2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its sporty and modern design. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and touchpad controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for a personalized touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold, full-size truck design language, sharing its styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle showcasing a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury, from the base LS to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark. Despite this, the Suburban's cabin was comfortable and well-equipped, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX featured Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, resulting in a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for a tailored driving experience. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: 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, available on higher trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the Magnetic Ride Control on the RST trim further enhanced performance. During a tow test, the Suburban's 6.2-litre V8 excelled, easily handling a trailer with a Chevrolet Impala sedan. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows made it family-friendly. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access, adding convenience. Customizable interior lighting with 27 themes enhanced the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a spacious SUV, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row providing adequate space for adults. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide 14 centimetres, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. The optional power-sliding centre console added storage flexibility, though the Suburban's size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those familiar with column-mounted shifters.

The 2022 Acura MDX was packed with tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification on higher trims. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable experience. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The CabinTalk feature acted as an interior PA system, and a head-up display was available on the Platinum Elite trim. The MDX's tech offerings catered to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of tech options, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above trims. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with satellite radio was available on higher trims. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT and above. The Suburban offered a six-speaker audio system on the LS, with a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT and a 10-speaker Bose Surround system on the Premier and High Country. The Suburban's tech features provided a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The front end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system enhanced safe operation in traffic. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for potential hazards, enhancing driver awareness.