Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban continued to uphold its legacy as a dominant force in the SUV segment. With its roots tracing back to 1935, the Suburban maintained its iconic status by introducing subtle cosmetic updates for 2026. These included a new Polar White Tricoat paint option, 22-inch bright split-spoke wheels, and the RST Dark Essentials Package, which added a more aggressive look with 24-inch black wheels and black accents. Despite these changes, the Suburban's driving dynamics remained unchanged, offering a familiar experience to returning customers. The LS trim, which was evaluated, presented a restrained exterior with body-color bumpers and chrome trim, while higher trims like the RST and Z71 leaned into sportier and off-road aesthetics, respectively. The Suburban's massive size was both a challenge and an advantage, particularly in urban settings like Boston, where maneuvering through tight spaces required extra attention. However, on open roads, the Suburban's size translated into a comfortable and composed ride, making it a suitable choice for those who frequently travel in less congested areas.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a more conservative design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. The Grand Highlander aimed to provide a familiar and functional experience, with its interior emphasizing practicality over form. The Platinum trim, tested in Storm Cloud paint, featured a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The Grand Highlander's interior was equipped with logically laid-out controls and decent material quality, although some storage areas lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob. Overall, the Grand Highlander Hybrid prioritized efficiency and practicality, offering a spacious interior with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, making it a strong contender for families seeking a versatile SUV.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban retained its truck-like driving characteristics, powered by a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower. For those seeking more power, a 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower, while a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel offered up to 27 mpg on the highway. The Suburban's towing capacity reached up to 8,400 pounds with the Max Towing Package, catering to those with heavy hauling needs. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear shifts, although some gear indecision was noted on steep inclines. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims. The Suburban's size was well-managed on highways, offering a composed ride, though the absence of Magnetic Ride Control in the LS trim was noticeable.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route, with an expected 24-25 mpg in typical driving conditions. The powertrain provided confident acceleration, while the ride quality absorbed road imperfections well. However, handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer when pushed hard.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 144.5 cubic feet with all seats down. This made it a top choice for those prioritizing cargo capacity. The Suburban could seat up to nine passengers with a front bench seat option, while captain's chairs in the second row enhanced comfort and accessibility to the third row. The third-row legroom was generous, and features like cargo tie-down anchors and a power-folding third row added to its practicality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of nearly 100 cubic feet. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, offering a premium feel. The second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console allowed for easy access to the third row. While the Grand Highlander offered ample cargo space, some storage areas were unlined, potentially affecting cabin noise levels. The rear doors required significant space to open, which could be challenging in tight parking situations.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-In for seamless integration. An 11-inch driver information display and an available head-up display provided additional information. While adaptive cruise control was standard, Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims. The steering wheel had numerous controls, and a Bose stereo was available on upper trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various connected services. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included features like a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were not available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle detection, and a surround-view camera system. Trailer sway control was also standard, catering to towing needs. Shoppers were advised to verify specific features by trim, as Super Cruise was limited to higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection. The Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating in some situations, but overall, the safety tech operated with accuracy.