescoping steering columns, adjustable pedals, eight-inch colour touch screen with MyLink connectivity, keyless entry, push-button start, multiple USB ports, a 120V power outlet and, of course, power everything.
For safety sake, there’s the industry’s only front centre airbag that prevents driver and passenger from banging together in a side collision. I’ve also got forward collision alert, front park assist, rear park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
It’s a comfortable place to spend time on the road although the magnetic ride control produces a rather stiff ride in the Tahoe that’s less noticeable in Suburban.
Add in the usual electronic nannies like stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD and the like and you have a big, strong, well-appointed and safe vehicle.
Family size transportation in a big vehicle that drives much smaller than its bulk would suggest.
FACT FILE
2015 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe
Trim levels available: LS, LT, LTZ
Models : 2WD and 4WD
MSRP range: $55,855 - $70,785 (Suburban), $52,865 - $67,795 (Tahoe)
Freight: $1,650
Notable options: power folding 2nd and 3rd row seats, 8-in. touch screen with MyLink, dual-screen rear entertainment system (Suburban), Safety Alert seat, front seat centre airbag, tilt/telescoping steering column, upgraded theft-deterrent system
Configuration: front engine/ four-wheel drive or 2WD
Available engines: 5.3L V8 (355 hp/383 lb.-ft.)
Available transmissions: 6-spd automatic
Fuel economy ratings (L/100km city/highway): 15.1/10.4 (4WD), 14.9/10.1 (2WD)
Competitors: Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia.
Strengths: People and cargo space, quiet ride, interior finish
Weaknesses: Huge size (Suburban), numb steering feel, casual acceleration
Report Card (out of 10):
Equipment level: 7 – Lots of gear for work and play
Price: 6 – Add-ons can run the price up
Styling: 7 – still a box, but a nice looking box
Comfort (front): 8 – good leg and headroom
Comfort (rear): 8 – Suburban 3rd row works for adults, Tahoe not so much
Handling: 7 – Sheer size requires careful manoeuvring
Performance: 7 – lots of pulling power, but acceleration is a bit lazy
Overall: 7 – Two attractive, well-appointed people and cargo movers
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