As with other Chevrolet SUVs this year, the Suburban’s base trim has been eliminated in favor of a simpler LS and LT trim only line up. As part of this simplification process, the standard LS trim now includes side steps, fog lamps, 6 way power front seats, HomeLink Universal transmitter and heated outside mirrors with self dimming on the driver’s side. All versions offer 9 passenger seating, but unlike Chevy’s smaller SUVs, the Suburban delivers a spacious 4x 8 ft. payload floor with the rear seats removed. Steering also made lighter and quicker with introduction of a variable assist, speed sensitive system on 1500 Series 4x4s. To ease the towing burden, a transmission Tow/Haul mode reduces busy shifting, and 4 wheel disc, dual piston caliper brakes with the Dynamic brake Proportioning system help keep the rig safely under control. Four wheel drive Suburban come with the easy to use Autotrac system; however, traction control hasn’t been left out for 2 wheel drive buyers. Two wheel drive models benefits from the Electronic Traction Assist system, designed when the rear wheels slip.
Overall, changes to the 2009 Suburban are minimal. Aside from eliminating the base trim and adding new features to LS models, electronic climate controls is now available with the sun roof options, and LT models can be optioned with the Redfire Metallic topcoat and body color components. What’s more, the Vortec 5300 now accepts regular and ethanol content fuel.
