GM claims Suburban was the world’s first SUV. This pioneer has remained a leader for transporting active American families over the years.
The powerful Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel engine with active fuel management coupled to a six-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission puts down 320 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. torque, and gets a combined 17 miles per gallon rating (15/21 city/hwy). But I must tell you for my weekly drive, I didn’t get anywhere near that kind of mileage.
The Suburban is a monster in power and size (130-inch wheelbase) which offers features that could be affiliated with a modern navy carrier.
The vehicle is not a city SUV and it’s not for the faint-of-heart drivers. It is big, bossy, and thirsty. And it takes a good driver to maneuver and park. But what a pleasure it is to drive. Suburban carries nine people comfortably, and can tow in excess of 8,000 pounds.
Suburban has a distinct personality. It yearns for space outside the city—along mountain trails, riverbeds and fresh filled lakes. It has capabilities that make this possible. Equipped with AutoRide™ road-sensing suspension, trailering equipment group, electronic trailer sway control, automatic locking rear differential, supplemental brake assist, and hill start assist. It states that no place is too far or too isolated for the Suburban to leave its foot print.
Because of its bulk, this top-of-the-line Suburban LTZ has included several must-have features in its list of standard equipment. A rear vision camera system, side blind zone alert, tire pressure monitor, PowerLift Gate with Lift Glass, running boards, assist steps, luggage-rack side rails, and luggage-rack central rails helps immensely working in, out, and around this mammoth of a vehicle that offers 137.4 cubic feet of space with second and third row seats folded.
Suburban is not a dating vehicle and it’s not designed to appease young couples. Suburban is rich in family trappings, and longs to run, carrying folks and luggage over terrain and distances that makes other SUVs shy away.
Not only where Suburban can carry you is important, but the style in which you journey is important as well. There is an emphasis on comfortable seating. Perforated leather front bucket seats are equipped with power lumbar, power recline, heating, and cooling.
On the LTZ, the second row seating also has bucket seats with power seat release. Three-passenger third row bench seats are comfortable with lots of leg room. Power door locks and windows provide secured visibility. And it all rests on 20-inch tires.
Tri-zone auto climate control keeps out the summer heat, while the audio system with Bose speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio and NavTraffic, rear seat audio system control, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB port provide entertainment, logistics, and safety on the way to your destination.
The LTZ FWD carries an MSRP of $56,900. For an additional $2,500 you may purchase the Sun, Entertainment and Destination Package, which consists of a power sunroof, a rear seat entertainment system, third row DVD system, and additional 9-month XM radio and NavTraffic service.
Suburban gets a five-Star Safety Rating in frontal crash for driver and passenger, a five-Star for side crash for driver and passenger, and a five-Star for side crash front and rear seats. Overall vehicle is four-Star and single vehicle roll over is three-Star.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 2WD
Suburban Gets It Done
GM claims Suburban was the world’s first SUV. This pioneer has remained a leader for transporting active American families over the years.
8/4/2013
Updated: 8/4/2013
