2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban carried forward the brand's full-size truck design language from its 2021 redesign. Sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, the Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. The grille, fascia, and wheel designs varied by trim level, offering buyers a fair degree of customization. Our RST test vehicle featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the top-spec High Country. However, the predominantly black interior of our RST tester felt a bit dark despite the nice touches like chrome sill plates and red seat stitching.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle, less flashy look compared to its competitors. The AMG GLS 63 performance model and the Maybach version offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and massive wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's fairly basic interior still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen housed under one piece of glass were well-integrated. However, the GLS 450's suspension exhibited poor body control, making the ride less comfortable than expected for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our RST test vehicle had the 6.2-liter V8, which provided effortless power and acceleration, especially noticeable during an 80-mile tow test. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The move to an independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, increased third-row passenger space, and expanded cargo capacity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The electric motor added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, making the ride less comfortable. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, offering seating for up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The third row was quite livable, with adequate headroom, knee room, and legroom. The Suburban had 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The optional power-sliding center console and various storage cubbies added to its practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for 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 to make loading and unloading easier. However, the touchscreen was too far away to reach easily, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a surprising level of tech, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in standard on LT and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and various camera views were available. The LT trim and above featured a nine-speaker Bose audio system, with a premium 10-speaker system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was too sensitive. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the navigation system had some issues. A head-up display was optional.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.