2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was often described as polarizing. Its large, busy grilles combined with smaller headlights didn't seem to win many favors. Chevy designers appeared to have adopted the Camaro design language, stretching it over the Suburban's massive frame. Despite these quirks, the interior largely retained a functional and familiar layout. The radio and climate controls were conveniently located, and the infotainment system was designed for ease of use, albeit with a chrome strip that could reflect sunlight into the driver’s eyes. With various trims including LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and High Country, each offered unique aesthetics and functionalities, from rugged off-road styles to luxury-inspired offerings. However, even at the top-tier High Country trim, the Suburban fell short of providing the luxury feel one might expect, featuring a mix of woodgrain and hard plastic materials.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, in contrast, had styling reflective of its longevity on the market. Its basic body shell saw incremental updates over the years, including a spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights added in 2020. The overall look remained distinctive and aggressive, appealing to SUV shoppers. Internally, however, the GX lagged behind modern luxury standards. The wood trim felt plasticky, and though leather upholstery was standard, the cabin didn't exude opulence. The upright dashboard and high center console compromised legroom and ergonomics, a far cry from contemporary luxury interiors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, enhancing towing capacity up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. Our test model featured a Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine generating 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine ensured ample grunt for everyday driving and even highway maneuvers, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission that smoothed out power delivery. The independent rear suspension marked an improvement in ride comfort, although the Suburban still exhibited some truck-like characteristics such as body-roll and sensitivity to crosswinds.

On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept it straightforward with a singular engine choice: a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it offered decent acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, the SUV's 5,130-pound heft demanded cautious planning for passing and merges. Braking also required foresight, and body roll was noticeable during cornering. Its traditional body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride compared to unibody alternatives. However, the GX excelled off-road, thanks to features like a Torsen center differential, low range 4WD, and driver aids including hill-descent and hill-start assist. With options like the Off-Road Package, the GX could tackle diverse terrains effectively.

The Suburban’s interior space was one of its strongest assets. It boasted an enormous 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second row in use, and a still generous 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. This abundant space was complemented by a practical control layout, despite some questionable design choices like the button shifter and power-sliding center console. The seating was spacious, especially in the second-row captain’s chairs, ensuring comfort for long journeys.

In comparison, the GX's interior revealed its age. The high center console and upright dash restricted legroom, and the steering wheel's position felt awkward. Visibility was decent, especially through the low side glass, but the tall hood impeded forward visibility. Storage solutions were minimal, with small cubbies and cupholders. The three-row configuration offered seating for seven, though the third-row access was tight and best suited for children. Cargo capacity lagged behind the Suburban, with only 64.7 cubic feet when the second and third rows were folded, far less than the Discovery’s 73.0 cubic feet and significantly less than the Suburban's vast storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in technological offerings with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system. It featured crisp graphics, a sensible layout, and a home button for easy navigation. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, coupled with the available wireless charging pad, streamlined device connectivity. Navigation and rear entertainment systems were optional, enhancing travel with large touchscreens and a helpful head-up display.

Conversely, the 2021 Lexus GX was underwhelming in tech features. The standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant were the few modern touches. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was disappointing. The touchscreen's dated graphics and limited functionality were holdovers from a bygone era. However, Lexus provided analog controls, which, despite being outdated by luxury standards, offered a user-friendly experience compared to the screen-reliant systems in newer SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came well-equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system was a notable feature, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system, though some of these were standard in competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, offering forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional standard safety features were blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Missing, however, were advanced features like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist, found in other Lexus and Toyota models.