2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered two models in the U.S.: the G550 and the AMG G63, both allowing extensive customization through the G Manufaktur Program. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, creating a customizable and immersive environment. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence with its tall hood and large wheels. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of customization options. Our RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat and sporty black accents, stood out as a particularly attractive choice. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with seating for up to nine passengers and a maximum cargo capacity of 144.7 cubic feet. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark. Despite its size, the Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, including double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its impressive capabilities, the G-Class had a fuel economy of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550 and 13/16 for the G63.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing and hauling. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, while the optional four-wheel drive system offered versatility for different driving conditions. The Suburban's fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior. With 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded, it provided ample room for luggage and gear. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and abundant storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering seating for up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was easy. With 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, the Suburban had the largest cargo area among large SUVs. The power-sliding center console and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality. However, its size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those used to a column shifter.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class included the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. Standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology for a full-size SUV. The LT trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above had a 10.2-inch system with additional features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. The Suburban's audio system varied by trim, with the Premier and High Country offering a premium Bose 10-speaker system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist system could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and more. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.