2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold and somewhat polarizing front-end design, borrowing elements from the Camaro's design language. This approach resulted in a combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles that did not necessarily enhance its appeal. Despite this, the interior maintained a familiar layout, with controls conveniently placed and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip. The Suburban offered various trim levels, with the High Country being the top-tier option, featuring upscale elements like woodgrain and leather, though it lacked the soft-touch materials typical of luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. It managed to scale down the big Range Rover's profile into a sporty package, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. The interior, while not as opulent as previous models, still boasted high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, with fit and finish being exemplary.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, including a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp. Our test model featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, delivering 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The Suburban's handling was characterized by its truck-based underpinnings, with impressive braking power and a more compliant ride thanks to its independent rear suspension.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower, while an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system offered up to 395 hp. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in providing ample interior space, with a massive 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and generous head- and legroom. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter design was less intuitive.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its sleek design. It offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet when folded. The Velar's design also impacted visibility, with thick B-pillars and small rear windows. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable design flaw, complicating an essential safety feature.

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. The system's layout was sensible, with a helpful home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It offered features like a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and provide off-road measurements, while the 360-degree cameras offered a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a surround-view monitor camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety offerings.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. It came with standard driving assists like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.