2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold and somewhat polarizing front-end design, borrowing elements 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 this, the interior maintained a familiar layout with controls in their expected places, providing a user-friendly experience. The Suburban offered a range of trims, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding features like leather upholstery, adaptive suspension, and advanced driver assistance systems. However, the High Country trim, while upscale, lacked the soft-touch materials typical of true luxury SUVs, resembling more of an upscale pickup.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights. Inside, the Range Rover simplified its design with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, enhancing its modern appeal. The interior boasted premium leather and rich wood trim, exuding a sense of luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium experience, positioning it as a top contender in the luxury SUV market, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in terms of interior refinement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard 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 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 available. The diesel engine provided impressive torque, making it suitable for towing up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. The Suburban's handling revealed its truck-based roots, with excellent braking performance and a more compliant ride thanks to its independent rear suspension.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size. The standard rear-wheel-steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The Range Rover delivered a smooth and quiet ride, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

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, 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 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 were its standout features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row provided ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was less accommodating for adults but suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

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 convenience and entertainment for passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing the Range Rover's luxury appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came 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 safety 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 offerings.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. While adequately covered, some rivals offered additional safety features not present in the Range Rover.