2024 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to its long-standing legacy, having been a staple in the automotive world for nearly 90 years. Despite its massive size, the Suburban managed to blend seamlessly into traffic, a familiar sight on the roads. Its imposing dimensions, stretching almost 19 feet in length and standing over six feet tall, were not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for those in need of ample cargo and passenger space, as well as significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a top contender. Available in six trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers, LED lights, and tinted windows. While the top trims boasted 22-inch alloy wheels and leather interiors, some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof came at an additional cost. Inside, the Suburban provided a comfortable cabin with leather upholstery in all but the base trim, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian despite its high-end features.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, presented a rugged yet customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking the perfect balance. Prices ranged from $58,525 for the base 90 model to $153,625 for the exclusive OCTA variant. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and a host of off-roading technologies. The Defender's interior was upgraded with premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, offering a purposeful, industrial theme rather than traditional luxury. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was primarily tested on pavement, where it handled suburban environments with ease. The Defender 130's ground clearance and wading depth were impressive, though its departure angle was less favorable compared to the Defender 110. The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, though the vehicle's weight and steering made it less suited for spirited driving on twisty roads. Overall, the Defender excelled in off-road capability and offered a unique blend of ruggedness and refinement.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The Duramax diesel, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, provided better fuel economy and was $1,500 cheaper than the V8 on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, though the electronic button-style shift mechanism might not appeal to everyone. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims. The Suburban's steering and brakes were commendable, and the air suspension handled rough roads well, though its size meant some body roll was inevitable.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Defender 130 X could tow up to 8,200 pounds and accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its prowess, the Defender was primarily driven on pavement, where it handled well but wasn't particularly agile on twisty roads. The 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires were more suited for urban environments, and the Defender's weight was noticeable during spirited driving. The vehicle's ground clearance and wading depth were impressive, though the departure angle was less favorable compared to the Defender 110. Overall, the Defender's engine provided ample power, but its steering and brakes were less suited for enthusiastic driving.

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 ample storage, surpassing competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's highway rating, allowed for long-distance travel between fill-ups.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, though getting in and out required effort without lowering the air suspension. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustments with effective heating and ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the side mirrors seemed undersized. The Defender's interior felt open and airy, thanks to the panoramic sunroof and large windows. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less so in the rear. The third-row seat was comfortable and accessible, though cargo space was limited to 15.3 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo space to 43.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 89 cubic feet.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim. While the display was user-friendly, it felt small in the Suburban's large cabin. Google Built-in allowed access to essential apps without phone pairing, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included. The rear-seat entertainment system was a valuable option for long trips, though the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked depth compared to competitors.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. While previous iterations were unimpressive, the system performed well during testing, with accurate voice command responses and an intuitive user experience. The Meridian premium sound system was impressive, and additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience and 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, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like rear cross-traffic alert and Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system available on pre-mapped roads.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The system operated smoothly, though it occasionally struggled in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as low-volume models like the Defender are typically not tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.