2011 Chevrolet Suburban Review
The Suburban lineup features LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD standard and 4WD optional, as well as 1500 light-duty and 2500 heavy-duty series. Behind the first-row seats, Suburban offers 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room, along with up to 8,100 lbs of towing capability (1/2-ton 1500 2WD models), when properly equipped; Suburban 2500 (3/4-ton) can tow up to 9,600 lbs.
Standard in Suburban 1500 2WD models is an iron-block Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque, which offers Active Fuel Management fuel-saving technology.
The Suburban 1500 engines are backed by the fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.
The Suburban 1Lz adds chrome recovery tow-hooks and a two-speed transfer case to the 4WD model, as well as available 20-inch wheels.
Other optional features for Suburban include: Power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, Remote vehicle starting system, First- and second-row heated seats, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Driver information center, Tri-zone automatic HVAC, Rearview camera system, Touch-screen navigation system and DVD rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch screen.
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban receives only minor feature changes. The entry-level Suburban LS now gets standard Bluetooth connectivity and rear seat audio controls with headphone jacks. The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV is offered in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models. The LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, side assist steps, roof rack side rails, power front bucket seats with a center console, a 50/50-split third-row seat, tri-zone manual climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, rear-seat audio control with headphone jacks, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio. The Suburban LTZ gets 20-inch polished alloy wheels, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, the Autoride rear air suspension, premium leather upholstery, driver seat memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding heated second-row seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a premium 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with satellite radio capability.
Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the 2011 Suburban. Properly equipped, the Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.
Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban's list of standard safety features includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system, front-seat side airbags and a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. With the available 40/20/40-split front seat, the Suburban can seat up to nine passengers, a total bested only by some full-size vans.
2011 Chevrolet Suburban trim levels range within LS, LT and LTZ models. On heavier 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 models a 6.0 liter pumping out 352 horsepower and 382 pounds-feet of torque.
Model Review
The Tahoe and Suburban are Chevrolet's full-size SUVs. The Suburban is essentially the Tahoe's longer-wheelbase bigger brother.