2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a bold front-end design that divided opinions. Its styling borrowed elements from the Camaro, resulting in small headlights and large grilles that some found unappealing. Despite this, the interior maintained a familiar layout with controls in intuitive locations. The High Country trim, which was tested, offered upscale features but lacked the luxury feel of true high-end SUVs, with hard plastics and less refined materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a distinctive look with its blunt nose and floating roof design. While initially polarizing, its styling was expected to become more familiar over time. The Highlander Hybrid Limited trim provided a comfortable interior with leather upholstery and a large touchscreen, though some design choices, like the placement of the wireless charger, were less practical. The cabin offered a two-tone look, but the third-row seating was cramped and less accommodating.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of powerful engines, including a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp. The test model featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing strong performance and towing capabilities up to 8,300 pounds. The Suburban's handling was truck-like, with excellent braking and a more compliant ride due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 hp. It offered improved fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid's steering was lifeless, and its handling suffered from body movement, though it performed well on smooth roads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second row in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet, making it ideal for road trips. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was seen as an unnecessary feature.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with 84.3 cubic feet available with the third row folded, though storage solutions were less practical.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen featuring GM’s intuitive infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button and available navigation and rear entertainment options. A head-up display was also available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system in the Limited trim. It offered connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system was well-designed, with easy-to-use controls, though the sound system's quality varied. Features like Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included advanced features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from the LE trim. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.