2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge and blue accents. The power port at the windshield base was a notable feature. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, except for its pedestrian notification system, which drew attention as it navigated through places like Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with some unique touches like blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The layout was functional, with controls for the transmission, emergency brake, and transfer-case lever. Despite its rugged simplicity, the interior offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its focus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence with a tall hood and large wheels. The Suburban's exterior styling was shared with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500, offering customization through various trims. Our RST test vehicle featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat and 22-inch wheels, creating a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of comfort, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country. The RST trim included features like 10-way power seats and Jet Black leather with Victory Red stitching. While the interior was comfortable, the predominantly black color scheme made it feel somewhat dark. The Suburban's size was both an advantage and a challenge, offering ample space but requiring careful maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 20.8 mpg in Hybrid mode and covered 757 miles, with 120.9 miles on electricity. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded four-wheel-drive system, making it suitable for various terrains.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's towing capacity reached 8,300 pounds, making it suitable for hauling. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. The Suburban's performance was impressive, especially with the larger V8 engine, which made towing and driving a nearly three-ton SUV feel effortless.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles for easier entry. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view of the road. While the center console had limited storage, rear-seat passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The Wrangler's design, including the swing-out tailgate, added to its charm but could be challenging for loading cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row offered ample room for adults, and access was easy. Cargo space was generous, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power-sliding center console provided additional storage, while the Suburban's size required careful maneuvering in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change, offering a modern touch to the interior.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe's technological advancements were primarily related to its hybrid powertrain, with helpful displays for charging status and powertrain data.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered advanced technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System included an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Suburban's technology package included multiple camera views, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The audio system varied by trim, with a premium Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS. The Wrangler's tall center of gravity required cautious driving to avoid sudden corrective actions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection. The Safety Alert Seat provided additional feedback to drivers, enhancing safety awareness.