2023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its gigantic spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, made an imposing visual statement on the road. Its 74.2-inch overall height (slightly less in the Luxury trim) accentuated this presence. The front end seemed ready to devour anything in front of it, framed by massive headlights that defined its distinctive face.

Reintroduced in 2023, the GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to just 3,000 units, came in three shades: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl (introduced in 2023), and exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Moving along the side of the GX, its compact 109.8-inch wheelbase became apparent. For comparison, this was shorter than a two-door Jeep Wrangler’s 118.4-inch wheelbase. The lack of prominent overhangs at the front and rear bumpers emphasized its capability to tackle obstacles, maintaining the luxury badge's off-road engineering impression.

While the Lexus GX's design flirted with chunkiness through its big, flared fenders, it leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the boxy Toyota designs of the time. From the driver’s perspective, the hood’s early drop-off made the GX easier to navigate during technical maneuvers, enhancing its suitability for rugged terrains.

Inside, however, the ambiance fell short of the luxury promise. A noticeable amount of plastic materials was present, underscoring the SUV's struggle in the market. Despite the use of these budget-friendly materials, the GX retained some exquisite touches. Our test model featured heated and cooled front seats, a convenient power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

Conversely, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing automotive icon, seemingly merged with traffic despite its immense size. It's hardly a novelty on the road, more a familiar giant. This vehicle stretched nearly 18 feet 10 inches in length and over six feet in height, making it a formidable sight.

Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. These trims progressively added luxurious features. Starting with standard automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights, and tinted windows, the trim levels ascended to high-end touches like 22-inch alloy wheels on the High Country trim.

While the Suburban's spacious interior ensured comfort, especially on higher trims with beautiful leather options like “Mocha” for the High Country, some upscale features came as optional extras. Power running-board steps cost $1,745, and a panoramic power moonroof was an additional $1,500.

Our test vehicle offered a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and heated and cooled seats. However, despite the upmarket leather, the overall interior still felt simple. The front seats, with their 12-way power adjustments, were supportive but lacked the long-distance comfort one would expect from a top-end SUV.

The 2023 Lexus GX was marked by its V8 engine. Unlike the rhythmic V6 hum of a 4Runner, the GX 460's V8 roared in an empowering crescendo. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 didn’t dazzle on paper but offered a satisfying sound and driving experience to enthusiasts.

However, it faced stiff competition from Toyota’s own 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engines in the Sequoia and some Tundra models, which boasted superior output and fuel economy. With a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, the GX could out-tow most three-row crossovers but lagged behind other SUVs. Its V8 came with a price, reflected in a less-than-impressive fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX’s 14-year-old chassis was no match for the latest models in fluidity, but its handling was predictable, especially in curves. The suspension, loaded with Lexus's Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, efficiently managed drivetrain distribution, which was beneficial across varying terrains.

On the other side, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban provided three engine choices. The standard 5.3-liter V8 on the LS, LT, Z71, RST, and Premier trims generated 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. With the Max Trailering Package, this configuration allowed for an 8,300-pound towing capacity.

The upgrade, a 6.2-liter V8 available on higher trims including High Country, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Though this engine didn’t max out the towing capacity compared to the standard V8, it performed energetically on the road. The third option, a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder, provided 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine excelled in both towing and fuel efficiency, offering an economical alternative to the V8 options.

All Suburban engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts. Notably, the Suburban’s size didn’t inhibit drivability; its well-tuned suspension and steering reduced the intimidation factor of its larger-than-life form.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered decent interior storage, with a deep, spacious center console bin and conveniently positioned side-by-side cupholders. However, it lagged with outdated USB-A ports and smaller-than-average door pockets.

Physical controls were abundant, which played well for those who preferred conventional buttons over touchscreens, despite the learning curve. The second row was accommodating, especially with configurable captain’s chairs which included fold-out cupholders. Unfortunately, the third row was cramped and deemed impractical for anything other than emergencies.

Cargo capacity in the GX also fell short. With just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 46.7 cubic feet with it folded down, the maximum storage reached 64.7 cubic feet. This was even less than a compact Toyota RAV4.

In contrast, cargo space in the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was one of its most compelling features. With 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a staggering 144.7 cubic feet with both rows down, the Suburban outclassed most competitors and even some vehicles outside its class. Whether for long family trips or hauling significant loads, the Suburban excelled.

Further enhancing its long-distance capability, the Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine’s 26-mpg highway EPA rating, allowed for enduring travel without frequent fuel stops.

The Lexus GX saw an infotainment upgrade in 2022, only to appear outdated just a year later. The 10.3-inch touchscreen, equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, was a notable improvement but felt subpar against other Lexus models. The display lagged, and the graphics were visually outdated. Other features included Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, and a CD player—a surprising anachronism.

On the off-road front, the GX shone. It came with a four-wheel-drive system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and KDSS for better off-road stability.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban’s tech was commendable but poised for a major 2025 overhaul. All but the base LS trim featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, which seemed underwhelming given the vehicle’s dimensions. However, the star was Google Built-in, enabling essential apps and services directly through the infotainment system. Wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system offered added convenience.

The Suburban’s 10-speaker Bose audio system performed well but missed the mark for dedicated audiophiles. Competing systems, like the Ford Expedition’s 22-speaker B&O or the Jeep Wagoneer’s 19-speaker McIntosh, delivered a more enriched audio experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX didn't undergo crash tests by either NHTSA or IIHS but remained bolstered with various ADAS. It included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams, ensuring modern safety without the latest structural innovations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from NHTSA. It scored four stars in frontal tests, five in side tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver feature. The higher trims offered additional ADAS and the option for the Super Cruise driving system, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities on mapped roads, making it a forefront of safety tech in its class.