Intro: When utility and versatility cannot be compromised, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban delivers where your run-of-the-mill crossover simply can't. With seating for seven, expansive cargo space and a choice in V8 power, the Suburban carries on its legacy as the quintessential American Sport Utility vehicle.
Trims for the Suburban are LS, LT, and the range-topping LTZ. Suburban's are further qualified as 1500 and 2500 models, indicating powertrain options. The LTZ that we tested featured a bright chrome grille, polished aluminum 20-inch wheels, a power rear lift-gate and a power-sliding sunroof.
Performance: The Suburban 1500 comes with a 320 horsepower 5.3 liter V8. For a little more grunt, we recommend the 352 horsepower 6-liter V8 found in the Suburban 2500. Both send power through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or available 4-wheel drive with low range.
Fuel Economy: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Features: Looking past the deep tinted Solar-Ray windows of our test model reveals a leather clad 7-passenger interior with a multifunction steering wheel, providing controls for the Bluetooth hands free calling system and the Bose 10-speaker premium audio system.
Second row passengers are treated to available captain's chairs, and the tri-zone climate control, which provides individual comfort settings for the rear passengers. Front and rear seats are heated and cooled on the LTZ trim, and the rear seats fold, giving way to over 173 cubic feet of cargo space.
A recommended option for the lesser models, but standard on the LTZ is a touch-screen navigation system with XM "NavTraffic" real-time traffic updates.
Safety Features: Standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, OnStar Stolen vehicle recovery and a full array of front and side impact airbags.
Pricing: Base MSRP for the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is $41,335. A range-topping 4-wheel drive LTZ model starts at $56,580.
Warranty: The Suburban is backed by a transferable 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a transferable 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Summary: Brimming with available upscale features and an enormity of cargo space, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is the SUV to consider when spaciousness, comfort, and go-anywhere capability are your top priorities. (2:50)