The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is a whole lot of SUV, capable of towing like a pickup and seating nine adults with nobody bumping elbows. The question is whether it’s more SUV than you need, or just enough.
2011 Chevrolet Suburban: Quick Overview
- Bluetooth was new for 2011, as were a handful of new exterior colors, like Mocha Steel Metallic.
- The 2011 Suburban ranks “average” for frequency of repairs, but the repairs themselves tend to be a bit pricey, with an average annual maintenance cost of just over $800.
- Engine options include a 5.3L V8 for the 1/2 ton, and a 6.0L V8 for the 3/4 ton, at 320 and 352 horsepower, respectively.
- The 5.3L engine will go 15/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway, with the 6.0L getting around 10/16.
- The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban was not tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, but the Tahoe, basically the same SUV but a little smaller, earned a four-star rating out of five from the NHTSA.
- Ford’s competing 2011 Expedition offers similar interior space and power with zero recalls and few NHTSA complaints, but generally won’t last as long as a Suburban.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Have?
With just 217 complaints on record with the NHTSA after a decade on the market, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the least troubled SUVs in its class. The leading complaints are in airbags, at 95, structure, at 44, and electrical system, at 13. The causes for complaint: a parts shortage for the Takata airbag recall, cracks along the dashboard around the passenger airbag, and flickering lights followed by the “service traction control” light popping on.
Regarding the Takata airbag recall, two of the 2011 Suburban’s five recalls were for airbags, both issued in February of 2021, totaling more than five million units across several GM nameplates, for passenger-side airbags that could potentially explode. There is also an investigation, launched in September of 2021, and still ongoing as of the time of this writing, to determine if any further Suburbans need to be recalled.
You’ll want to keep an eye on that airbag investigation and check your VIN, but overall the 2011 Suburban just doesn’t have that many problems to worry about.
What are the Prices, Models, and Specs?
Assuming a launch price of around $47,245, you can expect a 2011 Suburban to sell for around $13,692 these days, with an average five-year depreciation rate of about 46%. Chevy likes to keep the trim list short and sweet for the Suburban:
- The LS is entry-level, but not basic or sparse. You get heated exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise, audio, and Bluetooth controls, a whole rear audio system with headphone jacks. If the LT and LTZ weren’t even better, you might guess the LS to be the top-tier trim.
- The LT adds ultrasonic rear parking assist, fog lamps, leather seat trim, tri-zone air conditioning, and a nine-speaker Bose sound system to the package.
- With the LTZ, you have everything you get in the LT, plus perforated heated and cooled leather seats, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, power-adjust exterior mirrors, and a rearview camera system. Plus one more speaker for the audio setup.
How Long will the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Last?
A 2011 Suburban will typically reach at least 200,000 miles, and can easily top 300,000 with proper maintenance. If you were to buy one fresh off the lot, you could expect about 15 years of service out of it, so a well-maintained 2011 should still have five, six good years left. That being said, the 2011 Suburban averages about $816 a year in maintenance costs, so, it’s pricier to keep running than most SUVs.
Our 2011 Chevy suburban is extremely reliable and have traveled over 100 thousand miles with it so far traveling out of state on regular basis. We have had no issues with this vehicle and can feel safe and at ease knowing we can make our travels with no worries. Our vehicle also comes with GPS and OnStar which are wonderful features to have when traveling.
Yes it is. It does not have any problems at all. The engine is good, we do regular maintenance on it
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
- Standard features include Bluetooth, hands-free for select phones, and an electronically controlled transmission with tow/haul mode.
- Available tech upgrades include a universal home remote transmitter, XM NavTraffic, auto-dimming mirrors, and remote engine start.
- Safety features in the LT include your basic tire pressure monitor, Stabilitrak, and so on, while the LT adds rear park sonar, and the LTZ adds a rearview camera.
What Engine Options are Available?
The Suburban is available in a 1/2 ton version and a 3/4 ton, making for an SUV that drives like a full-size pickup. Your engine will be determined by which version of the Suburban you go with.
- The half-ton comes with a 5.3L V8 Vortex Flex Fuel engine with active fuel management. This will deliver 335 lb.-ft. of torque and 320 horsepower at 15/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway. That’s going to be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and rear/four-wheel drive.
- In the 3/4 ton, you’re getting a 6.0L V8. 352 horsepower, 382 lb.-ft. of torque, at 10/16 miles to the gallon. Same transmission and wheel configuration as the 1/2 ton, but you get a heavy-duty suspension to go along with it.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban?
A full-size three-row SUV stretching 222 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 77 inches tall, let’s just put it this way: whatever you need to carry in your Suburban, you can carry it in your Suburban. Fold the seats down and you can haul a love seat in the back, with the hatch shut. It’s basically a full-size truck with some extra seats in place of a bed.
You might have some trouble fitting it in the garage without doing some tidying up, but interior space won’t be an issue. It’s more of a small bus than it is a big SUV.
How Does the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Compare to Other Full-size SUVs?
The Suburban is sort of a specialized SUV. You’re not comparing it to a CR-V or a Santa Fe. The only real competitor is the Ford Expedition, which had far fewer complaints than the Suburban back in 2011, and no recalls. However, with an Expedition, major problems are expected to start at around 150,000 miles, so there might not be that many 2011 Expeditions left to go around by now in the first place.
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban a Good SUV?
Yes.
If you want a full-size SUV that can haul a big family with room to spare, the Suburban is generous in its interior space and features, and fairly priced for an SUV that should still have another 100,000 miles on it.
But, all the money you save on the sticker price, you’re going to be spending on gas and maintenance.
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the best options out there right now for a used full-size SUV, you just need to take a minute and consider whether you really need a full-size SUV. They’re handy to have around, but they cost a pretty penny to keep running.
Photos: Chevrolet
