Base price: Suburban LS, $37,031–$41,193; LT, $40,275–$44,738/Yukon XL SLE, $37,967–$42,052; SLT, $41,057–$45,142; Yukon Denali XL, $49,195
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-, rear/4-, or 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 5–9-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/M/R (cu ft) 63/57/48
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 46/138
Wheelbase 130.0 in
Length/width/height 219.3/78.8–79.8/73.6–76.5 in
Turning circle 43.0–44.5 ft
Curb weight 4200–5800 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 13–15/16–20
Fuel-tank capacity/range 31.0–37.5 gal/465–488 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
5.3-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 285 hp; 6.0-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 320 hp; 8.1-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 340 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind; unequal-length control arms; 1500 rwd and 4wd: torsion bars, 2500 rwd: coil springs; anti-roll bar
R rigid axle; 1500: coil springs,
2500: leaf springs; anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/vented disc
ABS standard
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CHEVY SUBURBAN/GMC YUKON XL
These are GM’s big boys, and if they’ve been upstaged size-wise by Ford’s hulking Excursion, they win in terms of chassis, ride, handling, and all-around comfort. Upgrades for 2003 are numerous: StabiliTrak, Quadrasteer four-wheel steering on 2500-series models, power-extendable camper mirrors, power-adjustable foot pedals, a new center console, and several new infotainment features, including XM satellite radio. Engines are all pushrod V-8s from GM’s excellent truck inventory—the 285-hp 5.3-liter (with ethanol blend capability), the 320-hp 6.0-liter, and the formidable 340-hp 8.1-liter, all mated to four-speed automatics. Trailering limits range up to 12,000 pounds—tops in this class. Full-time four-wheel drive is an option, and Chevy also offers a Z71 off-road package. GM’s big boys may no longer be the biggest. But they are the best.
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