2009 Suburban
1500 & 2500

Overviews

For Release: June 9, 2008

2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 & 2500

New for 2009

Model Lineup

 

Engines

Transmissions

 

Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LY5)

Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LMG)

Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LC9)

Vortec 6.0L V-8 (L76)

Vortec 6.0L V-8 (LY6)

6-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 6L80)

6-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 6L90)

Suburban 1500 2WD

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o

–

o

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Suburban 1500 4WD

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o

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Suburban 2500 2WD

–

–

–

–

s

–

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Suburban 2500 4WD

–

–

–

–

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Key:  

Standard

s

Optional

o

Not available

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2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN FEATURES NEW FUEL-SAVING SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

An American icon for more than 70 years, the Chevrolet Suburban is the benchmark of full-size SUVs. It is spacious and capable and, for 2009, more efficient than ever, thanks to the implementation of a new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed is standard on 1500 models. It enhances fuel economy on the highway via reduced engine speed, as the engine requires less fuel to operate at a lower “cruising” speed. Also, quietness in the interior is enhanced with the lower-rpm cruising.

“As competitors have come and gone over the years, the Suburban remains as the standard bearer in its class,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The new features for 2009 further reinforce its position as the go-anywhere, do-anything SUV with room for everybody and all their stuff.”

New technologies that enhance safety are also added to the Suburban in ’09, including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity with specific steering wheel controls, and an available rear camera system that can be displayed in either the inside rearview mirror or the navigation display, depending on radio choice, as well as Side Blind Zone detection. These new features complement an already strong package of standard safety items, such as head curtain side-impact air bags and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

The Suburban lineup is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD, as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series. (LTZ is available only on 1500 series.)

New for 2009

In addition to the new six-speed automatic transmission, numerous new features and revisions across the lineup gives customers more choices. They include:

Additionally, there are several changes to existing models and content packages, including:

Suburban lineup at a glance

Suburban delivers the capability of hauling more passengers and cargo than any other vehicle in the segment. It is based on GM’s full-size SUV architecture, which features sleek exterior styling; a sharp, precise driving feel; and excellent interior refinement and quietness.

Riding on a 130-inch (3,302 mm) wheelbase, the Suburban’s dimensions support generous passenger and cargo capability, while enabling its smooth ride – behind the first-row seats is 137.4 cubic feet (3,890 liters) of cargo room.

Suburban 1500 offers up to 8,100 pounds (3,674 kg) of towing capability (2WD models), when properly equipped; Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds (4,354 kg).

Design details

Suburban wears the global face of Chevrolet, with a large Chevy gold bowtie centered on a distinctive grille. The body-colored grille surround is inset with an argent texture mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature jewel-like optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated tow hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look that enhances Suburban’s rugged, off-road appearance.

Suburban’s front-end styling reflects its capability. It includes the fast-rake windshield; a bulging power dome hood; a prominent new fender design with integrated wheel flares; a distinctive new grille and headlamps; and a full-wrap fascia. The wraparound fascia, which eliminates the conventional bumper-to-body gap, is one of the numerous attributes that give the Suburban a more refined look. It also enhances aerodynamics.

Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard on 1500 models, with 20-inch wheels available (standard on LTZ). The large wheels fill Suburban’s wheelhouses, giving the vehicle a confident stance. Suburban 2500 come with standard 16-inch wheels and offers stylish 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Suburban also offers power-articulated running boards on LTZ models. They blend smoothly with the vehicle’s design, but automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height.

Accessories

Numerous Chevy Accessories are available for Suburban:

Z71 Off Road package

The popular Z71 Off Road appearance package returns for 2009. It includes the Z71 Off Road suspension with high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off-road tires, automatic-locking rear differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and a high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed fender flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome grille insert provide a distinctive appearance.

Inside, a brushed metal-look replaces wood grain accents for a more rugged appearance. Also included are leather-appointed bucket seats that are available in solid Ebony, Cashmere or Titanium.

Interior refinement and convenience

Suburban’s interior represents refinement, comfort, quality and convenience. The roomy interior is airy, thanks to a lower instrument panel and deep windshield that improve outward visibility. The seats are designed to provide great comfort, passenger-carrying flexibility and easy entry/egress. Door pillar-mounted first- and second-row three-point safety belts allow for slimmer seat designs that enhance roominess (second-row, center position uses an SUV-typical three-point belt-to-seat design).

Refinement is exemplified throughout Suburban’s spacious interior, creating an environment that exudes quality and precision. A two-tone color scheme is executed with soft and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. Also, there are almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close outs” around the seat bottoms and doorsill trim plates.

Accessibility and capability are enhanced with features that include a unique power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat and a third-row seat that also is easily removable. Storage capability is maximized with the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a larger glove box and additional new storage compartments.

