2010 Chevy Suburban

For 2010, the Chevy Suburban gets some minor powertrain changes. The 6.0-liter V-8 on 2500 models can run on E85, and a single-speed transfer case is standard on four-wheel-drive models. A two-speed transfer case is optional. A 6.0-liter V-8 is no longer available on Suburban 1500 models. Also for 2010, seat-mounted side air bags are now standard on all trims. New audio systems feature audio-DVD and USB ports. The Chevrolet Suburban, which debuted back in 1936, is one of the longest running models in the U.S. This Chevy model, originally meant for commercial or rural use, has evolved into the go-to choice for families or those in need of class-leading passenger and cargo capacity, third-row seating and towing capability. The Suburban competes with other full-size SUVs including the Ford Expedition EL, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. Although the Suburban may not be for everyone, it remains the first choice for anyone who needs to haul six or more people plus their cargo. And for better fuel economy, the standard engine is a 320-hp 5.3-liter flexible-fuel V8 carries the cylinder deactivation technology of Active Fuel Management technology.

Suburban Power and Drive

 All Suburban 2010 models are powered by V8s. Standard on the half-ton Suburban 1500 is a 5.3-liter unit making 310 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, equipped with GM's fuel-conserving cylinder-deactivation technology. Optional on the 1500 is a 6.0-liter V8 packing 366 horses and 376 lb-ft; the Suburban 2500 comes standard with a different variant that is tuned for even more torque and thus makes 352 hp and 382 lb-ft. All are matched to a smooth and cooperative six-speed automatic transmission. A choice of two- or four-wheel drive is yours either way, and towing capacities can approach 10,000 pounds.

The Chevrolet Suburban may be a huge truck, but it offers an impressive suspension system, coil-over shocks up front and a five-link setup out back, plus precise rack-and-pinion steering -- that all make for more composed handling and a smooth ride. The cabin is quiet at speed and the ride is always comfortably controlled. Overall, it's a compelling and top-rated choice for shoppers with lots of people- or gear-hauling needs.

Design of the 2010 Suburban

 The Suburban is one of the biggest SUVs on the market, with traditional, boxy styling. Various option packages can dress up the Suburban with things such as fog lamps and luggage-rack cross bars. A variety of wheel sizes are available, with 17-inch wheels standard and 18- or 20-inch wheels optional. There are also a variety of new color options for 2010. The rear liftgate is vertical, and the rear window opens independently, with both the manual and power liftgate, which is aluminum, reducing the weight and thus the effort to raise and lower it. Rear wiper coverage is average at best. The barn-door side-swinging rear doors of the predecessor are no longer offered.

Chevy Suburban Cabin

The Suburban can seat up to nine, and its GM sibling is the more upscale GMC Yukon XL. However, the third row doesn't fold flat into the floor, which can limit storage options. Other options include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and first- and second-row heated seats. Suburban offers a choice of two or three seats in the first two rows. With a middle-row bench seat the right third of the seat folds independently of the left, easing curb-side entry to the third row or allowing skis or boards on the right with two passengers on the left. With bucket seats in the second row you can climb back from either side, or those middle buckets can be released at the touch of a button or heated if you option right. Only full-size utilities and crossovers, minivans, and Ford's Flex offer the kind of room you find in these first two rows.

2010 Trim Levels

The 2010 Chevy Suburban comes with 2WD or 4WD, half-ton 1500 series or three-quarter-ton 2500 series, both come in a variety of trims, from basic features to near luxury.

Standard equipment on the 1500 LS 2WD and 1500 LS 4WD  includes cloth interior, power locks and windows, air conditioning, leather wheel with cruise and audio controls, tinted rear windows; roof rails (crossbars are extra), folding power heated mirrors, recovery hooks, a seven-wire trailer harness, 17-inch aluminum wheels, three power outlets, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 sound system with eight speakers (3 month XM trial), 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, 50/50 third-row split-bench seat, and OnStar 8.0 with one-year Safe & Sound service plan.4WD versions add the aluminum-block flex-fuel V8 and Autotrac 4WD system that has on-pavement all-wheel drive ability.

The LT 2WD and 4WD come with front bucket power seats and a floor console between them, flex-fuel engine, 60/40 split-recline second row, cargo shade, fog lamps and paint-matched mirrors, door handles and side moldings. OnStar is upgraded to Directions & Connections service, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

The 2LT 2WD and 4WD models add leather upholstery for first and second-row seats, three-zone AC, adjustable pedals, rear audio controls, CD changer, and rear park assist.Options include the 6-liter V8, Autoride suspension with rear air assist/self-leveling, rear entertainment, navigation, skid plates, Bose audio system upgrade and a Luxury package (heated 10-way front and power-release second-row buckets, Bose audio, power-folding mirrors, power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors with turn signals).

The LTZ  and LTZ 4WD, which represents the luxury model, includes the contents of the 2LT Luxury package, heated and cooled perforated leather front seats with memory, Bose Centerpoint surround sound system, Autoride, locking differential, remote start, chrome mirrors, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and rain-sensing wipers.

Conclusions

Chevrolet's Suburban full-size sport utility vehicle is available in a wide variety of payload, drivetrain and trim-level configurations, including regular-duty 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models with either rear- or four-wheel drive.  Go to the official 2010 Chevy Suburban page for the latest updates and pricing information. With stout underpinnings, strong powertrains, a comfortable ride and spacious seating for up to nine plus their cargo, the current truck is a very capable large SUV. The Suburban may not offer as many luxury features as some other SUVs of today, but the Suburban, along with its GMC twin the Yukon XL, remains the only full-size SUV available in both light- (1500) and heavy-duty (2500) versions.