2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had a polarizing front-end design, borrowing heavily from the Camaro's design language. This resulted in small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't quite suit its massive frame. Despite the exterior's divisive look, the interior remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort. The High Country trim, which we tested, included upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and a rear-seat media system but still lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX retained a sharp, sculpted exterior design that was distinctly Lexus, resembling both the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX featured high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The F Sport model offered exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior. The gauge cluster, though functional, appeared dated compared to newer digital displays. The center stack's design was also somewhat outdated but remained functional.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 was also available, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle featured the new Duramax turbodiesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six 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 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 handling characteristics.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, which was average for its class. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some found it gimmicky. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The NX offered decent fuel economy, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The adaptive suspension system in the F Sport variant provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

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 a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom. The second-row captain's chairs were particularly spacious. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, but the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a novel feature but added unnecessary complexity.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. However, the NX lagged in cargo space, providing just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it one of the smallest in its class. The NX offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it convenient when combined with the available wireless charging pad. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and a head-up display with large, easy-to-read graphics.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. This package also included predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The top-tier NX offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to set speed and volume limitations. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options included a rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated for alerts.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.