2016 Chevrolet Suburban Overview
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that continues its legacy as a capable and versatile family hauler. Known for its commanding presence, robust towing capabilities, and spacious interior, the Suburban offers a comfortable and refined experience for those needing to transport large groups and significant cargo, or tow substantial loads. This generation, introduced in 2015, brought a host of modern updates and refinements over its predecessors.
Highlights
- Engine: The heart of every 2016 Suburban is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. This powerhouse delivers a healthy 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The EcoTec3 V8 technology incorporates Direct Injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which helps to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, particularly during highway cruising.
- Safety Features: Chevrolet equipped the 2016 Suburban with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants. Notable features include:
- StabiliTrak, Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control: This system helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects the vehicle is losing traction.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- OnStar Guidance Plan: For a limited time, this service provides automatic crash response, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and remote door unlock, among other features.
- Available Driver Assistance Features: Higher trims and optional packages offered advanced safety technologies such as:
- Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an impending frontal collision, allowing for quicker reaction times.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated.
- Side Blind Zone Alert: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots, providing a visual warning in the side mirrors.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing up, particularly useful in parking lots.
- Trim Summary: The 2016 Suburban was offered in three distinct trim levels, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features:
- LS: The entry-level trim, providing the core Suburban experience with essential comfort and safety features, a powerful V8 engine, and the robust foundation of the Suburban's capabilities.
- LT: The mid-tier option, adding a significant upgrade in comfort and technology. This typically includes features like leather-appointed seating, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch color touchscreen, heated front seats, and more advanced safety features.
- Z71: This off-road oriented package could be added to the LS or LT trims, and was also available as a standalone trim on some models. It typically included features like off-road suspension, skid plates, trailering equipment, 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, and unique exterior styling cues to enhance its rugged appeal.
- Premier (formerly LTZ): The top-tier luxury trim, offering the ultimate Suburban experience with premium features such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a Bose® premium audio system, navigation, a sunroof, and advanced safety technologies as standard.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Seating Capacity: The Suburban offers seating for up to nine passengers, depending on the configuration, making it ideal for large families or carpooling.
- Cargo Space: With its cavernous interior, the Suburban boasts impressive cargo volume, especially when the second and third rows are folded flat. This makes it a highly practical vehicle for hauling everything from groceries to camping gear.
- Towing Capability: As a body-on-frame SUV, the Suburban is designed for serious towing. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,300 pounds, making it suitable for pulling boats, campers, and utility trailers.
- Ride Comfort: Despite its size, the Suburban provides a surprisingly comfortable and composed ride, especially when equipped with Magnetic Ride Control (available on higher trims). The advanced suspension system adapts to road conditions in real-time, smoothing out bumps and imperfections.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban typically involves a robust and reliable experience, especially when maintained according to Chevrolet's recommendations.
- Typical Ownership Experience: Owners can expect a vehicle that excels at long-distance travel and family duties. The spacious interior, comfortable seating, and quiet cabin contribute to a relaxed driving environment. The powerful V8 engine provides ample acceleration for merging onto highways and passing, while the towing capabilities offer peace of mind for those who regularly haul trailers. The infotainment system is generally user-friendly, and the availability of rear-seat entertainment on higher trims can be a lifesaver on family road trips.
- Maintenance: Like any large, V8-powered SUV, the Suburban will require regular maintenance. This includes oil changes (typically every 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, or as recommended by the owner's manual), tire rotations, and checks of fluid levels. Beyond routine maintenance, owners can anticipate potential wear items like brakes and tires over time. Given the complexity of some of the advanced safety features and the powertrain, it's advisable to find a mechanic familiar with Chevrolet SUVs or a dealership service center for specialized repairs.
- Insurance: Due to its size, power, and typical usage as a family vehicle, insurance costs for a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban can vary significantly based on your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim of the vehicle. SUVs of this class generally have higher insurance premiums than smaller cars. It's recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Suburban is a highly capable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Fuel Economy: The 5.3L V8 engine, while incorporating fuel-saving technologies, is still a large V8 in a heavy vehicle. Consequently, fuel economy will not be its strong suit, especially in city driving. Expect EPA estimated figures in the mid-to-high teens for combined driving.
- Maneuverability: Its full-size dimensions can make it challenging to maneuver in tight parking lots or urban environments. While the available parking aids and rearview camera are helpful, drivers accustomed to smaller vehicles may need some adjustment time.
- Third-Row Seat Access: While the Suburban offers a third row, access can be a bit cumbersome for adults, often requiring the second-row seat to be folded or slid forward. However, it's generally more accommodating for children.
- Interior Noise: While generally refined, some road and wind noise can still be present at highway speeds, a common characteristic of body-on-frame SUVs.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing space, towing capability, and a comfortable, refined ride. Its robust V8 engine, ample passenger and cargo room, and available advanced safety features make it a versatile workhorse for families and individuals with demanding lifestyles. While its fuel economy and maneuverability might not appeal to everyone, for those who need the sheer utility and towing prowess of a traditional full-size SUV, the 2016 Suburban offers a strong and proven package.
