2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban exhibited a controversial front-end design, drawing heavily from the Camaro's styling cues. Previous iterations had a more conservative design that aged gracefully, yet it seemed the modern version faced an uphill battle in aesthetic appeal. The combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles was not particularly flattering.

Inside the Suburban, the layout largely remained consistent with past models. The controls were intuitively placed, including radio and climate controls, though the chrome strip framing the touchscreen tended to reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes. The interior materials were a mixed bag; the range-topping High Country trim boasted woodgrain and leather elements, but there was an abundance of hard plastic, detracting from the luxury feel. Overall, the Suburban's look and feel leaned more towards an upscale pickup than a true luxury SUV.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, familiar design that had barely changed over the years. Key elements included circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, giving it a rugged, toy-like appearance. Despite various trim levels, from painted or exposed fenders to different roof types, the Wrangler's core design remained unmistakable.

The Wrangler's interior was all about functionality. It offered basic creature comforts with a small center console, glovebox, and effective in-door cargo nets. The cabin also featured drain plugs for easy cleaning. While not as spacious or luxurious as the Suburban, the Wrangler’s design was tailored for utility, making it practical for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It also offered a 6.2-liter V8 that churned out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban's engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Suburban's diesel engine provided excellent pickup, and its truck-like capability made it suitable for towing up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package.

The Suburban’s handling revealed its truck-based roots. Its independent rear suspension improved overall ride comfort, although there was noticeable body roll and some truck-like chatter over bumps. Despite this, it maintained a smooth feel on most driving surfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 delivering 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 variant came with a 6.4-liter V8, producing an impressive 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse.

Each Wrangler engine routed power to one of three 4WD systems, tailored for varying degrees of off-road capability. The Rubicon 392 featured a beefed-up frame, a 2-inch lift, Fox shock absorbers, and an exhilarating performance exhaust.

The Suburban’s form and function were highlighted by its cavernous cargo space. With the rear seats folded, it offered 144.7 cubic feet of storage. Even with the second-row seats in use, 93.8 cubic feet was available. The 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row surpassed many small crossovers. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road, with ample head- and legroom, particularly in the second-row captains' chairs. However, some control layouts, like the button shifter and power-sliding center console, seemed unnecessarily complex.

In contrast, the Wrangler's cargo space was more modest, with 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The available space was complicated by wheel-wells and roll-bars. However, the Wrangler offered various roof options, including a zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Sky one-touch power top, enhancing its flexibility for open-air driving. The interior featured cargo nets and drain plugs for practicality, aligning with its rugged personality.

The Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and could be paired with a wireless charging pad. Optional tech features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and a head-up display.

The Wrangler's technology varied across trims. The base Sport had a simple 5-inch display, while higher trims featured either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with crisp graphics and an intuitive layout. The Rubicon 392 came with an additional color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera embedded in the front grille.

The Suburban was equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, and a surround-view monitor.

The Wrangler offered some modern safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control, but they were optional on most trims. It also had a live tire-pressure monitoring system, particularly useful for off-roading. The basic safety setup on the Wrangler was relatively sparse compared to the Suburban.