Chevrolet Suburban

This article is about a type of vehicle. For other uses, see Suburb.

Not to be confused with Plymouth Suburban.

Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL

Manufacturer	General Motors Company
Production	1933–present
Class	Full-size SUV, station wagon
Related	Chevrolet Silverado Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large sport utility vehicle from Chevrolet. It is the longest continuous use automobile nameplate in production, starting from 1934 for the 1935 U.S. model year. The Suburban has been produced under the Chevrolet, Holden, and GMC marques until the GMC version was rebranded as the GMC Yukon XL. For most of its recent history, the Suburban has been a station wagon-bodied version of the Chevrolet pickup truck, including the Chevrolet C/K and Silverado series of truck-based vehicles. Cadillac offers a version called the Escalade ESV. The Suburban has traditionally been one of General Motors' most profitable vehicles although sales have gone down in recent years due to the cost of gasoline and the poor fuel economy of the vehicle.^{[citation needed]}

History

Several automotive companies in the United States used the "suburban" designation to indicate a windowed, station wagon type body on a commercial frame including Dodge, Plymouth, Studebaker, Nash, Chevrolet, and GMC. Chevrolet began production of its all-steel "carryall-suburban" in 1935. GMC brought out its version in 1937. These vehicles were also known as the "Suburban Carryall" until GM cut the name to simply "Suburban."

GMC's equivalent to the Chevrolet model was originally named "Suburban" as well, until re-branding it to "Yukon XL" for the 2000 model year.

With the end of production of the Dodge Town Wagon in 1966 and the Plymouth Suburban station wagon in 1978, only General Motors continued to manufacture a vehicle branded as a "Suburban", and GM was awarded an exclusive trademark on the name in 1988. The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the largest SUVs on the market today. It has outlasted competitive vehicles such as the International Harvester Travelall, Jeep Wagoneer, and the Ford Excursion. The latest competitor is the extended Ford Expedition EL, which replaced the Excursion.

The Suburban of today is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating, a full pickup truck frame, and V8 engine. It is one of the few station wagons available with all bench rows. The Suburban is the same height and width as the Chevrolet Tahoe, although the Suburban is 20 inches (510 mm) longer. The extra length provides a full-sized cargo area behind the 9 passenger seating area.

In recent years, the Suburban has been used as a police car, fire chief's vehicle, or EMS fly-car. Suburbans are also used as limousine. The United States Secret Service uses black Suburbans, and operates fully armored versions for the President of the United States when he attends less formal engagements.

In the late 1990s, GM also introduced a RHD version of the Suburban, badged as a Holden, for the Australian market. Sales were low and GM withdrew the model in 2000 from Holden's lineup.

First generation (1933–1934)

1933–1934

Production	1933–1934
Body style	2-door wagon
Layout	FR layout

Chevrolet offered a station wagon body, built on the 1/2 ton truck frame. This model was specifically built for National Guard units and Civilian Conservation Corps units. Much of the body was constructed from wood, and could seat up to eight occupants.

Second generation (1935–1940)

1935–1940

Model years	1935–1940
Body style	2-door wagon
Layout	FR layout
Wheelbase	113.5 in (2,883 mm)

Chevrolet offered the body style as a "Carryall Suburban". It shared the front sheetmetal and frames of the 1/2 ton pickup models of the same year, but featured all-metal wagon bodies differing very little in shape from contemporary "woodie" wagons. Seating for up to eight occupants was available, with three in front row, two in the middle row, and three in the rear row. Either the side-hinged rear panel doors or a rear tailgate/lift window could be selected for cargo area access.

Third generation (1941–1946)

1941–1946

Model years	1941–1946
Body style	2-door wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	216 cu in (3.5 L) I6 228 cu in (3.7 L) I6
Transmission	3-speed manual
Wheelbase	116 in (2,946 mm)
Length	196.625 in (4,994 mm)

Suburbans were built in model years 1941, 1942, and 1946. It was produced during the war as a military transport vehicle. Seating for up to eight occupants was available. Models with rear panel doors were designated "3106," while those with tailgates were designated "3116." The Chevrolet versions were equipped a 216-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. The GMC version was equipped with a 228-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine.

