Suburban 1500 models come equipped with a 5.3-liter V8. The 2500 models are available with a choice of 6.0-liter or 8.1-liter V8s.

Two trim levels are available: LS and LT. In two-wheel drive, the LS starts at $36,305 and the LT at $39,615. In four-wheel drive, the prices are $39,105 and $42,415 respectively.

LS models come standard with three-zone air conditioning, heated outside mirrors, with a self-dimming mirror on the driver's side, six-way power front seats, side-step assist steps, a rear window defogger, fog lights and a HomeLink Universal transmitter.

LT models add luxury equipment, including automatic climate control, leather seat inserts, power folding mirrors, and a Bose premium stereo with nine speakers and a six-disc CD changer.

Z71 off-road package ($5167) includes heavy-duty springs and gas-pressure shocks, plus special appearance items outside and LT-grade comfort and convenience items inside.

A new rear-seat Panasonic DVD player ($1485 on LS, $1295 on LT) is available for 2003. XM Satellite Radio ($325) is available and receives 100 coast-to-coast channels, many of them commercial-free. An electric tilt-and-slide sunroof is available ($988-$1285) on LS and LT.

Walkaround

Chevrolet Suburban looks like an old friend. It was completely redesigned for 2000, which gave it a smoother and more aerodynamic look. Sharp edges were rounded. New headlights gave it a more contemporary appearance. But there is no mistaking the 'burb.

Two tailgate configurations are available. The one-piece rear hatch ($250) works best for most families. It's lightweight and can be opened with one hand. Also available are side-by-side cargo doors, which we like because they open wide and allow a closer working position to the cargo area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. We also like them because it's easier to control a dog when opening them. The hinges have been re-engineered to let the doors open wide without having to disconnect the hinges manually.

A puddle lamp mounted below the side mirrors shines down to light up the perimeter of the Suburban. It can be turned on using the keyless remote. That makes it a nice feature when approaching the Suburban in a dark parking garage, as it illuminates underneath the vehicle. It can also be used in the backwoods to illuminate mud puddles.

Suburban is about 17 inches longer than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and nearly identical to the GMC Yukon XL (which was called the GMC Suburban until recently).