2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was a compact SUV that fit snugly between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Its design was characterized by a sleek, athletic stance, with a notable 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more adaptable to various terrains compared to its lower-slung siblings. The interior of the GLB was a testament to modern design, featuring round shapes and polished metal details that evoked an aerospace vibe. The cabin was equipped with a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen, offering a seamless and elegant look. The fit and finish were of the high standard expected from Mercedes-Benz, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips adding to the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a full-size SUV that embraced Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban's exterior was customizable with various trims, each offering unique grille, fascia, and wheel designs. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and sporty black accents. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with options ranging from economically comfortable to plush, depending on the trim. The RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark. Despite this, the Suburban's cabin was well-equipped, with features like heated second-row seats and a power-sliding center console.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering a smooth and predictable power delivery. The GLB was available in both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations, with the latter providing better handling and agility. The GLB's fuel economy was respectable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the FWD version. The SUV's performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more power, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 offered a quicker 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The base 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent towing capability and fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 8,300 pounds. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing and long-distance travel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a flexible interior with the option of a third-row seat. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, allowing for individual adjustments and sliding capabilities. In the three-row configuration, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 62.0 cubic feet available in the two-row model. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options.

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, with ample headroom and legroom. Cargo space was a highlight, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's cabin featured a power-sliding center console and numerous storage compartments. However, its large size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces, and it might not fit in some garages due to its height.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches. Smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate were standard, while advanced options like augmented reality navigation and a Burmester Surround Sound System were available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System included an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch screen on higher trims, with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Suburban also featured a WiFi hotspot and wireless device charging. The audio system varied by trim, with a premium Bose CenterPoint system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, and crosswind assist. Optional safety features included active LED headlamps, blind-spot assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with specific ratings for front crash protection, side crash protection, and rollover resistance.