Used 2013 Chevrolet Suburban Three-Quarter Ton SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

If you are looking for a vehicle that is serious about working, the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban Three-Quarter Ton SUV is it! Its Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine is mated with a standard six-speed automatic transmission to deliver 352 horsepower and 382 pound-feet of torque. While that is impressive in itself, it is its towing capacity that is the main attraction for most consumers, as this is a vehicle that can handle 9,600 pounds with no problem. Although it comes standard as two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive is an option. Don’t be looking for any favors with fuel-economy in this vehicle though. The two-wheel drive ¾-ton returns 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, while the four-wheel drive is even worse at 10 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway. Despite its massive size, this sport utility vehicle does offer a surprisingly smooth ride, thanks to a torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs in the rear. That being said, no level of smoothness is going to change the fact that this is not the easiest vehicle to drive. With a 45.3-foot turning circle, maneuvering and parking will be a challenge.

Technology

• Mobile Apps - Stay connected to your 2013 Suburban ¾-ton using the myChevrolet app. It allows you to contact roadside assistance, check diagnostics and schedule routine maintenance.
• Audio - Be entertained by a BOSE nine-speaker surround sound that includes a center console subwoofer and three months of SiriusXM satellite radio.
• Rear Seat Entertainment - Available on the LT trim is a rear DVD entertainment system with an overhead screen for each back row, remote control and four sets of headphones.
• Rear Vision Camera - This available feature allows you to see what is behind you while reversing at slow speeds.
• Bluetooth - By simply tapping a button on the steering wheel, you can receive, send and end calls without taking your eyes off the road. It will even mute your stereo for you when you do take a call so you don’t have to turn the volume down manually.

Safety

Although crash tests have not been done specifically on the Suburban ¾-ton, they have been completed on its immediate relatives. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave them a “Good” rating for front and side-impact protection, but only “Marginal” in rollover protection. Braking distances were miserably long when tested as well, taking 145 feet to stop from 60 mph. Some safety features to offer peace-of-mind include:
• Automatic crash response
• Daytime running lamps
• Child seat anchors
• OnStar
• StabiliTrak stability control
• Stolen vehicle assistance
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Post-collision safety system
• Emergency brakeforce distribution
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Rear door safety locks

Appearance

The dual halogen composite headlamps are the first thing that you notice about the ¾-ton. They manage to bring a little sophistication to otherwise boring styling. Other elements that do help add points of interest are deep-tinted glass, black assist steps, luggage rack and color-keyed molding and handles.

Comfort

Seating for up to eight passengers can be enjoyed on LT models while the LS trim offers a nine-passenger configuration. Although judging by appearance, you would think that there would be more than enough legroom in all three rows, the third row does not provide as much as you would expect. Other than that, the seats are comfortable and supportive. As for styling, the cabin is thoughtfully laid out, but definitely dated. It could benefit from a “Wow” factor, but you will appreciate how easy controls are to find when you are behind the wheel.

Cargo

If you don’t mind fighting with a heavy third row to remove, you are granted a ton of cargo space at 137.4 cubic feet. Even with both rear seats in place, you still get 45.8 cubic feet, which should be more than enough for most people.