Simply put, bigger is better. Now, in this car vs. car we’re not talking about bigger in the sense of horsepower -- although, there’s a place for that dynamic -- but about mass. The large SUV has been scrutinized since conception for being gaudy, superfluous and altogether excessive. Once it was realized that extended cabs and widened wheelbases weren’t required for the majority of daily activities, full-sized SUVs have been sought chiefly for customization and all-weather motoring. But if there ever comes a day when you can’t fit another speaker in the rear and some serious hauling needs to be done, the 300-plus horsepower of two such golden options in the SUV class, the Chevy Suburban and Lincoln Navigator, should suffice.
The Suburban first rolled off the assembly line in 1935, and has since become one of the longest-surviving nameplates in the world. The Suburban can brag about its Hollywood image with appearances in such films as Twister and The Sopranos, while it can also boast being one of GM’s most commercial sellers with a comparably high resale value. The Lincoln Navigator is a fairly recent development, debuting in 1998. As of 2008, the Navigator is the largest Ford-built vehicle, and it marks the automakers entry into the luxury four-wheel drive sub bracket.
2008 should be very promising for these two behemoths, but why is the Navigator so much more expensive than its rival? In our review they will each be weighed and rated in a series of six standard categories amounting to 100 decisive points. Will the rugged appeal of GM’s favorite son outdo the new-age styling of Lincoln luxury? Read on to find out.
Chevrolet Suburban 1500
MSRP (base): $38,280Engine: 5.3-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, Vortec 6000 V8
Horsepower: 320 @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 340 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
MPG: City: 15; Highway: 21
Performance - 17/20
The Chevy Suburban, welded atop a full-size truck platform that’s shared with the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, is offered in either two-wheel or all-wheel drive. The suspension -- comprised of coil-over shocks in front and a five-link, double wishbone setup out back -- is complemented with GM’s StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control system. The Suburban delivers 320 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm with the aid of one of the most powerful, yet economic, engines in it's class; the 5.3-liter, DOHC, two-valves-per-cylinder, Vortec 6000 V8. However, the true dynamic of the Suburban is in its ability to run on E85 ethanol and restrict consumption to four cylinders when the others are not needed. The 2008 model also includes the standard four-speed automatic transmission seen last year.
Exterior - 16/20
The Chevy Suburban hasn’t gotten any smaller. In fact, the company added 14 inches to the wheelbase and 20 inches overall. Also, the subtle alterations make it difficult to distinguish it from the ‘07 1500 model. The grille is sleeker, as is the visceral, bulging dome hood, but the most noticeable revision is in the sheet metal, which has now diminished the number of body gaps for improved aerodynamics. Optional power running boards and a liftgate are considerate and round out the order.
Interior - 6/10
The Suburban’s cockpit is even more roomy and accommodating than its predecessor. The comfy material used to construct the seats feels like a wet Nerf football, but was generally well-received. Faux wood and genuine leather with white on black instruments complete the organic look. The Suburban also comes with tri-zone climate control, easily legible gauges on the heads-up display and OnStar is standard. Scattered throughout the architecture are various armrests, pouches and cup holders that are never more than an arm’s length away. The Suburban is listed as a seven seater, but we found that with some strategic re-arranging, there is an option for nine. The popular three-row configuration is present; however, there are some drawbacks due to the fact that the third row doesn’t fold flat like its competitors’ do and removal is a chore. Overall, 30 bonus cubic feet makes ample room for cargo, entry and exit.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
A large part of the full-sized SUV’s appeal comes from it's “extras” packages. The Suburban’s in-dash stereo seems painfully minimalist, with only a single-disc CD unit with MP3 player and eight, dimensionally average speakers. XM Satellite Radio is included with a free three-month trial service.
Higher trim levels will see the premium sound of Bose tweeters, mids and subwoofers, along with a six-disc CD changer and an optional DVD player, or full entertainment system, with overhead DVD display, headphones and a remote game plug-in. An in-dash Navigation module is offered, but it’s dissatisfying. Technophobes will find it simple to program and operate, but it requires too much pressure and exactness, resulting in frustrating repetition. A more useful add-on is the rear-facing, reverse camera, which provides safety and convenience when parking or hooking a load up to the hitch.
Bang for the buck - 17/20
The slightly varied Chevy Suburban was introduced in continuum with the commercial success it has enjoyed in the past, adding even more cargo room and towing capacity. With fuel efficiency and greater emphasis on safety, $38,000 is an admissible MSRP for the GM heavyweight, making it a reliable find.
