2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model, characterized by its boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The SUV featured Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, with a tailgate that swung out for easy cargo access. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a practical aesthetic with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, offered a more traditional SUV silhouette that blended into traffic despite its massive size. With a length of 5,733 millimetres and a height of 1,923 millimetres, the Suburban was designed for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Available in six trims, the Suburban provided a range of features from basic niceties to luxurious options, though some high-end features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof came at an additional cost. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with leather upholstery in higher trims, though it felt somewhat pedestrian despite its premium features.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, featuring solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a variety of engine options, including a standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. However, the 392's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring early braking and offering vague steering feedback.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a standard 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided better fuel economy and was available at no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's steering and brakes were up to the task, though drivers should expect some body roll due to its size.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, though heated seats were limited to specific trims or packages. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. Cargo space was also modest, with 2,050 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's hard and soft tops were removable, providing various open-air options, and it featured multiple charging points throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban also featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system was initially complex but intuitive once familiar, offering off-road pages and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, with Google Built-in providing access to essential apps without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system, while decent, lacked the richness of higher-speaker-count systems found in competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered basic safety features like a rearview camera and stability control, with advanced features available only on higher trims or as options. The IIHS gave mixed ratings, and the NHTSA awarded four stars for frontal crash tests and three for rollover.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests. It included a range of standard advanced driver assistance systems, with additional features available on higher trims. The Premier and High Country trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving technology.