Fourth generation (1947–1955)

1947–1955

Model years	1947–1955
Body style	2-door carryall
Layout	FR layout
Engine	216 cu in (3.5 L) "Stovebolt" OHV I6 235 cu in (3.9 L) "Thriftmaster" I6 after 1954
Transmission	3 speed manual 4 speed manual, 4 speed Hydra-Matic automatic
Wheelbase	116 in (2,946 mm)
Length	196⅝"

Beginning in 1953, the Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission was available in GMC models and in the 1954 model year Chevrolet Suburbans. Models with rear panel doors were designated "3106," while those with tailgates were designated "3116." In 1952, the Suburban came with either a tail gate or panel doors. The front bench seat was split, with two seats on the drivers side and a single seat on the passenger side, which slid forward for access to the rear two rows of seats. The second row was a "2/3" seat, requiring occupants to move past the front passenger seat, as well as the second row seats to access the third row.

This was the last series to feature "Canopy Express" models.

The design of the 1949 Suburban would go on to inspire the design of the Chevrolet HHR over half a century later.

Fifth generation (1955–1959)

1955–1959

Model years	1955–1959
Body style	2-door carryall
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	265 cu in (4.3 L) 145 hp (108 kW) V8 283 cu in (4.6 L) 155 hp (116 kW) V8
Transmission	3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
Wheelbase	114 in (2,896 mm)

Updated engineering and styling on Chevrolet trucks was not introduced until March 25, 1955, in the middle of the model year. All Chevrolet truck models received new styling that included a flatter hood, front fenders flush with the body, and a trapezoid grill. The trucks' V-shaped speedometer was shared with passenger car models.

Engines included I-6 and the small block V8s. Chevrolet used its 265 V8 engine, later evolving it to a 283-cubic-inch version. GMC based their V8 on a Pontiac design. Standard Suburban model numbers continued from the previous series, but the introduction of four-wheel-drive models in 1957 added the numbers "3156" for 4WD Suburbans with panel doors, and "3166" for 4WD Suburbans with tailgates.

Sixth generation (1960–1966)

1960–1966

Also called	GMC Carryall
Model years	1960–1966
Body style	2-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	230 cu in (3.8 L) I6 (63-65) 235 cu in (3.9 L) I6 (60-62) 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 (66) 292 cu in (4.8 L) I6 (63-66) 283 cu in (4.6 L) 175 hp (130 kW) V8 (60-66) 327 cu in (5.4 L) 220 hp (164 kW) V8 (66)
Transmission	3-speed synchromesh manual, 4-speed synchromesh, Powerglide
Wheelbase	115 in (2,921 mm)
Length	199.5 in (5,067 mm)
Width	79.5 in (2,019 mm)

The styling of the 1960 - 1961 model year took cues from the late 1950s Chevrolet cars and had large oval ports above the grille. Front independent suspension was new for 1960. The cab featured a "wrap around" windshield. Both tailgate and panel doors rear openings were available. From 1962 onwards, the hood styling was more conservative, with hoods that eliminated the large ports. In 1964, the front glass area was updated to a flatter windshield, and larger door glass. 1,150 lb (520 kg) of cargo could be carried in the back.

This model series introduced a factory-equipped 4WD ("K") option for the first time. The 2WD "C" models introduced a torsion bar-based independent front suspension and trailing arm and coil spring rear. But by 1963, returned to a more conventional coil-spring approach.

Engines included both I-6 and small-block V8s. A 305 cu in (5.0 L) GMC V6 engine was also available on GMC models. This 305 was actually from GMCs medium-duty truck line. It featured high torque, but was also notable for poor fuel economy. Transmissions were a 3-speed and 4-speed manual, and the automatic Powerglide.

A 15-passenger conversion was done by Stageway of Fort Smith, Ark. These modified Suburbans had three doors on the right, a 171 in (4,343 mm) wheelbase, were 273 in (6,934 mm) long, and weighed 6,300 lb (2,858 kg).

One ton (C-30), 10-foot (3 m) panel truck models were no longer available after 1966.

