2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban offered a variety of trim levels, each with distinct grille, fascia, and wheel designs, allowing for a degree of customization. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, black-painted 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with a range of material quality 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 could feel a bit dark despite the chrome sill plates and red stitching.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, its design was somewhat disjointed, with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. The interior was unconventional yet less jarring, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition test vehicle featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which was not well-received. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid remained a popular choice due to its hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent fuel efficiency and towing capability. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. The RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offering effortless power and acceleration, especially noticeable during a 130-kilometre tow test.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid could reach 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable during acceleration, particularly when ascending hills. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, 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 headroom, knee room, and legroom. 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 optional power-sliding centre console added storage space, though the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain’s chairs that slid and reclined for versatility. The third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on LT and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless device charging, and a WiFi hotspot were standard on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker system on the LS to a Bose 10-speaker Surround system on the Premier and High Country.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with a wireless charging pad on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features as part of the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. 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 four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems could use some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.