2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included various packages and features, bringing the MSRP to $67,869. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious enough for the Lexus badge, with upgraded ambient lighting and premium upholstery.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, a staple in the full-size SUV market, maintained its iconic status with a careful restyling. Chevrolet managed to modernize the Suburban's front and rear fascias and lighting signatures while preserving its recognizable profile. The trim lineup remained consistent, with the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country options. The RST and High Country trims could be equipped with 24-inch wheels, though the Suburban's exterior largely followed the 2024 playbook. Inside, the 2025 model saw significant upgrades, including a more sophisticated dash, a new column shifter, and a 17.7-inch touchscreen display, replacing the outdated 10.2-inch screen. The Suburban's interior improvements extended to a more modern steering wheel and enhanced HVAC controls. Despite its high cost, the 2025 Suburban offered a more refined experience, even in its least expensive versions.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving situations, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of engines, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A third option, the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel, received a power boost to 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine was praised for its quietness and smoothness, making it a preferred choice for those driving in the 20 to 60-mph range. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's steering was surprisingly light, though the brake pedal had a heavy feel with noticeable rebound. The 2025 model featured a recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension, standard on Premier and High Country trims, offering a softer ride. An adjustable air suspension was available on the Z71 and standard on the High Country. The Suburban's 24-inch wheels, though visually impressive, were deemed too harsh on rough pavement and came with a high cost.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more affordable and practical option compared to the GX, LX, and RX L models. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs as an option. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had limited legroom, especially when accommodating third-row passengers. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The interior featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space and cargo capacity, making it ideal for families with multiple children or pets. It offered 41.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down. The Suburban's towing capacity was impressive, with the 5.3-liter V8 and RWD capable of pulling up to 8,300 pounds. The diesel engine offered a slightly lower towing capacity but boasted an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. With a 28-gallon fuel tank, the diesel Suburban could cover over 700 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, causing driver distraction. The head-up display was often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban addressed previous shortcomings in its in-vehicle technology with a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not an OLED unit, the screen was crisp and bright, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an available 15-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but Google Built-in offered native integration of Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. The user interface was visually appealing, though customizing the driver information display was unintuitive. The new steering wheel featured complex controls, requiring a learning curve. Physical buttons for essential functions remained, providing some familiarity. The top-range Bose stereo, while improved, still lagged behind competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. The 2024 model received four out of five stars in overall crash safety from the NHTSA. Despite this, the Suburban offered a comprehensive list of standard ADAS features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a teen driver monitoring system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on higher trims but would not be available at launch.