The 2017 Chevy Suburban is the ne plus ultra of SUVs; it'll tow up to 8,300 pounds and carry up to nine passengers without a fuss. The current Suburban is completely up to date, though. Revamped for the 2015 model year, it's sold in LS, LT, and Premier trims. In all of them, it's a towing and hauling champion, with extreme interior space to boot—and a big dose of connectivity for long road trips and on-site job needs. We rate it at 6.2 out of 10, with a nod toward its exceptional trailering talent and for its vast interior room.
Pros Unabashedly an SUV Much-improved cabin Excellent new V-8 drivetrain More safety and better infotainment features
Cons Very angular styling One powertrain fits all One of the biggest vehicles you can buy
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban ranks 5 out of 6 Large SUVs. The Chevrolet Suburban offers an upscale cabin loaded with features, roomy seats, and one of the largest cargo capacities in the class. However, some competitors have a lower starting price, better crash test scores, and a higher towing capacity than the Suburban.
Pros Hushed, upscale interior Generous cargo room Cushioned ride
Cons Lower safety scores than some rivals Lower towing capacity than rivals
For 2017 the Chevrolet Suburban changes the name of its top trim level to Premier. New features for the lineup of Suburban models include automatic low-speed emergency braking paired with the existing forward collision warning system, a teen-driver location management system, and a reminder to check the backseats for child occupants before leaving the vehicle. Simple ventilated seats replace the former cooled seats, and the rear entertainment system has been updated.
Pros Seating for up to nine passengers Cargo capacity is generous High-quality interior adds some luxury Strong V8 engine is up to the task.
Cons Maneuvering in tight spaces is challenging High cargo floor means more effort to load objects Throttle response is sluggish Maximum passenger capacity is available only in the base model.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility has been added to Pilots with the 8-inch touchscreen (EX and above). Otherwise, the Pilot carries over unchanged.
Pros A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats Ride is smooth and compliant in most conditions Better fuel economy than rivals Multiple clever storage compartments
Cons Nine-speed automatic transmission lacks refinement Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Third-row access is narrow Touchscreen interface isn't very intuitive
The 2017 Honda Pilot ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. Though it’s a little more expensive than other midsize SUVs, its standard V6, roomy cabin, and available active safety features make the 2017 Honda Pilot a smart choice.
Pros Plush, roomy seats Adult-friendly third row Cavernous cargo bay Great safety scores
Cons Complicated audio and climate controls
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors. The Honda Pilot was one of the first big crossovers to completely shun the old SUV idiom. No blocky, bluff styling, no truck-like frame, no rugged low-ratio transfer case or knobby off-road tires. The first Pilot had slim roof pillars, a cushy Civic-like cabin, and lots of seats.
Pros The boxy look's been banished Lavish new interior light-years ahead of the old Better seats, better cargo space Android interface, lots of ports for plugs Gas-mileage gains
Cons Maybe not as distinctive in styling 9-speed automatic can get confused Blind-spot monitors only on most expensive model One-touch seats only on EX-L and pricier models
