2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold and somewhat polarizing design, with its front-end borrowing heavily from the Camaro's design language. This resulted in a combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles that did not favor the Suburban's massive frame. Despite the exterior's divisive appearance, the interior maintained a familiar layout with controls in expected places, ensuring ease of use. The Suburban offered a range of trims, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding various features and enhancements. The High Country trim, while upscale, lacked the soft-touch materials typical of true luxury SUVs, making it more akin to an upscale pickup.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, maintaining the brand's signature design elements like the kidney grille and body shape. This consistency ensured the X5 was unmistakably a BMW, though it risked blending in with other models. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights and a variety of trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though it also had an abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique styling elements, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, 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 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban also introduced a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The diesel engine provided impressive torque and smooth acceleration, though the vehicle's truck-based underpinnings were evident in its handling, with noticeable body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered several powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds and a Lincoln-like cabin that minimized road noise.

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 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 similar to GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value, but the Suburban's overall passenger and cargo space overshadowed these issues.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. Seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with GM's intuitive infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's layout was sensible, with a helpful home button for navigation. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and head-up display, enhancing the vehicle's convenience and functionality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system occasionally took over musical operations unexpectedly, requiring a reset to resolve. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, 10-speaker sound system, and panoramic moonroof. Buyers could upgrade with options like a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, 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 blind-spot monitoring. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat provided additional safety benefits.

The 2021 BMW X5 included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in sunny conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.