2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, the 1958 and the Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim, named after the year the model was first sold in the US, featured a retro look with round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. It was priced at $58,195, making it a more affordable option for those interested in the Land Cruiser's heritage. The more modern and upscale Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, offered additional colors, a nicer interior with larger screens, and essential off-roading hardware and software. The Premium Package added leather, more tech, and other upgrades, bringing the price to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road clearances and room for people and cargo, with a utilitarian interior featuring traditional switchgear and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Java-colored leather added a desirable color contrast, and the steering-wheel controls were intuitive compared to those in a Lexus RX.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban continued to build on its long-standing reputation as a segment leader. Cosmetic updates included a new Polar White Tricoat paint option, 22-inch bright split-spoke wheels, and the RST Dark Essentials Package for a more aggressive look. The Suburban's size was a defining feature, measuring 226.3 inches long, making it a challenge in crowded city driving but manageable on open roads. The LS trim we tested kept the exterior restrained, while higher trims like the RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country offered distinct personalities with sportier or more formal presentations. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with a 17.7-inch touchscreen dominating the dash and physical buttons for climate control. The LS trim lacked advanced safety tech like Super Cruise, but it still felt well-equipped with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and standard driver assistance features.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. It had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and featured standard Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The Land Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with impressive suspension tuning for urban and suburban driving. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its tires and suspension tuning.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel returning up to 27 mpg on the highway. The Suburban's towing capacity reached up to 8,400 pounds with the Max Towing Package. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, though gear indecision was noted on steep inclines. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims. The Suburban managed its size well on the highway, with light steering effort and a composed ride. The diesel engine remained quiet at highway speeds, offering a combination of towing muscle and everyday drivability unmatched in its segment.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the upgraded trim. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box seemed unnecessary. Cargo space was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 82.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.5 cubic feet with all seats down. It could seat up to nine passengers with a front bench seat option, or prioritize comfort with second-row captain's chairs. The third-row legroom was generous, and the power-folding third row on higher trims made the space genuinely usable. Cargo tie-down anchors and a low load floor added to its practicality, making the Suburban a standout in terms of interior volume and flexibility.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including a cloud-based navigation system and a conversational digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, a digital camera-based rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban's 17.7-inch touchscreen was a highlight, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-In for seamless integration. An 11-inch driver information display and an available head-up display added to the tech offerings. Adaptive cruise control was standard, but Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims. The steering wheel had more buttons, but most owners adjusted quickly. An available Bose stereo on higher trims provided a pleasant upgrade, though it still trailed some rivals' premium setups.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist offered semi-autonomous highway driving, though performance varied. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle detection, a surround-view camera system, and a teen-driver monitoring mode. Trailer sway control was also standard. Super Cruise was available only on higher trims, and the absence of updated IIHS crash-test data was noted as an open question for cautious shoppers.