Devon test drives a large Chevy SUV (Used)

Picking the Chevy Suburban means that you need space and lots of it. It offers seating up to nine and can tow up to 8,300lbs. The Suburban will put minivans and crossovers to shame. But with high running costs and bulky image will it be enough to justify buying one?

The sole engine on hand is a 5.3-liter Eco-Tec eight-cylinder which produces 355hp. Rear-wheel-drive is standard while four-wheel-drive is optional. We strongly suggest getting the four-wheel-drive which really does help out in snowy areas and adds a bit of traction in towing. But for those who won't need all-wheel-drive the rear-wheel-drive is just as capable. Acceleration is smooth and brisk but remember this is a large nine-seat sport utility vehilce so it's not going to be race car fast.

The sheer size of the Suburban makes it a chore to live with. Rear view vision camera really does come in handy when reversing out of parking spaces in the mall and in the city. But it's still tricky to navigate on anything but large Blvds and highways. Steering is okay but it feels rather heavy at times and the Suburban is about as aerodynamic as a tower block so wind noise will be an issue. Road noise is very well hidden though.

The Suburban can seat up to nine but we reckon that most will find that even the seven seat configuration is more than enough. With the third row in place the boot space is decent but it grows enormously with the third row seat folding down. Fold down the second row seat too and you've got a massively large boot. The LS trim is the way to go it's the cheapest of the range and offers enough for most buyers needs. Automatic climate control, rear view parking camera, remote start and rear park assist all come standard. You'll have to step up to the LT trim which adds leather seats, power tailgate and forward collision warning. Top of the range LTZ offers HID headlights with LED daytime running lamps, keyless start and 20 inch alloy wheels.

The Chevy Suburban isn't cheap to buy nor is it cheap to run. The large thirsty eight-cylinder engine will be a welcome visitor at the pump. Resale value should be good thanks the Suburban nameplate and the fact that people will always still buy these even if gas prices shoot past $6 per gallon.

The Chevy Suburban is a great workhorse of a vehicle. It can seat up to nine offers plenty of comfort for people and can tow up to 8,300lbs. It's a great vehicle if you stick with the standard form which is the cheapest. Paying more than the LT trim means you'll be entering territory with choices like the Mercedes GL which is an all round better option. The Chevy Suburban is a great family car for those who want big but there are premium rivals that do the same tricks better and save a few miles on the gallon too.

Likes: The sheer size of it intimidates other drivers. Lovely eight-cylinder rumble under heavy acceleration.


Dislikes: Sheer size makes it a chore to live with. Running costs are high. There's no diesel engine option. Top of the range trim is expensive and isn't as great as some rivals.

Devon's pick: LS trim is all the Suburban you'll ever really need. You'll have to pay extra for four-wheel-drive but rear view parking camera and rear parking assist are standard as well as automatic climate control and a remote start system. Most will be satisfied with those features.

(Used) Land Rover Range Rover Sport (Review)

Photo provided by M93

The Range Rover Sport isn’t your typical Land Rover. Of course there is the legendary off-road capability and the unmistaken Land Rover looks. What makes the Range Rover Sport so different is the fact that it adds a splash of sport to your typical Range Rover, but is this a good thing?

Performance: There are two engines to choose from, a 5-liter V8 producing 375hp and a supercharged version of the 5-liter V8 producing 510hp. Picking between the two depends on the depths of your wallet. The non-supercharged V8 does a well enough job of propelling the Range Rover Sport around with no difficulty, while the supercharged form offers effortless acceleration.

Ride & Handling: The Range Rover Sport isn’t a sports machine and the hefty curb weight will suggest that. However, driving the Range Rover Sport on twisty narrow roads, you’ll instantly forget that this is a large heavy sport utility vehicle. Handling is good while ride comfort is also very posh and comfortable.

Refinement: There’s virtually no wind and road noise to complain of with the Range Rover Sport. The eight-cylinder engines emit a lovely snarl that sounds contagious when pushed hard on an open highway. The supercharged version sounds almost like a jet plane which is a welcome add to the overall driving experience.

Practicality & Space: If you want a sport utility vehicle that makes you feel like king of the road. The Range Rover Sport will do just that and will do it very well. The driver’s seat feels more like a throne, with oodles of support and adjustments to allow drivers of all sizes to get comfortable with ease. The instrumental panel is fuss free and is very easy to navigate. Rear passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom. The boot is also very spacious and roomy.

Equipment: The Range Rover Sport comes well equipped no matter what trim you choose. However, the higher the trim levels you climb the more expensive your Range Rover Sport gets. The HSE trim comes with Xenon headlamps, navigation system, 20-inch alloy wheels and full leather interior. Supercharged version offers high performance brakes, sporty exterior trim and of course the silky smooth supercharged engine.

Buying & Running cost: Buying a Range Rover Sport isn’t a cheap proposition. The base trim starts at $60,000 which will be good enough for most buyers; the mid-range adds $5,000 more with a luxury package. Top of the range adds the supercharged engine and few extras for a higher price tag of $76,000. You’ll need deep pockets for running costs, as the eight-cylinders both are gas guzzlers. The supercharged version guzzles gas as fast as it accelerates.

