2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 Tahoe, and includes Chevy Tahoe safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

The folks at Chevy were apparently very happy with the 2010 Tahoe, as they’ve only slightly tweaked the 2011 model. Among the changes are the addition of the most recent version of OnStar, a new 20-inch chrome wheel option and an updated towing package. The XFE model is dropped this year, because all Tahoes now get the best possible fuel economy.

Folks who want to get into a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe for the least amount of money should focus their attention on the LS model, but they don’t have to worry about driving home in a heavily stripped shell of a full-size SUV. Quite the contrary, as the Tahoe LS comes equipped with triple-zone heating and air conditioning, power door locks and windows, OnStar, an audio system featuring a USB port and steering wheel-mounted controls, and more.

Situated one step above the LS is the Chevy Tahoe LT, which features remote engine starting, electronic climate control, Bose speakers, and power pedals. Other standard items include leather upholstery, rear parking sensors and front fog lights.

A bump up to the luxurious LTZ model rewards buyers with a power tailgate, an auto-leveling rear suspension system, perforated leather to coddle one’s backside, and heated and cooled front buckets that serve the same purpose. The list goes on with power fold-and-tumble second-row seats that provide easier access to the third row, a voice-activated navigation system with a rearview camera and real-time traffic information, and a Bose surround-sound audio package.

While the LS, LT and LTZ Tahoe models suffer no shortage of creature comforts and amenities, ever-increasing gasoline prices are sure to lead to greater consideration of the Tahoe Hybrid. In addition to mainstream features like heated seats, this gas/electric sport utility vehicle employs an advanced transmission with electric motors powered by a battery pack, among other technologies, to deliver EPA-rated fuel economy on par with much smaller and less capable cute ‘utes.

With the exception of the Hybrid model, every 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is fitted with a 5.3-liter V8 that puts out 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, all of which is directed to either the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, every 2011 Tahoe gets 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, negating the need to have the XFE (Extra Fuel Economy) model in the lineup for 2011.

If you want something more efficient, especially around town, the Tahoe Hybrid is available and promises 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those figures are impressive, especially for a full-size truck fitted with a 6.0-liter V8 packing 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The marriage of commendable fuel economy and raw grunt is made possible by a two-mode hybrid transmission equipped with electric motors powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack that allows the Tahoe to travel up to 30 mph without any input from the gas engine. Engineers have also equipped this SUV with a regenerative braking system to recharge the battery pack.

Regardless of how attractive or capable a vehicle may be, few shoppers will be inclined to call it their own if it comes with poor reliability ratings. That won’t be a concern for folks shopping the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, as Consumer Reports predicts average dependability. J.D. Power and Associates foresees a rosier future for buyers of the new Tahoe, as evidenced by its rating of above-average.

There’s also positive news to share on the safety front, despite new-for-2011 testing and scoring procedures adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Based on a scale of 1 to 5 Stars (5 being the best), the Tahoe earned a 4-Star overall rating thanks to 5-Star front and side protection combined with a 3-Star rating for rollover resistance. Aiding in the safety effort are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags, and Chevy’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

Now in its fifth year of production since being completely redesigned, the Chevrolet Tahoe continues to impress with its stylish exterior, capable and efficient powertrain options, and versatility (though the rather antiquated third-row seat, which requires removal to maximize cargo space, continues to be a detraction). Despite higher gas prices that have lead to a gradual shift to smaller and more efficient vehicles, shoppers in need of a capable full-size SUV can view the Tahoe as a solid option.

By Thom Blackett