Driving experience - 17/20
Long hauls and camping trips are just two routines that can be done with unusual comfort in the Suburban. The handling is optimum for such a mammoth and the low fuel consumption for its class is surely welcomed. Side curtain airbags are not stock and it could use an updated six-speed transmission, but Chevy has made improvements and there’s something to be said for that.
Overall score - 78/100
The Chevy Suburban’s target consumer is the pre-existing customer; those returning to the brand should be content with the freshest model.
Lincoln Navigator
MSRP (base): $47,755Engine: 5.4-liter, 32-valve, SOHC, Triton V8
Horsepower: 300 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm
MPG: City:12; Highway: 18
Performance - 15/20
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator is assembled on last year’s T1 platform and is offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variations. An independent air suspension that debuted in the second generation is utilized again, and with the aid of Ford’s protocol MacPherson struts, the Navigator makes for an unbelievably smooth ride. The 5.4-liter, SOHC, 32-valve, Triton V8 loses a lot of edge in comparison to its competitor, but it maintains its acceptability. The large, bore powerplant pumps out 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and an annexing 365 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm, all of which is controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission. Although Lincoln was the first automaker to reach the 300-horsepwer mark in the full-sized bracket, these numbers now pale in comparison to those of GM and Cadillac. The lack of four-disc, antilock brakes (as found on the Suburban) make stopping power less than admirable and could possibly present a safety concern for the hefty 5,977 pounder.
Exterior - 16/20
Typically, design options seem scarce when you’re starting point is as bulky as an SUV, but Lincoln has made progress and displays why it’s the leader in its class in customization potential. This third generation, accented in chrome and with bumpers that match the body paint, has acquired a new front and rear look. The luxury ute sports a chrome grille that’s large enough for a barbeque and of the 1961 Continental-inspired variety, and a power dome hood to articulate its size and dominance. The standard 18-inch, machined aluminum wheels blanketed in all-season BSW tires add an overall appeal to the 14.7-inch extended wheelbase. Just like the previous model, this Navigator also features a power liftgate and towing hitch, complete with hook.
Interior - 8/10
The cabin of the Navigator is where this luxury rig really begins to shine. The 2008 base model hopes to capitalize on last year’s award for Interior of the Year from Ward’s AutoWorld magazine. There is a fluid center console that swooshes upward to form the rectangular “eyebrows” that showcase the dash panel. The pronounced graphic is mirrored in the contour of the instrument bezels, which use the popular, modern, rectangular fashion eyewear as its muse. A touch of refinement was implied with Dark Ebony or Anigre wood trim on the console and upper door panels. The wood trim is accurately laser cut and book-matched to center and align the grains. Lincoln’s attention to detail was impeccable as the automaker added satin nickel accents on the mid stack, binnacle inserts and matched the door trim to the chrome flairs on the cup-holder rings. After dusk, Lincoln’s signature white glow creates a tranquil environment, which has been enlarged in order to maximize personal space and cargo potential with foldable third-row seats that can accommodate three adults.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
The Navigator, in its most elemental shell, brings a six-disc, in-dash Audiophile Sound System, an earth-shattering subwoofer, and eight speakers. For the consumer that requires peak performance, there is an optional THX II-Certified Audio unit, which boasts 14 speakers and a staggering 600 Watts of optimum power. All trims also have the choice to piece it all together with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that includes a second-row, overhead DVD player, an eight-inch screen, remote control, and two wireless headphones. The DVD-based navigation aspect is superior in that it is both voice activated and voice guiding. The only hindrance is that it becomes difficult to read in extreme light and mixes push-button with touch-screen manipulation.
Bang for the buck - 16/20
For about $50,000, the Lincoln Navigator could be viewed as an acceptable buy -- mainly for its unique flashiness and ultra-modern interior. However, when compared to others in its class, all the flash in the world won't make up for its performance woes.
Driving experience - 14/20
Relatively speaking, the Lincoln Navigator drives well with less than desirable fuel economy, but it does have the best interior on the market. The horsepower output suffers compared to the competition, but at least the six-speed automatic transmission is a step in the right direction, as is the slightly above moderate handling. It has a massive interior with comfortable seating in all three rows and a bevy of safety features to its credit.
Overall score - 76/100
Lincoln has produced one of the classiest commercial SUVs to come along since the millennium. Minus the difference in towing capacity, it remains worthwhile.
and the winner is…
The heavy-platform sport utility has often been perceived as too frivolous for practical daily commuting, despite their obvious advantage during winter months. The Chevy Suburban and the Lincoln Navigator are similar in that they both represent reliability, passenger safety and comfort with strong family overtones. The difference in brute muscle cannot be denied, as the two-point edge makes the Suburban the victor.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.chevrolet.com/
http://www.lincoln.com/navigator/home.asp
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