When you need to carry lots of people and tow lots of weight, the Chevrolet Suburban is America’s choice in a full-size, extended-length SUV. However, this Chevy’s main competitor from Ford is better at towing a trailer, for carrying people in comfort, and for moving large amounts of cargo.  FOLLOW DAILY NEWS AUTOS ON FACEBOOK. 'LIKE' US HERE.  • Standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay technology  • Enhanced Driver Alert Package debuts for LS model, installing power adjustable pedals, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Safety Alert Seat  • Configurable instrumentation with a heads-up display available for LTZ model  • Reduced powertrain warranty from 100,000 miles to 60,000 miles  • Free scheduled maintenance visits cut from four to two  • New colors: Siren Red and Iridescent Pearl  LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OF THE CHEVROLET MODELS  A full-size SUV with seating for up to nine people and room for up to 121.1 cu.-ft. of cargo, the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban continues in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels.  All three versions of the iconic ‘Burban have a direct-injected, 5.3-liter V8 engine equipped with Active Fuel Management technology, which shuts down half of the motor’s cylinders under certain driving conditions in order to conserve fuel. The V8 generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a choice between rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive.  According to the EPA, a Suburban owner can expect to get 18 mpg in combined driving, somewhat of a miracle considering the size and capability of this vehicle. Maximum trailering capability measures 8,300 pounds and this SUV can tackle up to 1,682 pounds of passengers and cargo.  Cargo space is not terribly impressive. The Suburban employs a solid rear axle suspension design and fold-flat seating, and as a result it can’t match a Ford Expedition EL in terms of cargo capacity. Heck, with the Suburban Chevrolet barely exceeds the cargo room offered by its own Traverse crossover.  Behind the rear seats, the Suburban supplies 39.3 cu.-ft. of cargo space. Fold the third-row seat to access 76.7 cu.-ft. of volume. Fold both rear rows of seats to maximize space at 121.1 cu.-ft.  This year, the standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system adds Apple CarPlay technology to go along with its 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection and OnStar subscription services. Android Auto support in in testing and may be added by the end of the model year  As an option, Suburban buyers can get a rear-seat entertainment system with dual viewing screens and a Blu-Ray DVD player. Available safety technology includes forward collision warning, blind spot warning, lane change alert, lane keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert systems, along with automatic emergency braking and a Safety Alert Seat.  The federal government has performed crash-tests on the Suburban, giving the heavy SUV an overall rating of 4 stars. This Chevy’s ability to resist rolling over in an accident rates 3 stars, regardless of whether or not the Suburban is equipped with 4WD.  Alternatives to the Chevrolet Suburban  Ford’s turbocharged Expedition EL tows more weight, offers more comfortable seating in all three rows, and provides more cargo room than does this Chevy. Other alternatives to the Suburban include the essentially identical GMC Yukon XL and the remarkably roomy Toyota Sequoia.
Lots of people think they need something like a Suburban. Even if they’re right, this Chevy isn’t the best tool for the job.