What’s New?
It’s more like, “What’s not new?” The 2007 Chevrolet Suburban rides on a new, fully boxed frame that boasts a new coil-over-damper front suspension and new rack-and-pinion steering. The interior has been completely reworked with higher quality materials and more cargo space (137 cubic feet compared to 132 for the previous model), the exterior has been redone, it offers more power, it runs quieter, has more safety features, and it is more fuel-efficient.

Overview
The last time the Suburban was redesigned was in 2000, so it’s not surprising that the next-generation 2007 model sports numerous enhancements in practically every category. Basically, the new model does what the former one does—comfortably haul up to nine passengers and literally tons of gear—but now does it with more panache and efficiency. It should be noted, however, that the 2007 Suburban’s maximum towing capacity is limited to 9,700 pounds, whereas the previous-generation 2006 model (also available during calendar year 2006) can tow 12,000 pounds.

The 2007 Suburban comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 series, with LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels in both two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Later in the model year, a Z71 Off-Road Package will also be offered. Standard power on 1500 2WD models comes from GM’s Vortec 5300 engine, a 320-hp, 5.3L V-8 unit with Active Fuel Management (the new name for Displacement on Demand), a fuel-saving technology that deactivates four of the eight cylinders in light-load situations. Four-wheel-drive 1500 models come standard (optional on 2WD models) with a 5.3L V-8 that includes FlexFuel technology, which allows the engine to run on 100 percent gasoline or a greener mixture of gas and ethanol fuel called E85. A new, 355-hp, all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing (VVT) will be offered as an option later in the calendar year. On 2500 models, a 350-hp, Vortec 6.0L engine with VVT is standard.

In an effort to increase fuel economy and reduce cabin noise, all 2007 Suburban models are more aerodynamic. Safety was also addressed, and the new Suburban features enhanced air bag and rollover protection. StabiliTrak stability control, OnStar, and tire pressure-monitoring systems are standard on all models.

The Competition
The Chevrolet Suburban competes in the Large Utility segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for comfort, performance, and exterior styling, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Chevrolet Tahoe (161,491 units sold), Ford Expedition (78,953), and Chevrolet Suburban (77,211). The Chevrolet Suburban’s 77,211 sales in 2006 represent a decrease of 11.3 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Utility segment include the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Ford Expedition EL.