By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

The venerable and popular Chevrolet Suburban, along with several General Motors siblings, underwent a major redesign for 2007 that created more internal cargo and passenger space, and improved interior materials and workmanship.

Outside, the Suburban doesn’t differ much from earlier looks, which is GM’s way of saying the 72-year-old Suburban nameplate carries cachet and design elements from one generation to the next. The Suburban is built on the same platform and shares most of its characteristics with GMC’s Tahoe. The GMC Yukon, Denali and Cadillac Escalade also share the same sport utility platform but offer different looks and characteristics. Our test drive was the all-wheel drive K1500 Suburban LT.

Suburbans come in base LS, LT and LTZ models with either 2- or 4-wheel drive, in a 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 model. Four engines are available - two 5.3-liter V-8’s and two 6.0-liter V-8s. All have active fuel management technology that seamlessly switches between four and eight cylinders, depending upon the thrust needed, to conserve fuel. The 5.3-liter engines are capable of using E85 fuel (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), although E85 will reduce already low mileage per gallon at least another 20 percent.

Towing power ranges from 8,000 to 9,700 pounds depending on model. Suburban buyers typically add options and ours came with an LT3 equipment package for $4,050 that greatly improved the interior with power leather seats, remote starter key, upgraded audio system, back-up warning chimes, folding side mirrors and head curtain side air bags to create a 360 degree perimeter safety system.

On or off-road the Suburban handled better than previous editions, with new rack and-pinion steering and a new coil-over-shock front suspension that reduces lean in turns, helped by a stiffer and stronger box frame. The 43-foot turning radius is tight for an 18.5 foot long vehicle.

A sharply raked windshield, less space between body gaps, and a slightly sleeker body help improve aerodynamics and reduce noise. Large gauges easily reached make for a friendly dashboard. Many functions occur on the 8-inch Navigation screen - a $2,145 option. Power to release the second-row seat and raise/lower the rear liftgate are options also.

Seating is spacious, with enough room for teenagers in the third row, which fold-down but not flat. Cargo space is 137.4 cubic feet behind the first-row seats.