2006 Fullsize SUV : Chevrolet Suburban 1500 & 2500

Even though it’s not the largest sport utility vehicle (SUV) on the U.S. market, the Suburban definitely warrants a king-size designation. Available with two- or four-wheel drive, Suburban’s are built on the company’s full-size Silverado pickup truck platform, which is also used for the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. Suburbans come in half-ton (1500) and three-quarter-ton (2500) capacity ratings.

An LTZ model with a 6.0-liter V-8, all-wheel drive, a Z55 suspension and 20-inch wheels joins the 2006 Suburban lineup. Essentially an offshoot of the LT trim level, the LTZ features a revised chrome-bar grille, monochromatic bumpers, chrome assist steps and leather seating surfaces. Additionally, a tire-pressure-monitoring system is now standard on all Suburban’s, and catalytic converters on 1500 models have been relocated.

Quadra-steer four-wheel steering is no longer available on 2006 models. General Motors’ Stabili-Trak electronic stability system is offered on half-ton Suburban’s equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8. A rear lift-gate with flip-up glass is now standard on all models, and side-sill assist steps were redesigned for 2005. A larger power camper mirror is available on 2500 models. With its standard trio of three-place bench seats, the Suburban SUV can accommodate as many as nine people.

Optional seating arrangements include twin bucket seats for the front and middle rows. The middle and rear bench seats fold down and are removable. XM Satellite Radio and a backseat DVD entertainment system are available. Antilock brakes are standard, and side-impact airbags for front occupants are available. Obviously, not every SUV buyer needs this sort of passenger and cargo space. The truck-like drone is minor.