2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban showcased a bold design, borrowing its styling cues from Chevrolet's full-size truck lineup. With its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels, the Suburban exuded a supersized presence. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, offering a sporty and attractive look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury across trims. The RST featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly dark interior felt a bit somber despite its upscale touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid adopted a rugged appearance with styling elements reminiscent of the Tacoma pickup. Its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia gave it a distinctive look, though the design felt somewhat disjointed compared to competitors. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements added visual interest. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric upholstery with a unique pattern, though it was prone to dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather, while durable, lacked the premium feel of genuine leather found in higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing up to 8,300 pounds. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space, while the 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive via an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin. However, the CVT's droning sound during heavy acceleration and hill climbs detracted from the overall experience. The regenerative braking system worked seamlessly, contributing to the vehicle's efficiency.

The Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine passengers with its optional front-row bench seat. It boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The power-sliding center console and numerous storage options added practicality. However, its large size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. The second row provided generous space and versatility, while the third row was best suited for children due to limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded, which was average for its class.

The 2022 Suburban featured a robust tech suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on higher trims. A nine-speaker Bose audio system was standard on the LT, with a premium 10-speaker system available on top trims.

The Highlander Hybrid's technology included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Higher trims offered navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. Additional options included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.