Seventh generation (1967–1972)

1967–1972

Also called	GMC Carryall Chevrolet Veraneio (Brazil)
Model years	1967–1972
Body style	3-door station wagon (North America) 5-door SUV (Brazil)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	305 cu in (5.0 L) V6 292 cu in (4.8 L) I6 283 cu in (4.6 L)V8 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) 300 hp (224 kW) V8 396 cu in (6.5 L) 310 hp (231 kW) V8
Transmission	3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, Powerglide, Turbo-Hydramatic
Wheelbase	127 in (3,226 mm)
Length	215.5 in (5,474 mm)

Chevrolet Suburban C10 badge

Chevrolet Suburban C10

The second generation C/K Suburbans are recognised by having only a single drivers side door and two passenger-side doors. They were available in both 2WD and 4WD models.

Engines included the V6 (e.g., Chevrolet 292-cubic-inch I6, and GMC 305 cubic inch V6), and small-block V8s of the current model year (e.g., 283, 307, 327, 350, 400-cubic-inch V8s.) For the first time, a three-quarter ton version was available.

This series would also be the last to offer C-10 & C-20 panel truck models for commercial purposes, the last year being 1970.

1971 saw the introduction of disc brakes on the front wheels, and 1972 was the last year for coil-spring rear suspension on 2WD models. 1972 also introduced a smaller housing for the rear seat air conditioning (a unit that ran the full length of the roof had been available since 1967). The Comfort-Tilt steering wheel became optional in 1971.

Brazilian version

In 1964, Chevrolet in Brazil introduced a 5-door version of the Suburban called Veraneio (also known as C-14/16). It was based on the 1960-66 US C/K series. The Veraneio used the instrument cluster from the C/K series although the exterior sheet metal layout is exclusive to Brazil. They were initially powered with a Chevrolet 4.2 L inline six based on the pre-1962 "Stovebolt" engines. Later they used the 250-cid 4.1 L engine from Chevrolet's Brazilian mid-size sedan - the Opala. The original version of the Veraneio was kept in production, with another grille and interior, until 1988 (model year 1989), but it was eventually replaced with an updated version based on the C-20 family.

In 1997 GM introduced in Brazil the Silverado pickup, replacing the "C Series". The Brazilian version of the Suburban, which was made in the same style of the 1992 American Tahoe until 2001, was called the Grand Blazer, a successor to the Veraneio. The 4.1 L inline six engine with 138 hp (103 kW) was offered on both models with option for a MWM 4.2 L turbodiesel unit with 168 hp (125 kW).

Eighth generation (1973–1991)

1973–1991

Also called	GMC Suburban Chevrolet Veraneio (Brazilian version)
Model years	1973–1991 (1989–1996 in Brazil)
Assembly	Flint, Michigan Janesville, Wisconsin São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
Body style	4-door SUV 2-door SWB SUV (Brazil) 4-door Pickup Truck (Brazil)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	Diesel: 4.0 L straight-4 Maxion S4/S4T (brazilian version only) 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8 6.2 L (379 cu in) V8 Gasoline: 4.1 L straight-six (brazilian version only) 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8 6.6 L (400 cu in) V8 7.4 L (454 cu in) V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 3-speed manual + low range 5-speed manual (Brazil)
Wheelbase	129.5 in (3,289 mm)
Length	219.1 in (5,565 mm)
Width	79.6 in (2,022 mm)
Height	R10: 72.0 in (1,829 mm) V10: 73.8 in (1,875 mm) R20: 74.3 in (1,887 mm) V20: 76.1 in (1,933 mm)
Related	Chevrolet K-Blazer/GMC K-Jimmy Chevrolet/GMC C/K

With the third generation Rounded-Line C/K models, the Suburban became a 4-door vehicle. The Rounded-Line 1970s body style remained largely unchanged for 19 model years - making this series the longest Suburban generation in production. Both 2WD and 4WD models, designated "C" and "K", were offered, as well as one-half ton and three-quarter ton models ("10" and "20" on the Chevrolet models, "1500" and "2500" on GMC models). The one-ton model designation was the C or K 30 for GMC and 3500 for Chevrolet.

Suburbans for model year 1973 now had two doors on each side (the previous generation had just one door on the driver's side), front-and-rear air conditioning, a baggage rack, a heater under the third seat and step-plates for easier access. A new Eaton Automatic Differential Lock was introduced as an option extra for the rear differential.