Suburban’s available features also include:

Suburban features an impressive audio/navigation lineup, which provides quality entertainment and information. A family of CD/MP3-compatible radios leads the audio lineup, with a DVD entertainment system that includes a large, eight-inch screen (with in-dash loading) and, new for ’09, a second flip-down screen for the third seating row.

A touch-screen navigation radio is available and incorporates the view monitor for the available rear-camera system (a new camera system is also available without the navigation system).

Powertrain details

Standard in Suburban 1500 models is an iron-block Vortec 5.3L V-8 with 310 horsepower (231 kW)* and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (454 Nm)*, which offers Active Fuel Management fuel-saving technology. Active Fuel Management technology seamlessly switches between eight- and four-cylinder power to save fuel. Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L Gen IV V-8 – including a 310-horsepower (231 kW)* aluminum-block version that is standard in 4WD models – are compatible with E85 ethanol-based fuel, an alternative to gasoline. The engines can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85 fuel.

Suburban 1500 models also offer an all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, rated at 366 horsepower (273 kW).* Variable valve timing optimizes camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The system is enabled by a unique dual-equal cam phaser that adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves.

The Suburban 1500 engines are backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

Heavy-duty Suburban 2500 models offer a 6.0L V-8. It features an iron cylinder block and is rated at 352 horsepower (262 kW)* and 382 lb.-ft. of torque (518 Nm).* It is matched with a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.

Superior safety

The ’08 Suburban offers security in the form of a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technologies. Standard features include roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. These features are integrated into a stronger vehicle structure that is also designed for improved compatibility with other vehicles.

The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment. These head curtain side air bags stay inflated longer than air bags developed only for side impacts, since rollover incidents can last longer. The deployment duration and other design features of the air bags combine to provide increased occupant protection and the ability to help keep occupants inside the vehicle.

Sensors located at the front of the vehicle, in the side doors and within the occupant compartment provide increased and more immediate crash detection.

Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced design and driver control dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The vehicles are built on a stronger and stiffer, fully-boxed frame that contributes to enhanced crash energy management. The front frame section has been designed to optimize crush progression, resulting in improved energy absorption efficiency. The improved crush performance, enabled by hydroformed frame rails and efficient chassis component packaging, also comprehends design provisions for improved vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a frontal impact with a smaller vehicle.

Additional safety features include:


All models come with the OnStar system (with a one-year Safe & Sound service plan). The system includes the General Motors Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. All Suburban LT and LTZ models feature OnStar’s Directions & Connections service, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation, as well as the new Destination Download feature.

Strong structure

Suburban is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and an all-new, premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wider front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.

Extensive attention to detail was paid to ensure a quiet driving experience. It centers on the stiff frame, which reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also help reduce vibration. Even the tires on the large, 17-inch standard and 20-inch available wheels (1500 models) were designed to reduce noise.

Suburban’s quietness and smoothness is complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ. This segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.

*SAE certified.

# # #

Contact:
Brian Goebel
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: 313-665-8049
Fax: 313-667-4007
E-mail: brian.goebel@gm.com

Kelly Wysocki
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-0122
E-mail: kelly.wysocki@gm.com

Antonio Sanchez Jimenez
Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicación
General Motors de Mexico
Office: 011-5255-5901-3042
E-mail: angelantonio.sanchezjimenez@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Chevrolet Suburban 1500 & 2500 LS, LT and LTZ

Body style / driveline:

4-door sport utility vehicle, front-engine, 2- or 4-wheel drive, half-ton models

Construction:

body on frame

EPA vehicle class:

full-size sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing locations:

Arlington, Texas; Janesville, Wis.; and Silao, Mexico

Key competitors:

Ford Expedition

Engines

 

Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LY5, LMG)

Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LC9)

Vortec 6.0L V-8 (L76)

Vortec 6.0L V-8 (LY6)

Type:

5.3L V-8

5.3L V-8

6.0L V-8

6.0L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

325 / 5328

325 / 5328

364 / 5967

364 / 5967

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

Block material:

cast iron

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast iron

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

Ignition system:

coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery:

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

9.9:1

9.9:1

9.6:1

9.6:1

Horsepower
(hp/ kW @ rpm):

310 / 231 @ 5200*

310 / 231 @ 5200*

366 / 273 @ 5500*

352 / 262 @ 5400*

Torque
(lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

335 / 454 @ 4200*

335 / 454 @ 4400*

376 / 510 @ 4400*

382 / 518 @ 4300*

Fuel:

regular unleaded,

E85-capable (LMG)

regular unleaded, E85-capable

regular unleaded

regular unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6000

6000

6000

6000

Emissions controls:

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):

TBD

TBD

TBD

N/A

Transmissions

 

Hydra-Matic 6L80, 6-speed automatic (1500 Series)

Hydra-Matic 6L90, 6-speed automatic (2500 Series)

Gear ratios (:1):

 

 

First:

4.03

4.03

Second:

2.36

2.36

Third:

1.53

1.53

Fourth:

1.15

1.15

Fifth:

0.85

0.85

Sixth:

0.67

0.67

Reverse:

3.06

3.06

Final drive ratio:

5.3L: 3.08 (std.); 3.42 (opt.)

