2011 Chevy Tahoe Review
2011 Chevy Tahoe Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- smooth powertrains
- good fit and finish
- can seat as many as nine
- stout towing capability.
Cons
- Third-row seats complicate stowage
- no telescoping steering wheel.
What’s new
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe gains an integrated trailer-brake controller with the optional Trailering package.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Chevy Tahoe is a leading choice for a traditional large SUV thanks to its comfortable cabin and ability to haul and tow. But for pure passenger use, a large crossover SUV might work out better.
2011 Tahoe Highlights
LS
- Combined MPG
- 17 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $234/month
- Seating
- 8 seats
- Drivetrain
- rear wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Flex-fuel (ffv)
- Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Vehicle overview
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe continues much as before, and that, no doubt, is just fine with a sizable number of folks who've grown to appreciate its mix of truck toughness and surprisingly refined practicality.
Like the Chevrolet Suburban to which it's related, the Tahoe is a do-anything, go-anywhere sport-utility vehicle. Its truck-based architecture and strong V8 engine allow it to tow heavy loads, and the available four-wheel-drive system can take you off-road or through the snow. These aren't necessarily activities that are undertaken every day, but only a vehicle with big-truck capability can deliver when the time comes. And yet when it comes to everyday use, the Tahoe's relatively comfortable ride and its well-executed cabin with three rows of seats make it a practical choice. In the era of the crossover, few vehicles offer such a combination.
Within its segment, the Chevy Tahoe compares well to the 2011 Ford Expedition and 2011 Toyota Sequoia. 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. We'll also point out that if pure passenger use is more important than toting and towing, a large crossover SUV is a better pick. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse and its GM siblings as well as the 2011 Ford Flex and 2011 Lincoln MKT offer better on-road handling, superior fuel economy and more flexible interior arrangements.
Performance & mpg
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 in Edmunds testing. EPA-estimated fuel economy is respectable, with 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. A properly equipped Tahoe can tow up to 8,500 pounds.
Safety
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.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Tahoe came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet, an average distance for a vehicle in this class. In government crash testing, the Tahoe received the top five-star rating for both frontal and side-impact protection.
Driving
Considering the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe weighs more than 3 tons when a few average-size passengers are aboard, its acceleration is downright energetic. It gets kudos for its towing ability, too. If you need an SUV to pull a large boat or trailer, the Tahoe will serve you well up to its rated capacity.
It's also adept as a highway cruiser, swallowing up the miles with a compliant and cushioned ride. There's a penalty to be paid, however: lackadaisical steering response and somewhat disconnected handling dynamics as speeds increase. The Tahoe's tight 39-foot turning circle does make it reasonably maneuverable in town.
Interior
The Chevrolet Tahoe's cabin is one of its strengths, with an attractive design and high-quality fit and finish. The layout of its controls is straightforward, and their operation intuitive. The front seats are comfortable, though the lack of a telescoping steering wheel might be a drawback for some drivers.
One of the Tahoe's advantages over its competition is the ability to accommodate nine occupants with the LS's available front split bench seat. However, the Tahoe lacks a convenient flat-foldaway third-row seat; the rear seats are heavy, awkward to remove and must be stored elsewhere. Once the seats are out, there are 109 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe models
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. The Tahoe Hybrid is reviewed separately.
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. Also standard are Bluetooth, OnStar and a six-speaker audio system with CD and rear audio controls, satellite radio, an auxiliary input jack and an iPod/USB interface. An optional Convenience package includes power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start, rear parking assist and a rearview camera system with mirror display. 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. An optional Z71 Off-Road package adds specially tuned springs and shocks, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, skid plates and unique front and rear fascias.
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. 4WD models include a two-speed transfer case. 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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe.
5 star(65%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car ever
Russ Blondek, 04/27/2010
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I love this thing. When I tow my 6,500 pound trailer you can barley feel it. The ride is smooth while I have the Z71 Package. It tackles mountains like nothing, and its done marvels when waterfording. I couldnt imagine not driving anything else. The Cargo space is huge, and the cabin is insanley roomy. The handling feels european and is incredible for such a large SUV. Bumps and potholes … are barley felt. I was going home one night and a deer jumped in front of my headlights. I did hit him, but alls I felt was a light thud.(The deer survived. Hes at a sancuary now). The car is remarkably safe and the electronic stability control ahs saved my life more then once. Do not hesitate buying this!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Best Tahoe ever!
frankm58, 02/01/2012
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
After a short test drive we were sold! so we sold our 2005 Tahoe (older body style) for a new one, after owning our older one for 6 years with no problems, we (Wife and myself) decided it was time for a new one since our 2005 was so reliable.
We noticed how much quieter and smoother the ride was one the 2011 and noticeable 45 hp increase for better towing.
Although the 2011 offers only … 3 MPG HWY better we still got our money's worth and filling the empty space in our garage with a small SUV compared to a full size Tahoe with all its features was well worth the sacrifice especially since we drive it locally anyway.
In this price range, there is nothing compared
to the Tahoe!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great New Tahoe Z71
Mike, 07/09/2010
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
We live on NH seacoast and hope to appreciate 4wd, high ground clearance, and remote start for our winters and even some fun for a little light off road. From purchase to the first few weeks of ownership the experience has been great. Power, quality, comfort and room we wanted. Smooth ride and crisp handling. Quiet cabin environment and nice Bose sound. Full option set to compete with … any player in the class.Interior and exterior fit and finish is outstanding. Plenty of room for groceries, our bikes and trips to Home Depot and comfort for friends and family touring. Has cruising range and long term comfort for longer trips and V8 highway power when needed.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Could not be happier!
daddybear1, 09/02/2011
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
After getting rid of my Silverado and downsizing to a Malibu, I realized that I just was not a car driver.
So after looking at all of the large SUV's I drove the Tahoe. I knew immediately it was what I always should have had (I wanted one when I bought the Silverado bought talked myself out of it because of incentives).
Anyways, I could not be happier with this SUV.
The comfort is … amazing, have never found the 'right' driving position until know.
I feel completely safe taking my family on a road trip.
My MPG is actually better than it was on my truck, I am averaging 16 in mostly LA driving.
Dealers are wonderful and actually act like they want your business.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tahoe since its last redesign.
More about the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview
The Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is offered in the following submodels: Tahoe SUV. Available styles include LT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), LT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), LTZ 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), LS 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), LTZ 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), and LS 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A). Pre-owned Chevrolet Tahoe models are available with a 5.3 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine, with output up to 320 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe comes with rear wheel drive, and four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT is priced between $15,500 and$17,990 with odometer readings between 122805 and136921 miles.
- The Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ is priced between $10,966 and$17,778 with odometer readings between 120203 and184371 miles.
- The Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS is priced between $17,998 and$17,998 with odometer readings between 126873 and126873 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe for sale near. There are currently 6 used and CPO 2011 Tahoes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $10,966 and mileage as low as 120203 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Can't find a used 2011 Chevrolet Tahoes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Chevrolet Tahoe for sale.
Find a used Chevrolet for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet Tahoe for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials
Check out Chevrolet Tahoe lease specials
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