The
2011 Chevrolet Suburban is a traditional, full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) built to transport seven or eight passengers. Propelled by either a 5.3-liter or a 6.0-liter V-8 engine, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Suburban offers five trim levels and a wide range of available features.
Refined inside and outside, the Suburban is a top-of-the-line SUV filled with as many creature comforts as you might wish to purchase. Safety systems, such as the StabiliTrak stability control with rollover mitigation, abound in the Suburban that is known for getting top scores in safety testing. You might not like taking it to the gas station, however, because the Chevy Suburban gets only 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway in fuel economy.
New for 2011
For 2011, the Chevy Suburban received only minor changes. The 1500 LS trim level now has standard rear audio system controls with two headphone jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, a floor console with storage area, wood grain interior trim, luggage rack center rails, body color outside door handles and mirror caps, and premium cloth front buckets with optional 40/20/40 bench. The 1500 LTZ four-wheel drive adds standard chrome recovery hooks and two-speed transfer case. New paint colors for 2011 are Mocha Steel Metallic, Steel Green Metallic, and Ice Blue Metallic.
Essentials
Engines: 5.3L V-8, 6.0L V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Body Style: SUV
Trims: 1500 LS Sport Utility, 1500 LT Sport Utility, 1500 LTZ Sport Utility, 2500 LS Sport Utility, 2500 LT Sport Utility
On the Outside
Chrome 20-inch wheels are a new option on Chevy Suburban 1500 LTZ. The Off Road appearance package includes high-pressure mono tube gas shocks, 18-inch off-road tires, an automatic locking rear differential, color-key fender flares, and a bright chrome grille insert.
From the Inside
Optional features for Chevy Suburban SUV include a power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, first- and second-row heated seats, Ultrasonic parking assist, driver information center, tri-zone automatic HVAC, rearview-mirror camera, touch-screen navigation, and eight-inch DVD screen.
Driving Performance
The Chevy Suburban rear-wheel drive 1500 comes with an iron block 5.3-liter Vortec, and the four-wheel drive 1500 has an aluminum-block 5.3, while both received cylinder shutoff technology, E85/flex fuel capability, and 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The 2500 hosts a 352-horsepower 382 pound-feet iron-block 6.0-liter engine.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Chevy Suburban include roof-mounted head curtain side airbags with rollover protection for all three rows and front seatbelt pre-tensioners designed to provide deployment in rear-end crashes. Also standard is StabiliTrak stability control with rollover mitigation.
Gas Mileage
1500 LS, LT, LTZ (5.3L) RWD/4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
2500 LS, LT (6.0L) RWD/4WD: 10 mpg city/15-16 mpg highway
Plusses
- Roomy interior space
- Wide variety of configurations
- Engineering refinement
Minuses
- Parking it
- Buying gas for it
- Old-fashioned design
Rating
A big old SUV still staying relevant
People Who Like the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Also Like
- Ford Expedition
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Cadillac Escalade
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class