2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had a polarizing front-end design characterized by the modern Chevrolet truck and SUV aesthetic. Past generations had been conservative, aging gracefully, but the current generation was facing an uphill design battle. The Suburban featured small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't complement its massive frame well. This design approach borrowed heavily from the Camaro, which faced criticism. Fortunately, the interior design was consistent and practical. The controls, including radio and climate, remained logically placed with touchscreen redundancy for ease of use. The interior, though functional, was criticized for hard plastics and a lack of soft-touch materials, rendering it more akin to an upscale pickup than a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, particularly in the Black Line Special Edition, sported an almost all-black exterior with minimal chrome, creating a stark, sleek appearance. However, it was challenging to maintain this flawless look, as a layer of dust quickly dulled its allure. The GX's design looked dated, closely resembling its two-decade-old predecessor. Inside, though, it shone with exceptional cabin quality—smooth, silky, and refined, reflecting Lexus's luxurious standards. Every new GX model retained a quiet cabin, with the V8 engine's faint roar being the primary sound.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's standard engine was a 5.3-liter V8, producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 with the Max Trailering package could tow up to 8,300 pounds. The Duramax turbodiesel engine, equipped in the test vehicle, delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive torque for smooth acceleration. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with either standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality significantly, although some truck-like characteristics, such as body-roll and susceptibility to crosswinds, persisted.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus GX 460's 4.6-liter V8 engine produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine facilitated a nimble 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. The GX's towing capacity maxed out at 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, distributed 40% of the power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear under normal conditions. The GX’s fuel economy was low, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. However, the ride quality benefitted from the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS), enhancing stability and off-road capability despite the vehicle's high drag coefficient.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. With the second-row seats in place, it still provided a generous 93.8 cubic feet, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed expansive head-and-leg room, with second-row captains' chairs providing ample space without the need to adjust the front seats. The interior design echoed GM’s pickup trucks, featuring a practical control layout, although the button shifter and the overly complex power-sliding center console drew some criticism.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460's interior featured a high seating position with excellent outward visibility. The vehicle's configuration aimed for maneuverability in various settings. However, second-row access was narrow, and the third-row seat was cramped and close to the tailgate, compromising safety and comfort. Cargo capacity suffered due to the design, with just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seats and 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The total cargo capacity was significantly less at 64.7 cubic feet compared to the Suburban. The rear swing tailgate further complicated loading, particularly in tight spaces.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running an intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional navigation system. The availability of a rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, a head-up display, and other user-friendly features rounded out the tech offering.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460’s new 10.3-inch touchscreen system was a major upgrade, incorporating standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. Despite keeping the outdated Remote Touch Interface touchpad, the new system was user-friendly and enhanced with voice recognition technology. Oddly, stereo controls were poorly placed, situated below off-roading controls, making them harder to use. Nonetheless, the dual-screen view for navigation and radio display, combined with high responsiveness, made the system commendable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system was a thoughtful addition for promoting safe driving habits among young drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique optional features like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety arsenal.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, though lacking current crash-test ratings, offered the Lexus Safety System+ package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, it lacked some modern driving aids that were becoming common in competitors, which might deter tech-savvy consumers.