2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a variety of interior color choices and trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to blend in with traffic despite its massive size. At nearly 19 feet long and over six feet tall, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those in urban areas. However, for those needing ample cargo space, passenger space, and towing capacity, the Suburban was a solid choice. Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims, each with increasing levels of niceties. The base LS trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the top-tier High Country trim rode on 22-inch alloys. The interior of the Suburban was spacious and comfortable, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim. The High Country trim featured beautiful brown leather interiors and a host of comfort features, though it still felt somewhat pedestrian inside.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with three engine options: two V8s and a straight-six diesel. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering better acceleration. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder, with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, provided excellent fuel economy and towing capabilities. The diesel engine was smooth and managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's steering and brakes were up to the task, and the height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well. However, its size meant some body roll and the need for earlier braking.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e also came with options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban also featured a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowing for long stretches between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's 26-mpg highway rating. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim. The High Country trim offered additional luxury features, though the overall feel remained somewhat pedestrian.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, causing occasional issues.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on all but the base LS trim, which had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system featured Google Built-in, allowing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store without needing to pair a phone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided good fidelity but lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems found in competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear park assist, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver feature. Higher trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system that managed speed, steering, and lane changes on pre-mapped roads.