2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, showcased a luxurious persona that differentiated itself convincingly as a premium SUV. In contrast to the Grand Highlander’s resemblance to a larger RAV4, the Lexus TX exuded an upscale aesthetic. The TX, particularly in the Luxury trim, featured stunning 22-inch wheels with a silver finish—an expensive option that significantly enhanced its presence. The Lexus design philosophy toned down the styling, resulting in a more conservative, almost anonymous look. This might have appealed to those who found the previous Lexus designs too ostentatious. The 2024 TX came in three variants: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to a speculated over $75,000 for the TX 550h+. The 2024 Lexus TX 350 Luxury, priced at $60,950, featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim, although the dark Peppercorn interior could feel too subdued even with the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350 Luxury’s interior was plush enough to justify the Lexus badge.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Suburban, with its 90-year legacy, seamlessly blended into traffic despite its colossal size. Measuring 18 feet 10 inches in length and over six feet in height, the Suburban was a behemoth on the road, ideal for those needing exceptional cargo space, passenger capacity, and towing capability. The Suburban was available in six trims, from LS to High Country, all featuring automatic windshield wipers, LED lighting, tinted windows, and progressively luxurious features as you moved up the trims. Notably, even the higher trims had options like power running-board steps and a panoramic sunroof, highlighting a unique customizability. The interior of the High Country trim we reviewed had “Mocha” leather upholstery and offered a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. Although the 12-way power-adjustable seats were supportive, some might have found them less comfortable for long drives.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, slightly quicker for AWD versions. The engine was adequate for everyday driving but could sound grating under load, and the FWD model showed hints of torque steer. The ride and handling were balanced, with firm yet compliant suspension, commendable body control, and accurate steering. Fuel efficiency was fair, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, although our testing yielded an average of 20.4 mpg. The AWD model, costing an extra $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration.

For the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, three engine options were available: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. 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 more powerful 6.2-liter V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque but had slightly lower towing capabilities. The Duramax turbodiesel, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offered better fuel economy and a cost-saving advantage in the High Country trim. We preferred the diesel for its smooth power delivery and efficiency. All engine options used a well-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, albeit with an unconventional button-style shift mechanism. Except for the Z71 trim, all models offered a choice of RWD or 4WD.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus’s three-row SUV lineup. The Premium trim included semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats in the front and second rows, and a heated steering wheel. Even though the front seats lacked massage functions, they were supportive, and the power tilt-and-telescopic wheel made for an easy driving position. The second-row bench seat was flat but acceptable, while the habitable third-row seat set the TX apart from previous models like the RX L and GX. Cargo space was practical, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo capacity, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet with both rows down. The Suburban's substantial cargo volume surpassed rivals like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. This made it ideal for large families or those needing extensive storage space for road trips. Additionally, a 28-gallon fuel tank complemented the Suburban’s long-distance capabilities. The spacious interior and passenger comforts, such as tri-zone climate control and adjustable seats, made it a highly practical choice.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls, dependent on the head-up display visible only without polarized glasses, proved frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the three-year Drive Connect subscription that included cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto facilitated seamless connectivity, and the 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

Conversely, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban’s 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all trims except the LS, was functional but felt small for the Suburban’s large cabin. The infotainment system featured Google Built-in, allowing direct access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store without phone pairing, enhancing convenience. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standardized, with a rear-seat entertainment system available as a $1,995 option. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system in our test Suburban lacked the richness expected in a luxury SUV, falling short of competitors like Ford Expedition’s B&O stereo or Jeep Wagoneer’s McIntosh system.

Lexus equipped the TX with an extensive array of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional systems like front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist. The overall functionality of these systems was smooth and effective, although the proactive braking system could be overzealous in certain scenarios.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA’s overall crash safety rating, with a mix of four and five-star scores in various tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keeping assist, and the Teen Driver feature. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system that managed speed, steering, and lane changes on mapped roads, purchasable as part of an Advanced Technology Package.