2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ

The Tahoe is Chevrolet's full-size SUV, the one families cross-shop with the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. It drives like a truck but rides like a car, with a quiet cabin and plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it. The third row folds or removes for hauling, and the cabin is roomy enough for seven adults in comfort. Some owners mention cracked dashboards and door lock actuators that need replacing, so check those on a used example. Stepping up to the LTZ gets you the top trim, with leather seating, power-adjustable pedals, and a premium Bose sound system that the LT doesn't have. The 5.3L V8 makes 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, and the six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, so the Tahoe feels strong pulling a trailer or merging onto the highway.