By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media
After 80 years of setting the bar high, the Chevrolet Suburban underwent a complete redesign in 2015, offering a more contemporary take on the full-size SUV’s legendary functionality, performance and convenience features.
Now for 2016 models, Suburban adds to its impressive array of technology and safety components with several upgrades, including an Enhanced Driver Alert Package and a new phone integration technology that displays content from Apple iPhone 5 or later models on the multicolor screen through the Apple CarPlay feature.
Exterior
Refined and precisely sculpted, Suburban’s exterior design showcases inlaid doors that fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly improving the quietness of the interior cabin and contributing to improved aerodynamics. This helps the vehicle slip through the air on the highway with less drag, for greater efficiency. Lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels also enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass.
Projector beam headlamps flank the Chevrolet signature dual port grille chrome and sweep into the front fenders. High-intensity discharge headlamps and light emitting diode daytime running lamps are included on LTZ, along with an exclusive chrome grille surround.
Aside from the two new colors, Siren Red Tintcoat and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, other options for 2016 are: Sable Metallic, Silver Ice, Black, Summit White, Champagne Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic and Brownstone.
Interior
Inside the Suburban, premium materials and enhanced ergonomics demonstrate the perfect blend of sophistication, craftsmanship and function. Focus on technology and connectivity is more important than ever.
The instrument panel, for example, has a technology-driven design featuring a large, easy-to-view cluster, it includes an 8-inch-diagonal color driver information center display in the center of the reconfigurable gauge cluster, for vehicle, infotainment and other data. There’s also an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen radio in the center of the instrument panel, incorporating secured storage behind the motorized screen.
Suburban’s seats are designed for greater comfort and durability. A high-wear cloth seat material is available on LS and LT, and the second-row bench seat reclines; The third-row seat folds flat to the floor, making it simpler to switch from passenger use to cargo carrying. The second and third row seats’ available power-release folding option makes it easier to load bulky items from the rear, and eases entry/exit to the third row. Power-release folding switches are located at the second-row doors and at the rear liftgate opening.
For 2016, Suburban is offered in four interior color combinations: Jet Black, Cocoa/Dune, Jet Black/Dark Ash and Cocoa/Mahogany. Color offerings vary by model.
Power and efficiency
Suburban’s EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 engine is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and features state of the art technologies including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system all designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
The technologies contribute to EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (2WD). Improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics and other technologies help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode longer with Active Fuel Management, contributing to even more efficiency.
A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the new 5.3L engine and brings its own efficiency with reduced engine speed on the highway. It also features TapShift control, Tow/Haul mode and Auto Grade Braking.
MyLink with phone integration technology
New for Suburban in 2016, Chevrolet’s new MyLink system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, which puts iPhone features on the display in a smart, simple manner, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.
Using Apple CarPlay is simple. A Projection icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay when a compatible phone is connected via a USB. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using and Apple’s privacy statement and terms of use apply.
360 degrees of safety
Driver assistance begins with a standard rear vision camera that shows the area immediately behind the vehicle in the audio screen. The camera is especially helpful when hooking up a trailer.
Additionally, Suburban offers seven standard air bags, including the segment’s only front-seat center air bag. Seat-mounted side-impact air bags help protect the chest and pelvic regions of the driver and outside front passenger in a side-impact.
From a security standpoint, Suburban offers an available security system featuring glass breakage sensors, motion detectors and a self-leveling inclination sensor that sounds an alarm if a thief attempts to steal wheels or tires, or tow or lift the vehicle onto a flatbed truck.
Summary
Suburban is the perfect vehicle for active families who need extra space for many passengers and their cargo, the Suburban is equipped with standard and available technologies that serve as an extra set of eyes and ears to the driver, including an available Safety Alert Seat that vibrates if the system determines the driver is at risk of colliding with another vehicle.
Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $65,530.00, for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD ½ Ton LT, the one I drove included: Signature Package (Luxury Package Plus, 20 Inch Wheels, Chrome Grille Inserts, Chrome Assist Steps, Chrome Body Side Moldings, Chrome Tow Hooks and Polished Exhaust Tips), Sun, Entertainment, Destination Package (Power Sunroof, Chevrolet Mylink Audio System and Rear Seat Entertainment) and the Max Trailering Package.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
