2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe gains integrated trailer-brake controller with optional Trailering package. The Expedition offers a third-row seat that conveniently folds away to expand cargo capacity, yet the Ford isn’t as powerful as the Tahoe. The Sequoia is the Tahoe’s most serious competitor; it offers a similar mix of performance and utility. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. The Tahoe Hybrid is reviewed separately.

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ SUV

The base Tahoe LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone manual climate control, eight-passenger seating with front power-adjustable bucket seats and center floor console, a 60/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split removable third-row seat. A front split bench seat may be substituted to enable nine-passenger seating. 4WD models include a single-speed transfer case.

LT models include most available LS equipment plus front foglamps, a locking rear differential, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-passenger leather-trimmed seating and nine-speaker Bose audio. Among options not available on the LS are second-row captain’s chairs (for seven-passenger seating) and a Luxury package with heated front and second-row seats (with power release), power-folding mirrors and a power rear liftgate. LTZ-trimmed Tahoes include the LT Luxury package content with seven-passenger seating as standard equipment and add 20-inch wheels, a suspension system with active damping, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and ground-illuminating lights, perforated leather-trimmed seating with more adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, power flip-and-fold second-row seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. A second-row split bench seat can be substituted for eight-passenger seating. LTZ options include power-retractable assist steps, a blind-spot warning system and several features also available on other Tahoe models including a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment, a Trailering package and a variety of 20- and 22-inch wheels.

Every 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 generating 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission transmits power through the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models. The 4WD Tahoe is offered with a choice of either a traditional two-speed transfer case or a single-speed unit without low-range gearing.

The Tahoe’s acceleration is strong for a full-size SUV, as the 4WD Tahoe hit 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. A properly equipped Tahoe can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The 2011 Chevy Tahoe comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar emergency telematics. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are available on every Tahoe, while the Tahoe LTZ can be had with a blind-spot warning system.

The Tahoe’s tight 39-foot turning circle does make it reasonably maneuverable in town.