2017 Chevrolet Suburban: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban continues its legacy as a capable and spacious full-size SUV, offering a commanding presence, robust towing capabilities, and ample room for passengers and cargo. It's a vehicle designed for families, those who need to haul significant gear, or anyone seeking the versatility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2017 Suburban is powered by a potent 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard. This engine delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and confident passing power, especially when laden or towing. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine was also available on higher trims, offering an additional boost in performance.
- Safety Features: Chevrolet equipped the 2017 Suburban with a comprehensive suite of available safety technologies to enhance driver awareness and occupant protection:
- Forward Collision Alert: This system uses radar to detect potential frontal collisions and provides visual and audible warnings to the driver, prompting them to brake or take evasive action.
- Lane Keep Assist: This feature uses a camera to monitor lane markings and can subtly steer the vehicle back into its lane if it detects an unintentional drift, helping to prevent accidental lane departures.
- Lane Departure Warning: Similar to Lane Keep Assist, this system alerts the driver with an audible or haptic warning if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated.
- Side Blind Zone Alert: This system uses radar sensors to monitor the vehicle's blind spots and alerts the driver with a warning light in the side mirror if a vehicle is detected in those areas.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When reversing, this feature uses radar sensors to detect approaching traffic from either side and provides an audible warning if a vehicle is detected, aiding in safe maneuvering out of parking spaces.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This advanced cruise control system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing the need for constant driver input in highway traffic.
- StabiliTrak, Electronic Stability Control System: This standard system helps the driver maintain control during emergency maneuvers by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power to help prevent skids.
- Trims: The 2017 Suburban offered three distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one:
- LS: The entry-level trim provides a solid foundation with essential features, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers who still need the Suburban's core capabilities.
- LT: The mid-tier LT trim adds a significant number of comfort and convenience features, including leather seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an upgraded infotainment system, offering a more refined experience.
- Z71 Premier: This top-tier trim is designed for those who desire the ultimate in luxury and capability. It typically includes premium features like a sunroof, navigation, premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and advanced safety technologies, often bundled with enhanced off-road styling cues and capabilities.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Towing Capacity: The Suburban boasts impressive towing capabilities, with properly equipped models capable of towing up to 8,300 pounds, making it ideal for towing large trailers, boats, or campers.
- Spacious Interior: With seating for up to nine passengers (depending on configuration) and generous cargo space that expands significantly with the third-row seats folded, the Suburban excels in passenger and cargo versatility.
- Smooth Ride: Despite its truck-based platform, the Suburban generally offers a comfortable and compliant ride, especially for a full-size SUV, absorbing road imperfections well.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban typically involves an experience focused on utility, comfort, and long-distance travel. For routine maintenance, expect the typical costs associated with a large V8 engine, including oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks. Scheduled maintenance intervals are generally in line with other vehicles in its class. The V8 engine is known for its durability when properly maintained.
Insurance costs for a 2017 Suburban will likely be higher than for smaller cars or SUVs due to its size, weight, potential for higher repair costs, and the prevalence of its use as a family vehicle with younger drivers. Factors like your driving record, location, and chosen insurance provider will significantly influence premiums.
In terms of fuel economy, the Suburban is a heavy vehicle with a large V8 engine, so expect below-average fuel efficiency. This is a trade-off for its size, power, and towing capabilities.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Suburban offers many advantages, buyers should be aware of a few potential drawbacks:
- Fuel Consumption: As mentioned, the V8 engines, while powerful, are not fuel-efficient. If maximizing miles per gallon is a top priority, the Suburban may not be the best fit.
- Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: Its large exterior dimensions can make it challenging to maneuver in tight city streets, parking garages, or crowded parking lots. A rearview camera and parking sensors are essential aids, but it still requires more driver attention than a smaller vehicle.
- Third-Row Seat Access: While the third row offers seating, accessing it, especially for adults, can be a bit of a squeeze, often requiring the second-row seats to be folded or slid forward.
- Road Noise: While generally comfortable, some road and wind noise can penetrate the cabin at highway speeds, especially on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban remains a formidable choice for those who prioritize space, versatility, and towing capability in an SUV. Its robust V8 engine, comfortable ride, and extensive list of available safety features make it a well-rounded option for families and individuals with active lifestyles. While its fuel consumption and size necessitate careful consideration, for buyers who need to transport large groups or haul significant loads, the Suburban offers a compelling and proven package.