2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had a front-end design that was often described as polarizing. Unlike its more conservatively styled predecessors, the current model adopted a more aggressive look, borrowing design cues from the Camaro. This included small headlights and large, busy grilles, which were not universally well-received. The interior, however, retained a familiar layout with controls in intuitive places, although the chrome strip framing the touchscreen could reflect sunlight into the driver’s eyes. The Suburban offered various trims, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and amenities. The High Country trim, in particular, included upscale elements like woodgrain and leather, but still fell short of true luxury SUV standards due to the presence of hard plastics.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory upholstery. While it didn’t stand out in terms of design, it was functional and comfortable, with higher trims adding wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban could tow up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. Our test model featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway speeds. The Suburban’s independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though it still exhibited some truck-like tendencies, such as body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was powered by a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth, steady acceleration but lacked engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V’s suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. While not the most exciting to drive, it was reliable and predictable, making it a solid choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, with second-row captain’s chairs providing impressive space. The control layout was similar to GM’s pickup trucks, though the button shifter and power-sliding center console were less intuitive. Despite these quirks, the Suburban’s sheer volume of passenger and cargo space made it a practical choice for large families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Accessing the cargo area varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free tailgate options. The CR-V’s interior was functional, with roof rails available only on the top Touring trim. While not as spacious as the Suburban, it provided ample room for a compact crossover, making it suitable for small families and daily commuting.

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. A navigation system and rear entertainment system with large touchscreens were available options. The head-up display provided clear, easy-to-read graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety credentials.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which was included on higher trims.