Reliability: The Range Rover Sport interior has many soft touch materials that feel high quality. They look and feel long lasting. However, the biggest question that still remains is reliability. Land Rover’s reliability record is very spotty, long term reliability of the mechanicals and electronics is still rather iffy.

The Range Rover Sport really is a great sport utility vehicle to own. The interior is very well crafted, the seats are very comfortable and the overall driving experience is very rewarding. The supercharged version offers effortless acceleration, all while offering light weight moves in a heavy weight package. However, the downside is you’ll pay a pretty penny to buy one and you’ll need deep pockets for running costs. There is still some concern for reliability and of course the ‘high baller’ image that the Range Rover Sport carries.

Devon's Pick: HSE trim offers a strong eight-cylinder engine and enough equipment to satisfy most buyers. Plus it's the cheapest of the Range Rover Sport range. 

Likes: Strong engines, luxurious interior with comfortable front seats. Handles well for weight and size; king of the road feeling when driving.

Dislikes: High running costs, iffy reliability record, not the vehicle for those who want to be discrete with their wealth.

Devon M

(Look-back review) Devon test drives Mercedes version of the Suburban

(Photo provided by Devon M)

If you ever wanted a vehicle that made you feel like king of the road, the Mercedes GL fits the bill perfectly. There's room for seven passengers, with several variants to pick from. A fuel stingy diesel, smooth eight-cylinder engines and a widly fast AMG trim. With the constant rise in gas prices, will Mercedes be able to justify a purpose for the GL? Let's find out. 

Performance: There are four engines to choose from. The standard 3-liter turbo diesel producing 240hp is quite enough for the GL considering how large and heavy the SUV is. The benefit of having an abundance of torque really helps in everyday driving. If you need the extra horsepower or desire an eight-cylinder engine the 4.6L bi-turbo eight-cylinder will satisfy most buyers. The higher the range you climb the more potent the engines become as well as the price tag.

Ride & handling: The GL feels comfortable and agile for such a large vehicle. The only time the GL feels out of its element is when you drive it around in tight urban areas The sheer size makes it a chore to drive around, but then again so are its rivals. The ride comfort is smooth and irons out bumps well without sacraficing handling, even though most won't push the GL to its handling limits.

Refinement: When it comes to refinement the GL lives up to the standards set by Mercedes. Wind and road noise are so well surpressed that it feels like you're in a luxury lined Jet. The most impressive feature is the lovely snarl from the turbo eight-cylinder engine that's emitted when pushed hard. The turbo-diesel is clatter free and operates almost as if it were a gasoline engine.

Behind the wheel: The position and visibility outwards is good. The dashboard layout is similar to that of the E-class. Everything is controlled through a touch-screen menu that can be rather distracting. Some controls are tricky to use, including the all in one single stalk that controls the wipers and indicators.

Space & Practicality: There is plenty of space for five adults, the third row can be used by two adults. But the space is rather tight and would probably benefit more for small children. The GL can manage to do the passengers and their luggage trick, even though with the rear seats down. The boot is massive and much more usable.

(Photo provided by Devon M)

Equipment: LED daytime running lamps, rear view camera and sunroof comes standard on the base trim. You'll have to step up to the mid-range trim to add sporty lower bodystyling, xenon headlamps and keyless start. Considering how the starting price of the GL certain features such as Xenon headlamps and keyless start should be standard across the range.

Buying & Owning: The GL is not a cheap SUV to buy. There are keen rivals that are slightly cheaper to buy, but running costs will be just as high as the purchasing price. The diesel engine is slightly cheaper to buy and run than the eight cylinders. The AMG tuned version is wildly fast and the gas goes just as fast. Resale value should be strong considering how strong the GL sales have been.

Quality & reliability: The GL feels very well put together, the interior quality feels sturdy and long lasting. Many of the bits and componets feel borrowed from the M-class. In terms of reliabiliy, Mercdes has been improving slowly with their products.

Safety & Security: 10 airbags are standard across the range with plenty of electronic aids to help assist in traction and braking peformance. The electronic aids include a 360-degree parking camera, collison avoidance with towing stability assist. An engine immobilizer is standard with an theft alarm, however Mercedes rejects deadlocks due to the grounds that it hinders safety efforts in a crash.

The GL is an intimidating vehicle to drive due to its sheer size. Most SUVs that are simliar size also face the same problem. The GL however is much more posh and sophisticated to drive. It's agile and quite comfortable to drive on long journeys. The only problem is the high purchase price and running costs. Some items that should be standard across the range are only optional, and at this price point it makes no sense for them to be considered options. If you like the GL and really want the badge of a Mercedes we say go for it. Otherwise there are cheaper rivals that offer the key features you'd probably want standard for way less.

Devon's Pick: The 3-liter turbo-diesel makes the most sense. Not only is it the cheapest to buy, but it has the lowest running costs compared to the eight-cylinder engines. You still have plenty of torque for towing and enough luxury features to satisfy most buyers needs. 

Likes: Agile and comfortable to drive for such a large vehicle. Luxurious interior with room for seven. Standard diesel engine is all the engine you'll ever need.

Dislikes: Purchasing price is hefty, the eight-cylinder engines rack in higher running costs. Some options should be standard across the range at this price point.