Chevrolet Suburban GMT400 5.7 i V8 (250 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Chevrolet Suburban:

The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since 1934. The longest-produced automobile nameplate in the world, the Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, in production since the 2021 model year. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size sport utility vehicle, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks....(Read more on Wikipedia)

GMT400 Overview:

Chevrolet Suburban (GMT400). With 455 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2102 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 9, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The GMT400 Suburban was primarily designed for the North American market and was not subjected to Euro NCAP testing. While equipped with basic safety features like ABS, its overall safety performance reflects the standards of its era, lacking modern advanced driver-assistance systems and occupant protection technologies.

5.7 i V8 (250 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The best all-around gasoline engine, offering a strong blend of power for daily driving and respectable towing, making it highly versatile.

Fuel Economy

While still a V8, it's the most 'efficient' gasoline option for its power, though fuel economy remains a primary concern for owners.

Best Use Case: Daily driver, family hauler, moderate to heavy towing, and general utility where a balance of power and relative efficiency is desired.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional interior space and cargo capacity
  • • Robust V8 engine options for strong towing and hauling
  • • Proven reliability and durability (especially gasoline V8s)
  • • Available 4WD for off-road and all-weather capability
  • • Abundant and affordable aftermarket parts and support
  • • Comfortable for long-distance cruising with many passengers

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy across the gasoline lineup
  • • Truck-like ride quality can be harsh on rough roads
  • • Dated interior design and features compared to modern SUVs
  • • Large exterior dimensions make parking and maneuvering challenging
  • • Limited modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Some common issues with 6.5L diesel (e.g., PMD, cooling)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(GMT400: 1991 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Chevrolet
Model:Suburban
Generation:GMT400
Modification (Engine):5.7 i V8 (250 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:9
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:250 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:43.6 Hp/l [13mm more]
Torque:455 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L31 More details about the engine L31
Engine displacement:5733
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Single-point injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.8 l
Coolant:16.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:101.6 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:18.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:13.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:15.7 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 118.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.6 kg/Nm, 216.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:2102
Max. weight:3493
Max load:1391
Size:
Length:5588 mm mm [13mm more]
Width:1948 mm mm [8mm more]
Height:1783 mm mm [35mm more]
Wheelbase:3340 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/75 R15 H
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

If you could change one thing about the Chevrolet Suburban, what would it be?