The all-new 2007 Chevy Suburban comes in three models, LS, LT and LTZ, with each model available in either two- or four-wheel drive, and 1500 (half ton) or 2500 (three-quarter ton) chassis. The standard engine is GM's Vortec 5.3-liter overhead-valve V8, with Active Fuel Management (which cuts four cylinders when coasting) and flex-fuel capability (4WD only), meaning it can run on E85 ethanol. The new generation of this engine has an aluminum block and makes 310 horsepower with 355 pound-feet of torque. The optional 6.0-liter engine ($1095) is all aluminum with variable valve timing, making 366 horsepower and 380 pound-feet.
Another 6.0-liter engine, with an iron block, comes with the 2500 models. The 2500 also adds hydroboost to the brakes, a heavier suspension with leaf springs, and 16-inch truck tires.
There are three transmissions, all of them four-speed automatics, but with three levels of beefiness: Hydra-Matic RL60 for the 5.3-liter engines, RL70 for the aluminum 6.0-liter engine, and RL80 for the 6.0-liter in the 2500. They all have a Tow/Haul mode, which reduces shifting and makes the shifts quicker, so the transmission doesn't work so hard when pulling a big load. Transmission oil temperature is part of the instrumentation, along with a tire pressure monitor.
Standard equipment on the LS ($37,760) and LS 4WD ($40,560) includes cloth interior, power locks and windows, power steering and air conditioning, tinted windows behind the B pillar; roof rails (crossbars are $45 extra), folding heated mirrors, recovery hooks, a seven-wire trailer harness, 17-inch aluminum wheels, three power outlets, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with eight speakers, center fold-down armrest with storage, overhead console, cruise control, 40/20/40 split front bench seat with six-way power adjustment for the driver, 60/40 second-row seat, and third row split bench seat.
The LT 2WD ($38,535) and 4WD ($41,355) come with front bucket seats and a floor console between them, rear audio controls, six-disc sound system, cargo shade, and optional 18- or 20-inch wheels.
The LTZ 2WD ($46,645) and 4WD ($49,250) come standard with leather interior, full-length airbag curtains, a 12-way power memory driver's seat, 20-inch wheels, locking rear differential, power adjustable pedals, XM Satellite Radio, and the Autoride semi-active electronic suspension, which uses body and wheel motion sensors to respond to road and driving conditions.
The Suburban 2500 comes in LS ($38,945) and LT ($39,705) versions. Four-wheel drive is available.
The Z1 Off-road Appearance Package ($1795) includes a different grille and fascia, rectangular rather than round fog lamps, body-colored wheel flares, satin chrome mirrors and door handles, tubular assist steps, 18-inch wheels with on/off road tires, off-road suspension package, exterior badging, different instrument cluster and two-tone interior trim.
Options include a navigation system ($2250), rear-seat entertainment system ($1295), power sunroof ($995), second-row bucket seats ($490), power release for those seats ($425), power liftgate ($350), rearview camera monitor ($250), park assist ($245), three-passenger third-row seat ($100), heated washer fluid system ($85 ), and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels ($1795). Other options include a locking rear differential, engine block heater, transmission oil cooler, power adjustable pedals, remote starter, and audio upgrades.
Safety equipment on all models includes dual frontal airbags, anti-lock disc brakes with electronic proportioning, and StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability program with anti-rollover mitigation and traction control. Full length airbag curtains with rollover detection are optional, but front side airbags are not available. All Suburbans come with one year of OnStar; the OnStar operators will send help if the airbags deploy and you don't respond.