2017 Chevrolet Suburban: A Family-Friendly Full-Size SUV
When it comes to family road trips or hauling around a sports team, few vehicles can compete with the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. This mighty full-size SUV stands tall in a sea of car options thanks to its spacious interior, robust engine, and an array of modern features. Priced at a starting point of around $51,210, it’s a solid investment for families who need room to grow.
Let’s Dive Into the Specs of the Suburban
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood of the 2017 Suburban is a 5.3L Gas/Ethanol V8 engine that promises to deliver an impressive 355 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM. This powerhouse is paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly, making it a breeze to handle whether you’re cruising on the highways or navigating through city traffic. Its rear-wheel-drive layout offers a nice balance of power and control, ensuring you won’t feel left behind during your morning commutes.
Fuel Economy: Wallet-Friendly for Its Class
No one buys a hefty SUV like the Suburban expecting sports car fuel efficiency, but you’ll still be pleasantly surprised by its fuel economy. It manages to squeeze out an average of 18 mpg combined, with 16 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway. This fuel efficiency is decent for a vehicle of this size, making it reasonable for those longer trips.
Interior Space & Comfort
Roomy Enough for the Whole Crew
Step inside the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, and you quickly understand why it’s considered one of the best family SUVs out there. With seating for up to 8 passengers, everyone will find ample space. The front row offers 42.8 inches of headroom and an impressive 45.3 inches of legroom. Climbing into the second row, you’ll find a generous 39.1 inches of headroom and nearly 40 inches of legroom—enough to keep even the tallest passengers comfortable.
Third Row: Not Just for Kids
Now, we all know third-row seats can be cramped in some SUVs, but the Suburban excels here as well. You get 38.5 inches of headroom and a respectable 34.5 inches of legroom. It’s surprising how much space can be found in the back, allowing even adults to sit comfortably on those long drives.
High-Tech Connectivity Features
In today’s tech-driven world, staying connected is essential, and Chevrolet doesn’t disappoint. The Suburban comes equipped with an 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink Radio touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, you’ll easily stream music or make hands-free calls. There’s even a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio—perfect for those road trip playlists!
Safety Features: Drive with Confidence
Loaded with Modern Safety Tech
Chevrolet knows a family SUV has to prioritize safety, and the 2017 Suburban is jam-packed with features designed to keep you and your loved ones secure. It boasts a solid crash test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with high marks in side crash tests. Safety features like StabiliTrak stability control, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and numerous airbags (including side-curtain airbags for all rows) are standard. Plus, the Teen Driver mode motivates younger drivers to adopt safe habits by limiting certain features and providing driving reports for parents.
Towing Capability
If you need to tow your camper or boat, the Suburban’s got you covered. It can handle a maximum trailer weight of 6,300 pounds when using a weight-distributing hitch, making it a great vehicle for outdoor adventures.
Exterior Design: Commanding Presence
Striking Looks & Functionality
Let’s talk about style! The 2017 Suburban features a bold and rugged exterior that demands attention. With its high-polished aluminum wheels and robust body lines, you’ll turn heads everywhere you go. Not to mention, the active aero shutters at the front not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Find Your Perfect Fit
The Suburban comes standard with an easy-to-use manual liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze. Add in the roof-mounted luggage rack side rails, and you’ve got options for additional storage on family outings. Plus, with a generous cargo area offering 121.7 cubic feet behind the first row, this SUV can handle all your gear and more.
Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable interior.
- Strong V8 engine footed with a smooth transmission.
- Advanced tech features for connectivity and entertainment.
- High safety ratings with plenty of safety tech.
- Impressive towing capability.
Cons
- Fuel economy could stand to be better.
- Higher purchase price than some competitors.
- Large size can make city driving cumbersome.
Conclusion: Is the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban Right for You?
If you need a full-size SUV that offers plenty of space, a powerful engine, and a host of tech features, the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban might be just what the doctor ordered. It delivers on comfort, safety, and performance, making it a top contender for families or anyone needing good towing capacity, even if its fuel economy and overall size might not suit everyone’s lifestyle. So, if you’re on the lookout for a reliable ride that can handle life’s adventures, keep the Suburban on your radar!