3.73

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent, coil over shock; Autoride real-time damping (opt.)

Rear:

five-link with coil springs (1500); multi-leaf springs (2500)

Traction assist:

all-speed traction control

Steering type:

power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

17.75:1 (1500); TBD (2500)

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

3 (1500); TBD (2500)

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

43.0 / 13.1 (1500); 45.3 / 13.8 (2500)

Brakes

Type:

4-wheel disc, 4-wheel ABS (1500); 4-wheel disc, 4-wheel ABS with hydroboost (2500)

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 13 x 1.18 / 330.2 x 30
rear: 13.5 x .787 / 345 x 20

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

16 x 6.5-inch polished forged aluminum, 8-lug (std. 2500)

 

17 x 7.5-inch machined cast aluminum, silver sparkle accent (LS, LT)

 

17 x 7.5-inch cast aluminum (opt. 2500)

 

18 x 8.0-inch polished aluminum (Z71 package)

 

20 x 8.5-inch polished aluminum (opt. LT, std. LTZ)

Tires:

LT245/75R16E all-season, blackwall (2500)

 

LT245/75R16E on-/off-road, blackwall (2500)

 

LT265/70R17 all-season blackwall (2500)

 

P265/70R17 blackwall Bridgestone all-season steel belt radials

 

P265/70R17 white letter Goodyear all-season steel belt radials

 

P265/70R17 blackwall Bridgestone on-/off-road steel belt radials (export only)

 

P265/65R18 blackwall Bridgestone on-/off-road steel belt radials (Z71 package)

 

P265/65R18 blackwall Bridgestone all-season steel belt radials (export only)

 

P275/55R20 blackwall Bridgestone all-season steel belt radials

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

130 / 3302

Overall length (in / mm):

222.4 / 5648

Overall width (in / mm):

79.1 / 2010.4

Overall height (in / mm):

76.8 / 1950.5

Track (in / mm):

front: 68.2 / 1731.8
rear: 67.0 / 1701.8

Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):

2WD: 8.9 / 227.1 4WD: 9.2 / 234.8

Step-in height (in / mm):

2WD: 21.9 / 555.6 4WD: 22.2 / 562.8

Ground to top of load floor (in / mm):

2WD: 31.8 / 807
4WD: 32.6 / 829.2

Approach angle (deg):

2WD: 16.91 4WD: 16.74

Departure angle (deg):

2WD: 20.45 4WD: 20.93

Curb weight (lb / kg):

1500 2WD: 5687 / 2579 (5.3L) 1500 4WD: 5836 / 2647 (5.3L) 2500 2WD: 6179 / 2803 (6.0L) 2500 4WD: 6447 / 2924 (6.0L)

Weight distribution (% front / rear)

51 / 49

Interior

 

First Row

Second Row

Third Row

Seating capacity (9 total):

2 / 3

2 / 3

2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm):

41.1 / 1043.2

38.5 / 978.4

38.1 / 966.7

Legroom (in / mm):

41.3 / 1048.9

39.5 / 1002.5

34.9 / 887.5

Shoulder room (in / mm):

65.3 / 1657.9

65.2 / 1657.3

64.7 / 1643.6

Hip room (in / mm):

64.4 / 1636.7

61.8 / 1570.1

49.4 / 1254.3

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

 

 

 

Behind 1 st row, 2 nd row folded no third row

 

137.4 / 3890.8

 

 

Behind 2 nd row no third row

 

 

90 / 2548.5

 

Behind 3 rd row

 

 

45.8 / 1297.5

Note: 3-passenger bench and 2-passenger bucket seats standard or optional depending on the model.

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

137.4 / 3891.1

GVWR: (lb / kg):

1500 2WD: 7200 / 3265 1500 4WD: 7400 / 3966 2500 2WD: 8600 / 3901 2500 4WD: 8600 / 3901

Payload, base (lb / kg):

1500 2WD: 1514 / 686 (with 3rd seat)
1500 4WD: 1564 / 709 (with 3rd seat)
2500 2WD: 2421 / 1098 (with 3rd seat)
2500 4WD: 2153 / 976 (with 3rd seat)

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

1500 2WD: 8100 / 3674
1500 4WD: 7900 / 3583
2500 2WD: 9600 / 4354
2500 4WD: 9300 / 4218

Fuel tank (gal / L):

31.5 / 119.2 (1500) 39 / 148 (2500)

Engine oil (qt / L):

6 / 5.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

5.3L: 18.3 / 17.2 (w/ rear heat), 16.8 / 15.9 (w/o rear heat); 6.0L 17.8 / 16.9 (w/ rear heat), 16.8 / 15.9 (w/o rear heat)

*SAE certified.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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