The base engine was the small-block 350-cubic-inch V8. A 400-cubic-inch V8 was optional. The 454-cubic-inch big-block V8 was now available for the first time. The 6.2 L (379 cu in) 130 hp (97 kW) Detroit Diesel V8 engine was also available from 1982-onwards. The Diesel later became the engine of choice for Suburbans exported to Europe from USA.

Three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic transmissions were available for only small block engines. The Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 was used for big block and 6.2 diesel engines. The four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 was introduced in 1981 and was available with the small block and the 6.2 diesel. Towing packages, with axle gear reduction and cooling additions for heavy loads, were optional.

Trim options included base level and upgraded Silverado versions. An optional 3rd row bench seat allowed for 9-passenger configurations. A rear heating system was optional.

In 1981, automatic locking front hubs were added for shift-on-the-move four-wheel drive models, and the NP208 transfer case replaced the NP205 in most models.

In 1984, asbestos was removed from rear brakes. For 1985, a new grille was used. A total of 64,670 Suburbans were made in 1985.

In 1986 and 1987, the method of fuel delivery for the engines was switched from carburetors to electronic fuel injection. The system that GM chose was called throttle body injection, or TBI. Suburban gained rear-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) for the 1990 model year. A heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, the 4L80-E was added in 1991.

GM temporarily changed the usual "C/K" designation to "R" and "V" for the 1987 through 1991 model years. This was done to avoid confusion with the GMT400-based Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks, which were introduced in 1988, during the overlap period.

• 

  1977 GMC Suburban C15 Sierra Classic

• 

  1979 Chevrolet Suburban C20

• 

  1983 GMC Suburban K25 Diesel

• 

  GMC Suburban Sierra Classic

• 

  Chevrolet Suburban 2500

• 

  1986 GMC Sierra Classic 1500

Ninth generation (1992–1999)

GMT400

Also called	GMC Suburban Holden Suburban
Model years	1992–1999
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas Silao, Mexico
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT410/425
Engine	6.5 L (395 cu in) L56 & L65 Turbo Diesel V8 5.7 L (350 cu in) L05 V8 5.7 L (350 cu in) Vortec L31 V8 7.4 L (454 cu in) L19 V8 7.4 L (454 cu in) Vortec L29 V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	131.5 in (3,340 mm)
Length	Chevrolet: 219.5 in (5,575 mm) 1992–94 GMC: 218.9 in (5,560 mm) 1995–96 GMC: 220.0 in (5,588 mm)
Width	73.6 in (1,869 mm) (1992–94 Chevrolet) – 77.0 in (1,956 mm) (1995–96 GMC)
Height	68.8 in (1,748 mm) (1992–94 GMC) – 74.6 in (1,895 mm) (1997–99 2500 4WD)
Related	Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon

The GMT400-based Suburbans were introduced in the 1992 model year. The similar pickup truck models had switched to the newer platforms in the 1988 model year. Both 2WD and 4WD models, designated "C" and "K", were offered, as well as half ton and three-quarter ton ("1500" and "2500") models.

The base engine for all variants was the small-block 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8. The big-block 7.4 L (454 cu in) V8 was optional for the 2500 series. The optional 6.5 L Turbo diesel was available on all models - though rare on the 1500 series. The 6.5 L Turbo diesel used in the Tahoe was detuned to 380 lb·ft (520 N·m) torque due to the limitation of the 8.5-inch (220 mm) axle capacity. 1500 Suburbans with the 6.5 L Turbo diesel used the 14 bolt axle from the 2500 series. Ground clearance was 6.9 inches, the approach angle was 18 degrees for the K-1500(28 degrees for the K-2500) and the break over angle was 18 degress.

Transmissions included the 4L60 4-speed automatic in the 1500 series, and the heavier duty 4L80 4-speed automatic in the 2500 series. The manual transmission option from the previous generation was dropped.

The GMT400 series introduced independent front suspension. The 2WD models used coil springs and 4WD models used torsion bars in the front suspension. All models used a live axle and leaf springs in the rear.

0-60 mph time for a 1995 Suburban was 11.7 seconds. City fuel economy was 13mpg and highway was 15. The turning circle was 47.8 ft. In 1996, fuel economy had improved to 17mpg highway.

