2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a mid-sized SUV that balanced between the sleekness of the Evoque and the boxiness of the traditional Range Rover. Its design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to its more upright siblings. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious yet cockpit-like feel, though it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's design was polarizing, with a front-end that borrowed heavily from the Camaro's design language. Its large frame was adorned with small headlights and a busy grille, which didn't appeal to everyone. However, the interior was more consistent, with controls placed intuitively, similar to GM's pickup trucks. The Suburban offered various trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding features like leather upholstery, advanced infotainment systems, and off-road capabilities. Despite its upscale aspirations, the High Country trim lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs, resembling more of an upscale pickup.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar lacked a low range for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engines, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 was available, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Suburban also introduced a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though it still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics. Its brakes provided excellent stopping power, essential for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that didn't translate to more interior space. It had 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design, while stylish, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. Towing capacity varied by engine, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering a massive 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet of space, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, with the second-row captains' chairs providing impressive comfort. The control layout was intuitive, though the button shifter and power-sliding center console were less user-friendly. Despite these quirks, the Suburban's spacious interior was a standout feature.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system offered high-quality graphics, it was criticized for slow response times. Additional tech included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's layout was user-friendly, with a helpful home button. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and head-up display. The combination of wireless device charging and smartphone integration made for a convenient tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from major organizations but included standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed for speed and volume limitations, promoting safe driving habits. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety credentials.