2006 Chevrolet Suburban New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban?
For this, the current Suburban's last year on the market, Chevrolet adds a new LTZ model to the lineup. The LTZ includes a 6.0-liter V8 making 335 horsepower, an all-wheel-drive system rather than the usual part-time two-speed transfer case, 20-inch wheels wearing 55-series rubber and fronting a Z55 suspension setup, and unique trim inside and out. The Suburban LTZ comes painted in black, red, blue, silver, or white. The LTZ includes the same list of features as the LT, with one unique option called the Sun, Sound, and Destinations Package, which bundles a power sunroof with a navigation system and a Bose in-dash CD changer with XM satellite radio. Speaking of XM, its antenna is now integrated with the OnStar telematics for a cleaner appearance. Also new, on Suburban 2500, are heated, extending camper mirrors with a convex "spotter" feature. All 2006 Chevrolet Suburbans are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. A redesigned Suburban is due in showrooms for the summer of 2006.

Advantages of the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban:

• Optional StabiliTrak stability control system on 1500-series models
• Available rear DVD entertainment system
• Available adjustable foot pedals
• Powerful V8 engines
• Plenty of space for passengers and cargo

Objections to the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban:

• Front seat comfort could be improved
• Interior materials look and feel inexpensive
• Difficult to navigate in tight parking lots
• Poor fuel economy
• No diesel engine option

Editor's Advice:
For those who have a large family or regularly tow a boat or camper, the Suburban is a fine choice. The base 5.3-liter V8 is a bit anemic for such a heavy vehicle, and the only boost in power comes in the form of the heavy-duty 2500 series that gets a 6.0-liter V8 standard, with an 8.1-liter V8 option. Unfortunately, GM doesn't offer the 6.6-liter V8 Duramax diesel on the Suburban. Inside, there's a large cabin trimmed in either cloth or leather. Even with the eight-way-power adjustable captain's chairs, we found it difficult to reach a comfortable seating position. Chevrolet utilizes a lot of plastic trim, some of high quality and others sourced from age-old parts bins. Nevertheless, aside from the inferior Ford Excursion, there's no substitute for the Chevrolet Suburban's blend of people, cargo and trailer toting capacity at this price. Loaded up with DVD entertainment, satellite radio and StabiliTrak stability control, we can't think of a better summer vacation rig than the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, or its near twin, the GMC Yukon XL.