Chevrolet Suburban GMT400 6.5 i V8 TD (173 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 521 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2570 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 160 km/h. 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.

6.5 i V8 TD (173 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong low-end torque, making it a capable workhorse for towing and hauling, though acceleration is decidedly leisurely.

Fuel Economy

The most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, though still thirsty by modern standards, providing reasonable range for a vehicle of its size.

Best Use Case: Heavy-duty towing, long-distance highway cruising, utility applications where torque and durability are prioritized over speed.

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):6.5 i V8 TD (173 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:9
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:173 Hp @ 3350 rpm.
Power per litre:26.8 Hp/l
Torque:521 Nm @ 1700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L56 [Same engine] More details about the engine L56
Engine displacement:6466
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine oil capacity:6.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:103 mm mm
Piston Stroke:97 mm mm
Compression ratio:21.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.9 kg/Hp, 67.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.9 kg/Nm, 202.7 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:2570
Max. weight:3901
Max load:1331
Fuel tank capacity:159 l
Size:
Length:5588 mm mm [13mm more]
Width:1948 mm mm [8mm more]
Height:1826 mm mm [78mm more]
Wheelbase:3340 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
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 size245/75 R16 T
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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