2015 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe: Go Big or Go Home

In the 1990s when SUVs became fashionable, “the bigger, the better” was the philosophy adopted by many buyers, regardless of their actual needs. Nowadays, reason has won out and those huge mastodons have, for the most part, made way for much smaller vehicles. Gas prices, of course, have had a lot to do with this change.

Be that as it may, large SUVs remain practical for some, such as people with big families and those who require more space or cargo capacity. The point is that people now tend to purchase these models with their needs in mind. Many of these SUVs can also be found in commercial fleets, including that of the FBI!

A 12th generation of the Suburban

A veritable pioneer among full-size SUVs now in its 12th generation, GM launched the Suburban in 1935 (under the name Suburban Carryall). While other automakers have long since thrown in the towel, GM continues to sell full-size SUVs. For 2015, they are arriving with a new look and updated mechanics.

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Since the Suburban and Tahoe are derived from full-size pickups – the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra – many of their components are the same. That goes for the only engine available, the 5.3-litre V8 EcoTec with direct injection technology and 350 horsepower and 383 lbs.-ft. of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it promises fuel consumption of 10.1 L/100 km highway and 14.9 city, which isn’t too shabby for this type of vehicle. The cylinder deactivation system that transforms this V8 into a four-cylinder in certain conditions is to thank for the relatively good fuel consumption. The 6.2-litre V8 is reserved for the Tahoe’s swankiest cousin, the Cadillac Escalade, and the GMC Yukon Denali.

The only real mechanical choice you’ll have to make with the Chevrolet is between two- and four-wheel drive, but it’s hard not to recommend the 4WD if you’re looking for increased stability, especially in winter. This four-wheel drive system is very efficient, and we liked the Auto mode that automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels when needed.

Lines as classic as ever

It’s funny to look back at photos from the 1990s and find a Suburban with a body similar to that of the current version. As with the Tahoe, it has been modernized over the years without sacrificing its classic lines. Nevertheless, significant changes have been made, including a new grille and reworked front end, but it’s the lights what really give it that more modern look. They extend a little more onto the fenders and now incorporate a strip of LED lamps as daytime running lights. On the side, the roof is a little flatter and the lines are more angular. Gone are the curves, giving it a much more sculpted style. Finally, the hood features the same raised central area that you find on full-size pickups.

No other model offers as much space in the passenger compartment, particularly the Suburban, which is a smidge bigger than the Tahoe and has virtually no real competition. You have a lot of passengers? No problem! Everyone will have a lot of elbow room and the loading capacity remains impressive at all times. This is the vehicle’s strong suit.

The ultra-soft and cushy seats favour comfort on long trips, but you can forget about Corvette-style lateral support. In fact, you should expect to slide when turning. The dashboard is also modernized with the addition of an eight-inch touch screen that helps you control most settings and there’s a command that allows you to raise the screen, thus revealing a storage compartment and a USB jack. What’s more, greater attention has been paid to the details, which represents a big improvement compared to previous generations.

A veritable limousine

For this new generation, the engineers meticulously upgraded the comfort and silence of the ride. The door design blends better with the body while the increased rigidity of the chassis not only improves handling but also reduces vibrations. The result? A more comfortable ride that is a lot less reminiscent of a pickup. Simply put, it’s more refined.

The 5.3-litre V8 engine and its 350 horsepower provide ample power and doesn’t let up even when carrying a full load. Of course, this is no race car, so you’ll have to adapt your driving style accordingly. Why not relax and enjoy the scenery? The mechanical steering has made way for new electric power steering with assistance that varies according to the vehicle’s speed. Although efficient, it reduces feedback from the road. We would have preferred it to be more direct.

The most posh LTZ versions add a magnetic suspension that adjusts damper firmness according to the road conditions and does so more quickly than other similar system. An electrical current causes a magnetic fluid in the damper to react, thus optimizing performance at all times. Thanks to 20- or 22-inch rims, depending on the model, you get superior roll control, which helps these mastodons handle a lot better.

Basically, the Tahoe/Suburban tandem offers superior refinement and an enhanced ride, but they aren’t for everyone. And with steep prices, they aren’t for all budgets either...