2027 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban continued to uphold its legacy as a dominant force in the SUV segment. With its roots tracing back to 1935, the Suburban maintained its iconic status by offering subtle yet impactful cosmetic updates for 2026. The introduction of a new Polar White Tricoat paint option, 22-inch bright split-spoke wheels, and the RST Dark Essentials Package with 24-inch black wheels and black accents provided a fresh look without altering its driving dynamics. The Suburban's imposing length of 226.3 inches made it a formidable presence on the road, particularly in urban settings like Boston, where maneuvering through tight spaces required extra attention. However, its spacious interior and impressive cargo capacity made it a compelling choice for those needing ample room for passengers and luggage.

In contrast, the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more rugged and utilitarian appeal. Available in two versions, the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level, it catered to different preferences with distinct features. The 1958 model featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim boasted rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The Land Cruiser's cabin emphasized functionality, with the Premium Package adding luxurious touches like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's interior space was limited to five passengers, and its cargo area, though practical, lacked the flat loading surface found in some competitors. The Land Cruiser's design and engineering prioritized off-road capabilities, making it a suitable choice for adventurous drivers seeking a robust and reliable SUV.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban delivered a robust performance with its range of engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine produced 355 horsepower, providing ample power for a vehicle of its size. For those seeking more power, the 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine delivered impressive fuel efficiency with up to 27 mpg on the highway. The Suburban's towing capacity ranged from 8,200 to 8,400 pounds, depending on the configuration, making it a versatile choice for hauling trailers, boats, or campers. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth gear shifts, although occasional gear indecision was noted on steep inclines. The Suburban's rear-wheel drive came standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims, providing flexibility for different driving conditions.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This setup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, offered a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser's fuel efficiency was rated at 23 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. Off-road capabilities were a highlight, with features like center and locking rear differentials, hill-start and hill-descent assist, and Crawl Control enhancing its performance on challenging terrains. The Land Cruiser's handling was predictable, though it exhibited body roll and nose dive during spirited driving. Despite its off-road focus, the Land Cruiser provided a comfortable ride on highways, although wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 144.5 cubic feet with all seats down. This made it a top choice for families needing ample cargo capacity. The Suburban's seating flexibility allowed for up to nine passengers, with options for a front bench seat or second-row captain's chairs. The third-row legroom was generous, ensuring comfort for all occupants. Practical features like cargo tie-down anchors and a power-folding third row on higher trims enhanced usability.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser, while comfortable for up to five passengers, lacked a third-row seat option. The Premium Package added luxury features like genuine leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The cargo area offered 46.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 82.2 cubic feet, though the high liftover height and lack of a flat loading surface posed challenges for loading bulky items. The optional center console cool box was small, and the cupholders couldn't accommodate larger bottles, limiting practicality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-In for seamless integration. An 11-inch driver information display and an available head-up display provided additional information. While adaptive cruise control was standard, Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims. The available Bose stereo on Premier and High Country trims offered an enhanced audio experience.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's tech offerings varied by trim. The base model included a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trim featured 12.3-inch displays for both the driver and infotainment system. Wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with the Premium Package adding a JBL audio system and a head-up display. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system worked well, though occasional misinterpretations were noted.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were not available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle detection, and a surround-view camera system. Trailer sway control was also standard, catering to towing-focused buyers.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, though its braking inputs could be aggressive. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed ratings from the IIHS, including a Marginal score for rear-seat passenger protection.