Trim options included a base-level version, the LS, and the LT. Interior seating arrangements allowed for either bucket or bench seating in the first row, and optional 3rd row bench. The vehicle could be configured from 2- to 9-passenger seating.

Beginning in 1994, GM began making numerous annual changes to the Suburban, including:

• Revised front clip and center stop lamp (1994)
• Revised interior including a driver-side air bag, revised side mirrors (1995)
• Revised Vortec "5700" (350 cu. in.) and "7400" (454 cu. in) engines with increased power and fuel efficiency, electronic 4WD shifting, daytime running lights, illuminated entry, and some new interior features (1996)
• Revised transmissions, improved steering system and added passenger-side air bag (1997)
• Onstar, PassLock security system and full-time AutoTrac 4WD option added, next generation "depowered" air bags, revised steering wheel, transmissions revised again (1998)
• No major changes upon introduction of redesigned 2000 models (1999)

In 1998, Holden introduced a right-hand-drive version of Suburban for the Australian and New Zealand markets with either petrol or diesel motors. A modified dashboard from 1995-2005 RHD Chevrolet Blazer was used. The models were withdrawn as a Holden brand because of low quality and sales.

• 

  1992–1994 Chevrolet Suburban (Cheyenne Trim)

• 

  1992–1994 GMC Suburban (SL [Base] Trim)

• 

  GMT400 GMC 1/2 Ton Suburban

• 

  GMT400 Chevy 3/4 Ton TurboDiesel Suburban (Silverado Trim)

Tenth generation (2000–2006)

GMT800

Also called	GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade ESV
Model years	2000–2006
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin Arlington, Texas Silao, Mexico
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT830
Engine	5.3 L (325 cu in) Vortec V8[citation needed]<br 5.7 L (350 cu in) Vortec V8[citation needed] 6.0 L (364 cu in) Vortec V8 8.1 L (496 cu in) Vortec V8[citation needed]
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	130.0 in (3,302 mm)
Length	219.3 in (5,570 mm)
Width	78.8 in (2,002 mm) – 79.8 in (2,027 mm)
Height	73.3 in (1,862 mm) (2000–02 Chevy 1500 4WD) – 77.1 in (1,958 mm) (Yukon XL 2500 4WD)
Related	Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hummer H2

GMT800 GMC Yukon XL

GMT800 GMC Yukon XL Denali

The GMT800-based Suburbans were introduced in late 1999 for the 2000 model year. They were sold in two series: 1/2-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500. Suburbans came in Base, LS and LT trims. Optional was pushbutton 4-wd with low-range transfer case). A tow hitch with trailer wiring plug was optional.

For 2000, Chevrolet's long-serving 5.7 L and 7.4 L V8 engines were retired along with the 6.5 L diesel. New were engines were 5.3 L (325 cu in) the 1500 series and 6.0 L (364 cu in) for the 2500 series.

New features included:

• A spare tire relocated beneath the vehicle (instead of in the cargo area as on previous models)
• "Puddle lamps" in the exterior mirrors on LS and LT models
• New instrument panel including a driver message center and engine hour meter
• Electronic climate control available on LT models
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Load-leveling Autoride suspension available on LT models
• Premium Ride rear self-leveling suspension available on LS models

For 2001, the 6.0 L V8 in 2500-series Suburbans gained 20 hp (15 kW) from a number of changes including aluminum cylinder heads. A new 8.1 L (496 cu in) V8 was added as an option for the 2500 as well. OnStar became standard on LT models and LS models with the new Z71 package. Quadrasteer four-wheel steering was added as an option on 1500 series trucks.

2002 saw several optional features made standard equipment on the LS model, including front and rear air conditioning, alloy wheels, power windows, power front seats, side steps, fog lamps, and heated outside rear view mirrors. Base models were discontinued, leaving LS and LT.

The 5.3 L V8 in the 1500 series added flex-fuel capability. The 6.0 engine was not available in the 1500 series.

