Chevrolet Suburban vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's ability to balance tradition with modernity. As a full-size SUV, it carried the legacy of the Suburban nameplate, which had been synonymous with large, capable SUVs for over ninety years. The restyled 2025 model maintained its iconic profile while introducing a modern front fascia and rear end, along with dramatic new lighting signatures. The trim lineup remained consistent, offering a range from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, with options like 24-inch wheels adding a touch of flair. Inside, the Suburban saw significant upgrades, including a sophisticated dashboard, a Mercedes-esque column shifter, and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen display, elevating the interior experience to match its premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a different take on luxury SUVs, with a variety of trims catering to different powertrain preferences. The TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid each provided unique features, with the latter boasting a standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior design retained the large spindle grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the interior offered spacious seating, particularly in the third row. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics detracting from the overall feel. The redesigned door handles were a novel touch, but some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a robust lineup of engines, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, delivered a more satisfying 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A standout option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which saw a power increase to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine was praised for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a favorite for those who valued efficiency and range. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension provided a softer ride. However, the optional 24-inch wheels, while visually impressive, were criticized for their harshness on rough roads.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid impressed with its 404 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving needs. The TX's AWD system was versatile, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed, and a Trail Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. The ride was smooth and quiet, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. While the TX 550h+ wasn't designed for sporty driving, it provided a comfortable and efficient experience, particularly suited for long road trips.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering enormous passenger room across all three rows and a massive cargo capacity. With 41.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with all seats folded, it was unmatched by competitors. The Suburban also boasted impressive towing capabilities, with the ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds when properly equipped. The diesel engine offered an advantage in fuel economy, delivering over 700 miles of highway driving on a single tank.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was notably spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. However, the second-row seats were challenging to fold flat, requiring a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The front seats offered roominess but lacked thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an available 15-inch HUD. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside Google Built-in services. While the user interface was attractive, some controls were unintuitive, particularly the steering wheel buttons. Despite these quirks, the new tech represented a major improvement over the previous model.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech offerings were a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features lacked refinement, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel controls were multifunctional but confusing, and smartphone connectivity occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including a voice assistant and digital key. The backup camera and Advanced Park system were highlights, providing clear visuals and automated parking assistance.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. However, crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the 2025 model at the time of review. The 2024 model received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, and the Suburban's safety features were comparable to those of its competitors.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, offering forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" rating for the passenger's side.