2007 Chevrolet Suburban Preview

In the automotive world, familial names are passed through the generations, often with blatant disregard. The Chevrolet Nova, for example, was a good-sized rear-wheel-drive coupe in the 1960s and ‘70s, only to die and be reincarnated as a front-drive rebadged Toyota in the late ‘80s. Indeed, many rides resemble their ancestors in name only. However, there are exceptions to that rule, one being the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. For decades the name Suburban has been synonymous with people-toting, camper-towing, ski trip transportation. In that regard, the 2007 model is an exact replica of those that came before it. But that’s about all that’s remained unchanged, for 2007 ushers in a Chevrolet Suburban with a fresh, sporty new look, a much needed improvement in build quality, powerful engines, and an aggressive attitude that aims to keep the bowtie at the front of the super-sized SUV pack.

What it is

Billed as the largest of the brand’s family of SUVs, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is a nine-passenger truck much like the popular Tahoe, with the added bonus of 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Buyers can choose from three trims – LS, LT, and LTZ – and either rear- or four-wheel-drive capability. Though the Chevy Suburban can be ordered well-equipped, shoppers looking for more brand cachet and luxury may opt for the GMC Yukon XL and XL Denali or Cadillac Escalade ESV, all of which are based on the less expensive Chevy.

Why it matters

Despite all of the news about shrinking sales of large suvs, this segment is still expected to move between 700-800,000 units annually, with General Motors reportedly grabbing 62 percent of that pie. Gas prices may continue to be volatile, but the fact remains that thousands of American car buyers continue to choose the utility of a large vehicle like the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban versus smaller and more efficient alternatives. Competition in this field has largely been limited to the Ford Excursion (and fellow GM players like the GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV), but that model is being replaced by an extended version of the Expedition that promises to fight for its spot in American driveways. Couple that with GM’s tarnished image, and one can see how vital it is that the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban maintains its position as the one to beat.

When you can buy it

Though the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban made its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, GM executives say the truck won’t start arriving on dealers’ lots until spring of 2006. Start planning now for those summer road trips with the family.

How much it costs

It seems like it was just yesterday that General Motors was announcing its plans for value pricing, a new plan that would set sticker prices closer to actual transaction prices. Rebates would be largely reduced or eliminated. That was round one – round two came at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where GM announced it was cutting prices across its lineup, including all Chevy models, and again, rebates would be reduced. Hmm. Who knows what pricing strategy will be the flavor of the month by the time the 2007 Suburban hits the streets, but it’s clear that the goal is to make price one of the reasons to visit your local bowtie dealer.

How quick it is

Motivation for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban comes from one of two powerful engines. The entry-level motor is a 5.3-liter small block V8 with 320 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 340 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Slated to roll out after the ‘Burb’s initial launch is a 6.0-liter V8 pushing 355 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and twisting out 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Both engines feature Active Fuel Management, the new name for what most know as displacement-on-demand, a system that deactivates four of the engine’s eight cylinders when less power is needed. Chevy representatives claim that this technology allows the new Suburban to achieve fuel economy in the low 20s on the highway at 60 mph. Also noteworthy is the flex-fuel status of these engines. Either can operate on gas, ethanol, or a mix of both.

What it looks like

From a distance, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban looks largely unchanged, but the wheel track has been widened for a more aggressive stance and better stability, the front end features a bold new fascia, bodyside cladding has been removed, the lower door sills now overlay the rocker panels for a cleaner profile, and the tailgate handles have been replaced with hidden release buttons. Standard wheel sizes have increased to 17 inches with optional rims as large as 20 inches, and smoked, horizontally-stacked headlights add a sporty appearance. Inside is a completely redesigned dash, now featuring smooth shapes, tight tolerances, and none of the 1980’s-era radio and climate controls that have historically plagued GM interiors.

What it does best

With a 62 percent share of the market in its back pocket, GM obviously knows how to build and sell large SUVs. It may be true that gas prices are rising and plenty of people are at least considering smaller cars. But the fact remains that neither Americans nor their families are getting any smaller, which will continue to fuel the demand for spacious, powerful suvs, at least to some degree. For those folks, or anyone who requires an impressive towing capacity or commanding view of the road, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban fits the bill perfectly. Plus, Chevy has added features like a power tumble-and-fold second-row seat and a power liftgate with controls on the door, the overhead console, and the key fob.

What we think

It seems ironic that just as the light appears to be dimming on the large SUV segment, GM unveils its best looking lineup to date. The lines of the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban are much crisper, and the promise of tighter gap tolerances and a stronger focus on build quality address two of the main complaints with the existing vehicle. Add in the extra power and improved efficiency, and Chevy makes a good case for purchasing its 2007 Suburban, should you be in the market for such a ride.

Photos courtesy of General Motors