2023 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a notable facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching enhancing its appeal. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality look and feel, though the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as an automotive institution with its massive size and long-standing presence on the road. Measuring nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, it catered to a specific market needing ample cargo and passenger space, as well as towing capacity. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. While the base LS trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, the top-tier High Country rode on 22-inch alloys. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior was comfortable, with leather upholstery standard on most trims and options for heated and ventilated seats. However, even the top-spec Suburban felt somewhat pedestrian inside, lacking the richness expected at its price point.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound vehicle often felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. The CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, but the Outback struggled with acceleration, achieving only 25.6 mpg in real-world testing compared to the EPA's 28 mpg estimate. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency and a higher price. All Outbacks came with standard AWD and an X-Mode traction system, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The Outback excelled in handling and ride quality, though the standard engine's lack of power was a notable drawback.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 was the most common, providing ample power and a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8 offered better acceleration, while the diesel engine delivered superior fuel economy and cost savings. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. The Suburban's air suspension handled rough roads well, though its large size meant some body roll was inevitable.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear seats were also heated, providing a cozy environment in cold weather. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it a top choice for those needing extensive carrying capacity. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank allowed for long road trips without frequent refueling, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency. The interior was spacious and comfortable, though the base LS trim had cloth seats, while higher trims featured leather upholstery.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume and climate settings, but other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was limited, and the infotainment graphics were not particularly appealing. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

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, Assistant, and the Play Store without 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 was adequate but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated for safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster enhancing its features. The IIHS awarded it top marks, and the Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian detection. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though some, like the adaptive cruise control, felt artificial in operation.

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, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, though it required a subscription.