2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxury and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold, polarizing design, borrowing elements from the Camaro. Despite its exterior, the interior remained familiar, with controls in intuitive locations. The Suburban offered trims like LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and High Country, each adding features like leather upholstery, adaptive suspension, and a rear-seat media system. The High Country trim, in particular, aimed for luxury with features like a panoramic sunroof and power-retractable running boards, though it lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs. The Suburban's interior was more akin to an upscale pickup, offering practicality over opulence.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim offered a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with a plug-in hybrid option available. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim was the performance variant, with its V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension ensured a comfortable ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 was available, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban could tow up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. Our test vehicle featured the Duramax turbodiesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though it still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics. The brakes provided excellent stopping power, and the diesel engine offered impressive torque for acceleration and towing.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard and Long. Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated easy loading and tailgating. Interior storage included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, with second-row captain's chairs offering impressive space. The control layout mirrored GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a novel feature, though its practicality was questionable.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and media, while the lower screen controlled climate and vehicle settings. The system's integrated dials adapted to different functions, though it required a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available navigation system and rear entertainment system. The head-up display provided clear, easy-to-read graphics. The combination of wireless device charging and connectivity made for a convenient setup.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed for speed and volume limitations. 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 offerings.