2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, like many compact crossovers of its time, presented a design that was largely indistinguishable from its competitors. Its styling was typical of the segment, with a similar "daylight opening" shape to its side windows as seen in other models. While the CR-V did have some unique features, such as its grille and chromed plastic accents, these were not significant enough to make it stand out in a crowded market. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making it challenging to find more vibrant hues like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials available in higher trims, but it still faced stiff competition from models like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold, full-size truck design language, shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence. The Suburban offered a range of trims, each with unique grille, fascia, and wheel designs, allowing for a degree of customization. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and sporty black accents. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury, from the comfortable base LS to the plush High Country. However, the predominantly black interior of the RST trim could feel a bit dark, despite the presence of chrome and red stitching accents.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance thrills but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provided adequate acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension system, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, ensured decent handling and ride quality, though it lacked the engagement found in some rivals with conventional transmissions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-litre V8, in particular, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing and hauling. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms, the Suburban excelled in hauling capabilities, especially with the larger V8 engine.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. It offered 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's second-row seats could slide forward or backward, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. However, its large size made maneuvering and parking challenging, particularly in urban areas. The Suburban also featured a power-sliding centre console for additional storage, though its electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those used to traditional shifters.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying speaker setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt audio system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a wealth of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Suburban's infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. Audio systems ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on top trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning. For 2022, additional features like lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning became standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with varying scores in individual crash tests.