The 2008 Chevy Suburban comes in three models: LS, LT and LTZ. Each is available with either 2WD or 4WD; and with either the 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 out four cylinders when coasting). An iron-block version is tuned to 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque for 2WD duty; an all-aluminum version, rated 310 horsepower and 335 pound-feet, is standard with 4WD.
The 6.0-liter engine ($1,095) is all-aluminum and features variable valve timing, making 366 horsepower and 380 pound-feet. Another 6.0-liter engine, this one with an iron block, comes with the 2500 models. The 2500 also has Hydroboost brakes, a heavier suspension with leaf springs, and 16-inch truck tires on eight-lug aluminum wheels. Newly available for the 2500 in 2008 are 17-inch aluminum wheels.
There are three transmissions, all of them automatics, but with two different numbers of gears and three levels of beefiness. The 5.3-liter and aluminum 6.0-liter engines come with four-speeds: the 4L60 and 4L70, respectively. The iron-block 6.0-liter in the 2500 is now matched with the new 6L90 six-speed automatic. 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 1500 LS 2WD ($38,085) and 1500 LS 4WD ($40,930) includes cloth interior, power locks and windows, power steering, air conditioning, tinted windows behind the B pillar; roof rails (crossbars are $90 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, XM Satellite Radio, 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. Also standard is basic OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service plan.
The LT 2WD ($39,025) and 4WD ($41,870) come with front bucket seats and a floor console between them, rear audio controls, six-disc CD changer, and a cargo shade. OnStar is upgraded with Directions & Connections service, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Additionally, the already-long list of options available on the LS expands at the LT level to include the 6.0-liter engine; 20-inch wheels; and leather interior, this last as part of the comprehensive LT2 and LT3 equipment packages.
The LTZ 2WD ($47,560) and 4WD ($50,405) come standard with leather interior, a 10-way power memory driver's seat, 20-inch wheels, locking rear differential, power adjustable pedals, power liftgate, and the Autoride semi-active electronic suspension, which uses body and wheel motion sensors to adjust damping rates to road and driving conditions.
The heavy-duty Suburban 2500 comes in LS 2WD ($39,495) and 4WD ($42,335), and LT 2WD ($40,415) and 4WD ($43,260) trim only; there is no LTZ version.
The Z71 Off-road Appearance Package ($1830) is offered with 2WD or 4WD, but only on 1500's with LT trim. It 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, automatic locking differential, skid plate, higher-capacity air cleaner. and unique exterior badging. Inside are leather bucket seats in Ebony or a choice of two-tones, while brushed-metal-look trim replaces woodgrain
Options include a navigation system ($2250), rear-seat entertainment system ($1295), power retractable running boards ($1095), power sunroof ($995), second-row bucket seats ($590), heated second-row seats ($200), power release for those seats ($