Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery sizes to choose from. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided more power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. Our test vehicle, an XLE with FWD and the optional larger battery, was priced at $40,468. The bZ's design had improved, with body-color trim replacing the black overfender trim that was unpopular in previous models. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, although the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status with cosmetic updates, including a new Polar White Tricoat paint option and available 22-inch bright split-spoke wheels. The RST Dark Essentials Package added a more aggressive look with 24-inch black wheels and black accents. Despite its size, the Suburban managed its proportions well, offering a composed ride on highways. The LS trim we tested featured a restrained exterior with body-color bumpers and chrome trim, while higher trims offered more distinctive styling. The Suburban's size was both a challenge and an advantage, providing ample space for passengers and cargo, but requiring careful maneuvering in tight spaces. The interior was well-equipped, with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and physical climate controls, although advanced safety tech like Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of power and efficiency options. The XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor AWD models produced 338 hp, with a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD. The bZ could recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, and the larger battery required seven hours to fully charge with a Level 2 home charger. In efficiency tests, the bZ performed better than EPA estimates, averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. However, the bZ's handling was less impressive, with front wheelspin issues and lifeless steering detracting from its performance on winding roads.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban offered robust performance with its standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower. A 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine were also available, the latter offering up to 27 mpg on the highway. The Suburban's towing capacity reached up to 8,400 pounds with the Max Towing Package. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, 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 the road, with light steering effort and a composed ride, although the absence of Magnetic Ride Control in the LS trim was noticeable. The diesel engine was particularly quiet at highway speeds, making it a strong choice for long-distance travel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a skateboard-style EV platform with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heated and ventilated options available. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, although foot space was limited. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

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 144.5 cubic feet with all seats down. The Suburban could seat up to nine passengers with a front bench seat option, or prioritize comfort with second-row captain's chairs. The third row provided generous legroom, and higher trims featured a power-folding third row. Cargo tie-down anchors and a low load floor enhanced usability, making the Suburban a standout choice for those needing maximum space and flexibility.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered the native navigation and voice assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-In for direct integration of Google Maps and the Play Store. An 11-inch driver information display and an available head-up display provided additional readouts. Adaptive cruise control was standard, but Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims. The steering wheel had more controls than previous models, but most drivers adjusted quickly. An available Bose stereo on higher trims offered an upgrade over the standard system.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but poor ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. Trailer sway control was also standard, enhancing the Suburban's towing capabilities. While the IIHS had not published updated crash-test results, the Suburban's strong feature set provided reassurance to safety-conscious buyers.