The Chevrolet Suburban debuted way back in 1936 and is based on the GMC Yukon XL and the Chevy Tahoe platform. It is renowned as a premier full-sized SUV that offers a stalwart performance, comfort and endurance. Customer loyalty to the Suburban can largely be attributed to the quality of its refinements (chief among which is its humongous cargo capacity); making it the ideal family vehicle.

For 2007 the Chevrolet Suburban has been completely re-hauled. Changes are evident in the improved quality of interior materials, a sleek and slicker exterior design, a responsive and precise steering and amp-ed up power. Fuel economy has improved too.

A touch-screen navigation system, new noise-reducing technology and materials, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an 8-inch screen, a power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, ultrasonic rear parking assist, a remote start system, first- and second-row heated seats, and power-articulating running boards are among the other upgrades. It has a basic warranty of 36 months/ 36,000 miles.

The 2007 Suburban is available in two main trims: the Suburban Half-Ton (available in LS, LT and LTZ trims) and the Suburban Three-Quarter-Ton (available in LS and LT trims). The Half-Ton Suburban is equipped with a 5.3 liter (L) 320 hp V8 engine, with 340 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. The Suburban Three-Quarter-Ton has a 6.0L 320 hp V8 (with 340 lb-ft of torque).

A four-speed automatic transmission is standard across trims. Both versions offer a 2WD or an AWD. The LTZ has a standard automatic locking rear differential, while it is optional on all other trims. The 5.3L engine equipped Suburban with the AWD tows as much as 8,000 pounds, while the 6.0L engine with the 2WD tows up to 9,500 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy amounts to 15/21 mpg (city/highway) on the 2WD and 15/20 mpg (city/highway) on the AWD.

The Suburban has previously been described by Chevrolet as being ‘just the right size’ to fit into average-sized garages. The front fascia sports Chevy’s new corporate grille. A distinctive cross-member with the trademark Chevy bowtie emblem splits the upper and lower section. It has single-frame headlamps and fog lights that integrate into wraparound lower fascias; serving up a slick-compact look.

A fully-boxed, stronger-stiffer frame, and an enhanced design as well as driver control technology ensure optimal crash energy management. The roof has a small roof spoiler in the rear. The upscale trims offer a power-operated rear liftgate.

Other standard exterior features include; chrome bumpers, day time running lights, power heated black door mirrors, fog lights, halogen headlamps, heat reflective glass, metallic paint, a rear window defogger, roof rails, a rear and side platform step, a flip-up liftgate window, tinted glass, a full-size spare tire, SBRP265/70R17 BSW, All-Season tires, 17-inch x 7.5 inch alloy wheels, trailer towing preparation, variable intermittent windshield wipers and power windows.

The interior has improved dramatically in terms of décor as well as the quality of materials used. The control layouts are well positioned, logical and user friendly. The Suburban can accommodate up to nine people with its set of three-place bench seats. The comfortable and sensible option though would be to seat seven passengers.

Despite the availability of a second row with a power-folding feature, the third-row seats need to be manually moved in order to avail optimal cargo space.

Standard interior amenities comprise; 12v power outlets, air conditioning, an RDS audio system with AM/FM and CD player, an automatic drive indicator on the dashboard, cruise control, front/rear seat cup holders, door ajar warning, door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat, floor mats, 40/20/40 split electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, three adjustments and tilt adjustment , a 40/20/40 split passenger seat , a 40/20/40 split center seat, seatbelts, two height adjustable head restraints (on the front, rear and 3rd row seats), an illuminated entry system, an online information system, remote power locks, power steering, power windows, front and rear reading lights, a rear heater, three asymmetrical split bench front facing removable rear seats with zero adjustments, an automatic operation rear view mirror, remote audio controls, front seat back storage, upgraded cloth/velour seat upholstery, tachometer, ventilation system with recirculation setting, peripheral anti-theft protection, and a voice activating system.

A stiff frame along with a supremely well-insulated cabin ensures that this SUV delivers a relatively quiet ride. Acceleration is efficient; the automatic transmission offers seamless up-shifts and downshifts. Steering is nimble, light and hugely responsive.

The Suburban is in its element on the freeway and cruises along smoothly. Courtesy of its sound insulation measures, the cabin is reasonably quiet. Fuel economy has improved too courtesy of its Active Fuel Management technology. GM says “Active Fuel Management technology, allows for seamless movement from eight cylinders to four cylinders with no reduction in available power”.

The Suburban offers a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, 4-wheel ABS, stability control, and OnStar as standard features. The LT-3 and LTZ have a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor as standard (these are offered as optional on the other Suburbans).

Other standard safety amenities include; Electronic Stability Control, ABS, daytime running lights, Child Seat Lower Anchorage, an adjustable upper belt front/rear, pretensioner, an energy management feature, an integrated safety belt, a rear center lap/shoulder belt, advanced air bag features, a head airbag (front) and a rear seat head restraint.