2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban showcased a bold design, borrowing its styling cues from the brand's full-size truck lineup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence. The Suburban offered six trims, each with distinct grille, fascia, and wheel designs, allowing for customization despite its single body style. 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 ranging from comfortable to luxurious, with leather seats standard from the LT trim upwards. The RST's interior featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly dark cabin felt a bit sombre despite its spaciousness.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a sleek, modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models. Its proportions and scalloped body sides gave it a sophisticated look, akin to a Lexus. The Venza's exterior featured a prominent nose and LED lighting, making it more suited for urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like elegance with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The cabin was comfortable, with supportive front seats and ample space for three adults in the rear, making it a practical choice for families.

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 producing 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, especially appreciated during towing tests. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity reached 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space, making it a versatile option for large families.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system offered efficient performance with the option for electric-only operation over short distances. The Venza's AWD system, powered by electric motors at the rear axle, provided stability and control. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, optimizing fuel efficiency. The Venza's ride was smooth and agile, ideal for family travel, though not designed for aggressive driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine passengers with its optional front-row bench seat. Most configurations offered seven or eight seats, with a third row that was surprisingly comfortable for adults. The Suburban boasted a massive cargo area, with up to 4,097 litres of space when the second and third rows were folded flat. Features like a power-sliding centre console and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality. However, its large size made it challenging to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, suitable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, enhanced by the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza provided practical features like an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and multiple cupholders. Its cargo capacity reached 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded, and the cabin was designed to be a quiet, serene space for travel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in features on LT trims and above. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on higher trims. A WiFi hotspot and wireless charging were standard on LT and above. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on top trims, providing a range of sound quality options.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch display on higher trims. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The XLE and Limited trims added features like a JBL audio system, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services offered various safety and convenience features, enhancing the Venza's appeal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System and eight airbags, providing comprehensive protection. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.