People who need a large vehicle with a lot of room should look at the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. This is a popular vehicle that has been around for more than 75 years. It is an SUV that has excellent towing capabilities as well as a strong engine.
Engine
It comes with a V8 5.3L engine that produces 320 hp at 5,400 rpm and a torque at 335 ft/lbs at 4,000 rpm. The drivetrain is rear wheel drive with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $42,220.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 31 gallons (117l) | MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Length: 222.4 in. (564.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 130 in. (330.2 cm) |
| Height: 76.8 in. (195 cm) | Width: 79.1 in. (200.9 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5672 lbs (2572 kg) | Ground Clearance: 10.5 in. (26.6 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 69.6 cu ft-2nd row | Maximum Seating: 9 people |
| Engine: Vortec V8 OHV SFI | Displacement: 5.3 Liter |
| Horsepower: 320 HP | Max RPM: 5400 RPM |
| Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 5100 lbs (2313 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:LS AWD | MSRP: $45,065; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:LT FWD | MSRP: $45,980; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:LT AWD | MSRP: $48,825; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:LTZ FWD | MSRP: $55,115; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:LTZ AWD | MSRP: $58,115; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
Performance
It uses unleaded or flex-fuel and can hold up to 31 gallons. On the highway it gets 21 miles per gallon and in the city it gets 15. The range in miles it gets in the city is 465 and on the highway is 651. There are a few mechanical options buyers can add on if they desire.
Exterior
Color options for the body include: mocha steel metallic, graystone metallic, gold mist metallic, crystal red tint and many others. There are also different interior colors buyers can choose from. The tires are P265/70R17 all-season and they come with 17″ alloy wheels.
Step running boards are on the side to help people get in and out of the cabin. There is also a privacy glass that helps keep it cool in the car. A roof rack is installed and a rear lift-gate door as well. There are cargo tie downs and a trailer hitch in the rear.
Interior
The rear and front seats have headrests that can be adjusted. The front seats are power adjustable that includes lumbar support. They are covered with cloth and have a bucket style design. The power mirrors are also heated, which helps with visibility during bad weather conditions. There are also power door locks and power touch windows.
Other features include satellite radio, a CD player, radio and iPod hook-up available for entertainment. Bluetooth can also be used for hands-free operation for the driver. On the inside of the cabin there are gauges to keep drivers aware of things like low fuel and miles.
Safety & Performance
Tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes are standard. Stability and traction control are also included for better control of the vehicle. There are airbags throughout the car that have sensors for deactivation. There are child seat anchors and child-locks in the back to keep kids safe and sound while in the cabin. An anti-theft system is pre-installed and will sound in the event something happens.
Pros
- A lot of space inside the car.
- Can seat nine people.
- V8 engine that drives smooth and comfortably.
Cons
- Braking can take a while.
- Acceleration is not very quick.
- Last row seats don’t fold down.
Since the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is so large, it’s a vehicle that is best meant for large families. The extra space and gas costs could prove to be too much for single drivers. The price of this vehicle is also very affordable when compared to similar SUVs.
Only two other SUVs can be compared to the Suburban, the Ford Expedition (MSRP $50,820; 13 city / 18 hwy) and the Toyota Sequoia (MSRP $61,805; 13 city / 17 hwy).
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the widest, longest sport-utes on sale today.”Car Connection
“Suburban reacts alertly to steering inputs, but some testers say the steering is too sensitive at highway speeds, especially with the available 20-inch tires.”Consumer Guide
“This extended-length version of the Tahoe can tow a heavy trailer and swallow more cargo than most minivans. Interior quality is very good, and there is room for up to nine, but typical versions seat seven.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Despite being an extremely large SUV built on a truck frame and designed to pull or carry heavy loads, the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban SUV delivers a suitable comfortable ride around…”KBB
“Seats up to nine people; class-leading cargo capacity; lots of standard and optional features; comfortable ride; smooth V8.”Edmunds