For 2003, all GM full-size trucks received an upgraded interior, with better-quality materials and other enhancements. New radios offered Radio Data System compatibility, XM satellite radio, Bose sound and improved ergonomics. Adjustable pedals were added as an option, and the instrument cluster-mounted Driver Information Center was improved and monitored up to 34 vehicle functions. A Panasonic DVD system was added as an option.

GM's Stabilitrak system was added, and Quadrasteer became available on 2500 series Suburbans. Towing capacity for Quadrasteer-equipped vehicles was reduced by 300 lbs (the weight of the system).

For 2004, 1500-series Suburbans received the Hydroboost braking system that was previously introduced in the 2500 series.

The Mexican-market Suburban received a front end update this year, matching that of the Silverado.

The 2005 model year saw the long-standard side-hinged panel doors discontinued in favor of the formerly optional liftgate. All engines switched to an all-electric cooling system to reduce power loss and fuel consumption.

The Z71 package, long exclusive to 4wd models, became available on 2wd Suburbans. OnStar also became standard across the board.

Finally, Stabilitrak became standard on all models shortly after the start of the model year.

For 2006, the GMT800 Suburban's last year, a special LTZ trim package became available, featuring 20-inch (510 mm) wheels, all-wheel drive, and the LQ4 6.0 L engine of the 2500 series of trucks and SUVs.

The catalytic converters were relocated closer to the engine. The XM radio antenna and the OnStar antenna were combined into a single unit.

Engines

• Vortec 5300 325 cu in V8 270 hp (00), 285 hp(01-03) 295 hp (04-06)03-06 at 5200 rpm and 335 lb·ft (454 N.m) of torque at 4000 rpm.
• Vortec 6000 364 cu in V8 (335 hp at 5200 rpm and 375 lb·ft (508 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm).
• Vortec 8100 496 cu in V8 (325 hp at 4200 rpm and 447 lb·ft (606 N·m) of torque at 3200 rpm).

Eleventh generation (2007–2013)

GMT900

Also called	GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade ESV VIA VTrux SUV
Model years	2007–present
Assembly	Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S. Arlington, Texas, U.S. Silao, Mexico
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT930: GMT931 (Suburban) GMT932 (Yukon XL)
Engine	5.3 L (325 cu in) Vortec V8 6.0 L (364 cu in) Vortec V8 6.2 L (376 cu in) Vortec V8 8.1 L (496 cu in) Vortec V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	130.0 in (3,302 mm)
Length	222.4 in (5,649 mm)
Width	79.1 in (2,009 mm)
Height	76.8 in (1,951 mm) Denali: 77.1 in (1,958 mm)
Related	Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon T-98 Kombat/Dartz

2010 GMC Yukon XL SLT

GMT900 GMC Yukon XL Denali

The 2007 model year Suburban and Yukon XL were unveiled at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. Production of the redesigned GMT900 Suburban and Yukon XL began at Janesville Assembly and Silao Assembly in March 2006, with the vehicles arriving at dealerships in April.

The new models were redesigned with more modern, less boxy styling, already seen on the previously released 2007 Tahoes and Yukons. The exterior features a more aerodynamic shape, made partly by a steeply raked windshield angle. The new design has less drag than previous models, making it more aerodynamic.

The interior has a redesigned dashboard and improved seats. It still retains its 9-passenger seating availability, which is available on LS models only. LT2, and LT3 models have leather seating and available 6-, 7-, and 8-passenger seating. There is a Z71 package available on LT2 and LT3 models which includes two-tone leather seats. All Mexican-built Suburbans including the 9-seat models offer the special two-tone leather seating used by the Z71. Chevrolet-Mexico offers a police variant of the Suburban with factory installed armor plate and an uprated Vortec 8100 RPO L18 and is arranged in the 9-seat configuration retaining the two tone leather trim of the Z71. This model is used by Mexican Police and is marketed as the LT-P (P for Policia) the Suburban LTZ comes standard with a DVD player,GPS navigation enhanced radio that is touch screen.

For the 2010 model year, in which U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the number one affordable large SUV, the Suburban will add a new premium interior package that includes tri-zone climate control and handy features like Bluetooth and rear audio controls. In addition, radios that are standard in all 2010 trims get a USB port, allowing for music to be played from auxiliary devices though the radio, as well as charging other small electronics. The 6.0 liter engine in the 2010 models will also be flex fuel capable. Minor front end changes including a slightly raised front bumper and side torso air bags were also made standard for 2010.

