Chevrolet Suburban

The Suburban’s niche is knack for accommodating a healthy passenger and cargo load, and boasting a towing capacity that falls just this side of a tugboat. Available in ½ ton 1500 Series and ¾ ton 2500 Series platforms, a carefully optioned Suburban can extend its trailer towing capacity to 12000 lb. Maximum payload ranges from 2077lb. to 3153 lb. depending on the series and driveline configuration.

Those impressive weight ratings are due in large part to the Suburban’s muscular engine lineup. The LS and LT 1500 Series models come standard with the Vortec 5300 V8, while the 2500 Series trucks get the beefy Vortec 6000 V8. The serious muscle is found with the 2500’s optional Vortec 8100 engine introduced last year. With 340bhp and a peak torque rating of 455 lb.-ft., an 8100 equipped Suburban can just about move the proverbial mountain? Three transmissions are offered, all electronically controlled 4 speed automatics. The 4L60-E versions optional for the 2500 Series.

One might expect the bruiser like this to come up short in the comfort and handling departments. Not so. The 2000 model year makeover significantly improved the Suburban’s ride quality. The benefits of the precision tuned independent torsion bar front and 5 link coil rear (2500 Series models receive leaf springs and a semi floating rear axle) are further augmented by the Premium Smooth Ride suspension and Autoride shock system.