2011 Chevy Tahoe Lancaster

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The Tahoe, which represents Chevrolet in the full size SUV market, offers cargo space, passenger accommodations, and towing capacity. The Tahoe rides on a truck based platform and brings consumers the versatility of real low-range four-wheel drive, while delivering a good ride and a pleasing interior. The Tahoe Hybrid offers consumers a chance to get decent mileage in the city. For 2011, changes include new colors and available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels on the top-of-the-line LTZ model. And the trailering package now includes an integrated trailer brake controller. The mid-level 2011 Tahoe LT includes an available Bose premium nine-speaker audio, plus standard power-adjustable pedals, remote start, rear park assist, and heavy-duty locking rear differential. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard, as is an electronic stability system that features rollover mitigation technology. The Tahoe's large headlights flank a wide grille split by a horizontal bar with a large Chevy bowtie logo. The Tahoe's steering is among the best in big, truck-based utilities, nicely weighted and void of free play and any wander. 

Powering the new Chevrolet Tahoe

For 2011, the mighty Chevy Tahoe is powered by a flex-fuel 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 engine that makes 335 pounds-feet of torque on gasoline or 326 hp and 348 pounds-feet of torque on E85. The engine has a cast-iron block on two-wheel-drive models and an aluminum block on four-wheel-drive Tahoes. The Hybrid uses a 6.0-liter V8 gas engine, rated at 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, and an electric drive system contained within the transmission. That battery pack is charged by the motor/generators when the gas engine runs and when you are moving with your foot off the pedal, such as descents and approaching stop signs. Energy that would normally be turned into heat by the brakes is used to recharge the battery pack which is why the Hybrid's fuel economy advantage is primarily in the city. The 5.3-liter V8 and its 6-speed automatic are plenty for the 2011 Tahoe, and the 6-speed lets the engine use its four-cylinder mode to best advantage; it takes fuel to make power and move the Tahoe down the road, regardless of the number of cylinders being used. At maximum power, the Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 Off-Road Package is also available on the LT. A single-speed transfer case is standard on four-wheel drive models, with a two-speed case optional. The Tahoe uses independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension with coil springs at both ends. Multiple suspension tuning choices are offered, with a smooth ride setup standard on most, Autoride providing real-time damping and self-leveling rear on the LTZ, and the Z71 package for off-road use. The Z71 is firm and set-up more towards speed over rough terrain than softness for ultimate articulation, and the Autoride proves useful on variable road surfaces or towing.

Design of the 2011 Tahoe

The Tahoe may be a sleek vehicle, yet the smooth appearance doesn't mean the Tahoe looks soft. Built on a wide frame, this is a commanding vehicle with a strong stance. A bulging hood enhances its visual strength. Further boosting the muscular look are standard 17-inch wheels, with 18s and 20s available. The streamlined looks of the 2011 Tahoe are not only for style, in fact one result of the streamlined body is optimal fuel economy. The Tahoe has a coefficient drag(Cd) number of 0.36. The Hybrid is even smoother, with a Cd of 0.34. The front of the Tahoe features a clean interpretation of Chevrolet's two-tier front grille with a central bowtie logo. Tow hook openings flank the license plate frame and they are, on cars so equipped, flanked by fog lights. The sides of the Tahoe have little ornamentation, yielding a smooth design. Windows aren't shrunk in the name of style and offer a decent view; unlike the Suburban the rear side windows do not roll all the way down. The liftgate has separate opening glass to offer easier loading of small items and the bumper top is ribbed for safer roof loading.

'11 Chevy Tahoe Interior

Inside the spacious Tahoe cabin a stylish dashboard and flush-mounted buttons give the Tahoe a carlike interior. Two rows of seats hold up to six occupants, with a third row increasing total seating capacity to nine.  The Tahoe can be enjoyed from all positions in the cabin. The driver sits up high with a good view of the road. With tilt wheel, power seat, and available adjustable pedals most drivers should find a proper, safe driving position. With the third row out and second row folded Tahoe has full-size cargo space of 108.9 cubic feet, 60.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 16.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The load height is about the same height as a typical pickup bed.

New Chevrolet Tahoe Lineup

The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and Hybrid trim levels. All those are available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or Autotrac four-wheel drive (4WD). The Tahoe LS comes with cloth upholstery; tri-zone manual climate control with rear controls; split front bench seat; power driver's seat; 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat; 50/50 split-fold third row; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; Bluetooth; intermittent wipers front/rear; power locks, windows and heated mirrors; remote keyless entry; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo; XM satellite radio; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; luggage rack side and center rails; front recovery hooks; color-matched door handles; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service; and P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels.

The Tahoe LT gets leather; rear headphone jacks and audio controls, six-way power front bucket seats with console; fog lamps; three-zone automatic climate control; adjustable pedals; park assist; automatic locking rear differential; and remote start. A Luxury package for LT adds auto-dimming inside and driver mirrors, power folding and heated exterior mirrors with turn signals and reverse-tilt, heated first- and second-row seats, HomeLink, and a power liftgate.

The Tahoe LTZ upgrades to 12-way power perforated leather front seats, heated and cooled; heated second-row seats; driver memory system; Autoride suspension; power liftgate; power-folding reverse-tilt mirrors; auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors; chrome trim; Bose Centerpoint audio system; navigation; rear-view camera; XM NavTraffic; and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with 275/55R20 tires.

The Hybrid is equipped between the LT and LTZ. The Hybrid does not have roof rails, fog lamps, tow hooks, or a separate glass-opening on the liftgate. Hybrid mechanicals are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid models come with a navigation system with rearview camera, locking rear differential, and P265/65R18 low-rolling resistance tires on alloy wheels.

Conclusions

Chevrolet's Tahoe full-size SUV has available four-wheel drive and seating configurations for up to nine occupants. Overall, the Chevrolet Tahoe serves its purpose well. A vehicle with tons of cabin room, great handling, and plenty of power. It is a purpose-built, full-size four-door, family-oriented SUV. A sharp, precise driving feel, Active Fuel Management engine technology, and enhanced safety features make it a popular choice among full-size SUVs. Visit the official Chevy Tahoe website for more information on this model.