In February 2010, Chevrolet unveiled a 75th anniversary edition of the Suburban, which will have the LTZ trim with white diamond tricoat exterior paint and cashmere interior, along with standard 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, revised roof rails, integrated navigation radio, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rearview camera, rear park assist, remote starting, adjustable pedals, and leather upholstery with heated/cooled front seats. Chevrolet says that the anniversary edition will be limited to 2,570 units because of the amount of white diamond paint GM can procure.

The 5.3 L and 6.0 L engines carried over, and a new 403 horsepower (301 kW) 6.2 L Vortec V8 was added for the Yukon XL Denali.^{[citation needed]} The 8.1 L engine was dropped.

For the 2011 model year, the Suburban will add three new exterior colors to the lineup: Mocha Steel Metallic, Green Steel Metallic, and Ice Blue Metallic. The trims will also get an updated modification, with the rear audio system, Bluetooth, floor console/storage area, wood grain interior, luggage rack rails, body-color exterior door handle/mirror caps and premium-cloth front bucket seats now standard on the 1LS trim, and chrome recovery hooks, two-speed transfer case, and 20-inch chrome wheels standard on its 1LZ 4WD models. In addition, the trailering package will feature the trailer brake controller as a standard on all trims.

For the 2012 model year, trailer sway control and Hill Start Assist become standard on all trims, while the LTZ trim added a heated steering wheel and Side Blind Zone Alert as a standard. Also, the LT1/2 options for the Suburban and SLE1/2 and SLT1/2 options on the Yukon XL were discontinued, leaving the Suburban with only a LS, LT and LTZ trim and the Yukon XL with a SLE and SLT trim. On March 30, 2012, GMC celebrated its 100th anniversary by releasing a special edition of its Yukon XL, offering a Heritage Edition trim package. This would also be the final year that three colors, Graystone Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Blue Topaz Metallic, would be offered, along with the all season blackwall P265/65R18 tires.

For the 2013 model year, three new colors are offered: Champagne Silver Metallic, Concord Metallic (available Spring 2013, extra charge) and Blue Ray Metallic (available Fall 2012, extra charge). Also new is Powertrain Grade Braking, normal mode. The 2013 arrived for Chevrolet dealers in June 2012.

The three-quarter ton model's towing capacity is 9,600 lb (4,400 kg), being one of the best of any 4x4 SUV and matched only by the Toyota Sequoia's towing capacity. The three-quarter ton model also has a GCVW of 16,000 lb (7,300 kg).

The 2500 Suburban was originally sourced from Silao, Mexico from 2007-2008 but was moved to the Arlington, Texas assembly plant for the 2009 model year, where production of all GM fullsize SUVs was consolidated after the closing of the Janesville plant.

Safety

For the 2009 model year, the Suburban received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) best rating of 5 stars in the frontal driver/passenger and side driver/passenger categories.

NHTSA Chevrolet Suburban crash test results (For 2009 models):

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Driver:
• Side Rear Passenger:
• 2WD Rollover:
• 4WD Rollover:

Yearly American sales

Calendar Year	Chevrolet Suburban	GMC Suburban	Yukon XL	Total U.S. sales
1996	94,010	43,161	-	137,171
1997	99,068	43,137	-	142,205
1998	108,933	42,423	-	151,356
1999	138,977	44,886	1,857	185,720
2000	133,123	4,776	47,016	184,915
2001	154,782	94	70,706	225,582
2002[citation needed]	151,056	-	67,556	218,612
2003[citation needed]	135,222	-	70,887	206,109
2004	119,545	-	65,917	185,462
2005	87,011	-	53,652	140,663
2006	77,211	-	45,413	122,624
2007	83,673	-	45,303	128,976
2008	54,058	-	26,404	80,462
2009	41,055	-	16,819	57,874
2010	45,152	-	23,797	68,949
2011	49,427	-	25,223	74,650
2012	48,116	-	23,427	71,543

External links

• The official Chevrolet Suburban website
• The official GMC Yukon XL website
• "Chevy Suburban turns 75." Houston Chronicle