2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status in the full-size SUV market, balancing a delicate restyling act that preserved its recognizable profile while introducing modern elements. The new front fascia and rear end, along with updated lighting signatures, added a dramatic flair without alienating loyal customers. The trim lineup remained consistent, offering a range from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, with options for giant 24-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban saw significant upgrades, including a sophisticated dash design, a Mercedes-esque column shifter, and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen display, elevating the interior experience significantly over the 2024 model.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, embraced a conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4, offering a spacious interior with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the interior's unlined storage spaces and sharp door angles posed minor inconveniences. The Grand Highlander prioritized function over form, with logically laid-out controls and a simple climate system, though the infotainment interface had room for improvement. Overall, it provided a comfortable and practical environment for families.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The standout option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which saw a power increase to 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its quiet and smooth operation, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently drive in the 20 to 60-mph range. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission handled all engines with ease, and the recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension improved ride quality, especially on the Premier and High Country trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though undulations in the road could cause some vertical bounding. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire scrub and squeal during aggressive driving.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in providing ample passenger and cargo space, accommodating up to six passengers with the three-across front row option. It offered 41.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down. The Suburban also boasted impressive towing capabilities, with the ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds when properly equipped. The diesel engine's fuel efficiency, combined with a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowed for extended highway driving without frequent refueling.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials, including leather and artificial suede upholstery. However, the unlined storage spaces and sharp door angles posed minor inconveniences. The second-row captain's chairs offered flexibility with a removable center console, allowing easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 11-inch driver information display, and an available 15-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in were standard, offering seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. While the user interface was intuitive, customizing the driver information display proved challenging. The steering wheel's array of buttons and toggles required some acclimation, but physical buttons for essential functions remained. The Bose stereo system, though improved, still lagged behind competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services provided features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were minor drawbacks. The JBL premium audio system delivered better sound quality than expected.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars in overall crash safety from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, and a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on higher trims but would not launch with the first wave of 2025 models.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. While the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy and refinement. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.