I put this in GQ because my primary question needs a factual answer, but feel free to drop an anecdote or two if you feel the urge…
We are looking to replace our aging, high-mileage Land Rover with something else. We are thinking about the Suburban for several reasons-
A ton of space- we have young boys and big dogs, and driving an apartment would have it’s advantages.
Even with every whistle and bell imaginable, it’s relatively inexpensive (especially compared to what I drive now).
I expect to see 0% financing on them any second, or at least by summer. Heh.
Okay, so here is the question. There are two versions of Suburban- the 1/2-ton and the 3/4-ton. What do the manufacturers say about gasoline grades? Is premium required or just recommended in either model? It makes a difference. I am driving a vehicle that requires premium, and it’s harshing my mellow lately.
There’s no real difference between a vehicle “requires” premium and one that “recommends” it. Either way you should follow what ever it recommends in the manual, as that is what the vehicle was designed for. You’re not gaining anything (money or extra power) by doing otherwise.
Don’t bother with the 3/4 ton unless you plan on towing regularly–it’s just a higher gas bill for you. Bigger engine and less advantageous gear ratio in the rear end. Keep in mind there is zero difference between Chevrolet and GMC aside from badging and slightly different trim packages (only sometimes, though) so look at the Yukons as well. Check out the hybrids–looks like they’ve just put a small electric helper motor in to cut down on idling using gas during in city driving. 21 mpg city isn’t too bad, though, especially compared to the 14 mpg city for the gas models. Go for the Flex Fuel engine if possible, because that widens your available fuel options, and E85 tends to run a bit cheaper than regular gas, although you get lower mileage running E85. It looks like none of the current models require anything other than regular gas so that’s definitely a plus. Don’t go with 4WD unless you REALLY go off road REGULARLY or you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. It’s silly to use up all that extra gas every day just in case someday you might need 4WD.
It’s really too bad they won’t put the Duramax diesels into the SUVs because those are pretty sweet engines.
I looked at the 4WD out of habit, really. I think I like the 1/2 ton LTZ or whatever it is. Takes regular gas, huh? Bonus! The one I “built” on their website ran $55,420 with all the bells and whistles, plus 4WD. I went with the 4.10 rear axle ratio too.
And it says it has power-retractable running boards- are they kidding?
Who knows? It could happen… unless you shoot me first and bury me in Solihull.
My Wife and I don’t have any kids, but we have two 70 pound dogs. And often travel with them and a bunch of luggage and my wifes triathlon gear. Bike rack on the back when we need it.
We have a Jeep Grand, and an 06 Pathfinder. The Pathfinder would be a little small with two kids, two dogs and gear, but you might want to check out the Nissan Armada.
OK, factual question regarding gasoline grades was answered, I guess. I’m going to start an IMHO thread for domestic SUV opinions… please feel free to come on over!
And yeah, they sho’ do depreciate quickly, don’t they? It’s what I HATE about buying new cars.
Again, unless you plan on towing a lot, bag the 4.10 rear end. Believe me, those engines have more than enough power to get you going and the higher gear ratio is just gonna eat your gas for no reason. I used to be a Marketing Support product specialist for GM and I’ve driven every single one of these vehicles (even drove the H2 and the Cadillac CTS before they were available for sale) and the 5.3 L Vortec V8 is a torquey motor with plenty of horsepower. The GM SUVs don’t drive big, either, and they’re pretty easy to park. Most comfy road trip vehicle I ever owned was a big old K5 Blazer, that thing was a living room on wheels.
