I've been driving suburbans since '86, I've had 5 and I just switched 2 weeks ago. I thought I'd share my impressions, I've got thick skin so bring on your responses.
Initial reasons for considering: reputation, view from inside, GMs debt, volt etc.
I bought a 2013 EL limited 4x4, sold my 2007 Z71 with 98k miles.
When I went to look at suburbans, my impression was "this hasn't changed one bit" I asked the salesman about Bluetooth beyond simple phone connectivity and he looked at me like a had a third eye. Eventually he admitted that Chevy is "a little behind on the times"
The Ford was very similarly priced and while ordering and taking delivery my expectations were that I'd be receiving a vastly better vehicle. After a couple weeks, I'm realizing that they are pretty similar. I was surprised how loud the expy is on the hwy- I guess I should be, it is a box. And it seems a little top heavy on hwy, but maybe this is brand new tires?
Here is my pro con list on expy versus suburban.
Pros:
Much better in town ride. More solid, cornering and suspension.
Second row seat functionality and versatility.
Third row seats much more convenient.
Much easier to see out, passing and backing. I guess the c and d pillars are narrower.
Rear hatch window easier to reach over and larger.
Sync, connectivity, navigation vastly superior.
Hwy pickup better, maybe because my suburban is old.
Seats slightly more comfortable.
Cons:
Ugly, looks top heavy. Personal preference.
Stereo sucks compared to stock suburban. Sounds muffled, no mid.
Loud on hwy.
Armrests (console) hard and uncomfortable. Interior plastic very angular and dated.
Console very small, rear compartment storage (small spaces) limited. Where to put tool kit, cables, Umbrella if they won't fit in in-floor storage.
Gauges hard to read and ugly with the white and chrome- poor effort.
Ac controls and the 7 segment LED need a revamp, gm better.
Gear shift takes up console space.
I know some of these cons are coming from a long time suburban owner who is having trouble getting adjusting.
I'm leasing for 2 years so I may switch back, let me know your thoughts.
Initial reasons for considering: reputation, view from inside, GMs debt, volt etc.
I bought a 2013 EL limited 4x4, sold my 2007 Z71 with 98k miles.
When I went to look at suburbans, my impression was "this hasn't changed one bit" I asked the salesman about Bluetooth beyond simple phone connectivity and he looked at me like a had a third eye. Eventually he admitted that Chevy is "a little behind on the times"
The Ford was very similarly priced and while ordering and taking delivery my expectations were that I'd be receiving a vastly better vehicle. After a couple weeks, I'm realizing that they are pretty similar. I was surprised how loud the expy is on the hwy- I guess I should be, it is a box. And it seems a little top heavy on hwy, but maybe this is brand new tires?
Here is my pro con list on expy versus suburban.
Pros:
Much better in town ride. More solid, cornering and suspension.
Second row seat functionality and versatility.
Third row seats much more convenient.
Much easier to see out, passing and backing. I guess the c and d pillars are narrower.
Rear hatch window easier to reach over and larger.
Sync, connectivity, navigation vastly superior.
Hwy pickup better, maybe because my suburban is old.
Seats slightly more comfortable.
Cons:
Ugly, looks top heavy. Personal preference.
Stereo sucks compared to stock suburban. Sounds muffled, no mid.
Loud on hwy.
Armrests (console) hard and uncomfortable. Interior plastic very angular and dated.
Console very small, rear compartment storage (small spaces) limited. Where to put tool kit, cables, Umbrella if they won't fit in in-floor storage.
Gauges hard to read and ugly with the white and chrome- poor effort.
Ac controls and the 7 segment LED need a revamp, gm better.
Gear shift takes up console space.
I know some of these cons are coming from a long time suburban owner who is having trouble getting adjusting.
I'm leasing for 2 years so I may switch back, let me know your thoughts.