2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its truck-based origins, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts, while Toyota's Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all functional design elements that emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional but dated, with a dash layout that harkened back to the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a supersized appearance with a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. The Suburban's exterior styling was shared with the shorter Tahoe SUV and the Silverado 1500 pickup, and it offered a fair degree of customization with six available trims. Our RST test vehicle featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country, with leather seats standard from the LT trim upwards. The RST's cabin, while spacious, felt a bit dark due to its predominantly black interior.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road prowess. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent fuel efficiency. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, and its maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, provided effortless power and acceleration, making towing a stress-free experience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row model's maximum cargo space was slightly reduced to 2,514 litres. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. While the 4Runner's cabin was not the most spacious or efficiently packaged, it provided ample storage for gear.

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 third row that was comfortable 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 forward or backward, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. The Suburban's size, while providing ample space, made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from previous models.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics but was not as advanced as those in newer vehicles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. The Suburban's infotainment system included Google built-in, with features like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The LS trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the LT and above had a 10.2-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Suburban also offered a range of camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. The audio system varied by trim, with a premium Bose CenterPoint system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and more. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.