2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't do it any favors. Chevy designers seemed to have borrowed the Camaro design language, stretching it over the Suburban's massive frame. Despite the aggressive exterior, the interior remained largely the same, with controls in familiar places. The radio and climate controls were intuitive, and the touchscreen was framed by a chrome strip that unfortunately reflected sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the base LS to the range-topping High Country, each adding more features and luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its competitors. The base model avoided gaudy grilles and excessive chrome, but higher trims like the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 added more visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and larger wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, making the interior feel high-quality without being fragile.

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. The Suburban could tow up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering package. Our test vehicle featured the newly available 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 standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD). The diesel engine provided great pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway speeds. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, although it still exhibited some truck-like tendencies such as body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS 450 also used an inline-six engine, which offered better balance and smoothness compared to a V6. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, making the ride less comfortable than expected. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was lower than some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered massive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with plenty of head- and legroom for passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were particularly roomy, and the control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks. However, the button shifter design and power-sliding center console were less intuitive and added unnecessary complexity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for easier access to the third row. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and the center console had grab handles with no clear purpose.

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 device charging pad. A navigation system and rear entertainment system with large touchscreens were available options. The head-up display provided large, easy-to-read graphics.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, while a head-up display was optional. The voice recognition system responded to the prompt “Hey Mercedes” and understood normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive and difficult to use. The embedded navigation system also had issues, suggesting inefficient routes.

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 parents to set speed and volume limitations for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options included the rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated for alerts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.