Regardless of whether buyers opt for the roomier Chevrolet Suburban and or the somewhat shorter, but more manageable Tahoe, it comes with a 5.3L V8 engine that makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
The engine is teamed to a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy ratings now weigh in at 16 mpg city, 23 highway with rear-wheel drive or 15/22 mpg with 4-wheel drive, both of which are available throughout the model line. The engine features variable valve timing and direct injection, which both help provide power over a wider rev range. Included Active Fuel Management will shut down half of the cylinders to save gas during steady-speed cruising or coasting. The engine is also capable of running on flex-fuel mixes up to E85 (85 percent ethanol). Yet, when properly equipped, the Suburban can tow up to 8,500 pounds--made easier to manage thanks to the transmission's TapShift controls, dedicated Tow/Haul mode and Auto Grade Braking.
Inside, the Suburban and Tahoe continue to excel in ride quality, as the previous-generation models had, but their interiors have been upgraded and their instrument panels get a sharper, more modern and detailed look. Most versions get a new 8-inch touch-screen audio system that allows access, via a motorized faceplate, to a 'hidden' bin behind--good for stashing cameras or other small valuables. Meanwhile, Chevy says that the center console compartment is now large enough for a laptop or iPad.
All Tahoe and Suburban models continue with sturdy body-on-frame construction, although the frame has been strengthened; there's a wider track that aids stability; and additional noise-and-vibration damping measures have been added to make the cabin especially quiet. At the top LTZ level, it comes with magnetic ride control, which can 'read' the road and constantly adjusting the way that the suspension responds, softening it for bumpy, pitchy surfaces or firming it up for quick emergency maneuvers. All of these models now include precise, variable-assist electric power steering, as well as 4-wheel disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors that, GM claims, last twice as long as ordinary ones.
With up to six USB ports, as well as a 110-volt AC outlet in LT and LTZ models, there are plenty of options for plugging in the whole family's devices.
The roomier Suburban is the way to go if for three rows of seating. The second row can be specified with either a 60/40-split bench seat or with dual bucket seats. A power-folding arrangement is available. The Suburban provides considerably easier entry to the third row, thanks to wider door openings.
Versions of the Suburban and Tahoe with dual bucket seats in front get a new front-seat center air bag, which will help protect those in front in certain kinds of side impacts.
Both 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models are offered in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. Base LS models include tri-zone automatic climate control, power windows, locks and mirrors, a rear-vision camera system, Rear Park Assist sensors, and a remote, GM's OnStar concierge and convenience system (including six months of the Directions & Connections plan), and an audio system that includes HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility. Moving up to the LT adds Forward Collision Alert, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a heavy-duty locking rear differential, the enhanced MyLink touch-screen connectivity and entertainment system and the potential to option up to items such as keyless entry with push-button start, full Front and Rear Park Assist, a sunroof, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens and Blu-Ray compatibility.
At the top of the lineup, the LTZ includes most of those aforementioned items as standard (except for the rear entertainment and power sunroof, which are also optional. But the LTZ gets loads of other meaningful upgrades, including heated side mirrors, upgraded trims, bigger wheels and tires, fog lamps, the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, heated and cooled front seats, and Bose Centerpoint audio. Adaptive cruise control and a power-folding second-row seat arrangement are among the few options on top LTZ models.
Much-improved Interior
Seating Space
Versatility And Toughness
Towing Ability
Comfortable, Refined Ride
Relatively Fuel-efficient Engines
After a full redesign for 2015, the Tahoe and the Suburban remain mostly unchanged for 2016. Still, some additional refinement and features are offered this year. An enhanced Driver Alert Package is available that includes adjustable pedals, IntelliBeam headlamps and a Lane Keep Assist function. A heads-up display system is also new for 2016 and available on select models. New standard features include an 8-inch color touchscreen, which controls the radio and the OnStar system.
The Suburban and Tahoe are by far the best-selling models in their class, and they're tough rivals for the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada, among others. These two Chevy models are closely related in most ways--although there's a key difference: the Suburban is 14 inches longer in wheelbase and 20 inches longer overall than the Tahoe; and that results in a significantly larger third-row seat than in the Tahoe--as well as easier access to it, and more cargo space.
Compared to rival models, the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban still stand out for their good ride quality and efficient engines, and they handle surprisingly well considering their size and mass. They're also very rugged and versatile, and can be outfitted for off-road toughness, tow ability and interior luxury as needed.
Chevrolet claims that the Suburban will be the most fuel-efficient model in the full-size SUV class, thanks to its standout combination of fuel-saving technologies like direct injection and active fuel management (cylinder deactivation). Although the profile of the Suburban and Tahoe haven't changed all that much, Chevy has managed to make significant improvements to aerodynamics. Yet chiseled sheetmetal and big, flamboyant wheels (up to 22 inches) help maintain a powerful look.
