2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in Canada, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated with customers who preferred its rugged aesthetic over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its distinctive appearance. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, added to its appeal. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for buyers.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability over luxury, with a focus on materials that resisted moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, featuring exposed screws and plain air vents, which some found refreshing. The build quality was excellent, but the Defender's price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive to some. Nevertheless, its sales success in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique character and off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its long-standing history, was a familiar sight on the roads, blending in despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, particularly those in urban areas. However, it catered to a specific market that valued its cargo space, passenger capacity, and towing capabilities. Available in six trims, from the LS to the High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, with higher trims providing more luxurious options. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior was comfortable, with leather upholstery standard on most trims and options for heated and ventilated seats.

The Suburban's interior, while spacious, felt somewhat pedestrian, even in the top-spec High Country trim. The seats were supportive but not as comfortable as expected for long journeys. The Suburban's practicality, however, was undeniable, with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal choice for families needing a large, capable SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, although most owners rarely used it. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, 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 its air suspension handled rough roads with ease, although its size meant some body roll was inevitable.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat, allowing three across in the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered additional seating options. The Defender's large windows and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender also offered a range of practical features, including a roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and up to 4,097 litres with all seats folded. This made it a top choice for those needing maximum carrying capacity. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with options for leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender also offered heated front seats, keyless entry, and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims included additional features such as air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. The Suburban's 10-speaker Bose audio system was adequate but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP but lacked ratings from U.S. agencies. It included six airbags and standard safety features such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a digital instrument panel and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests and three in rollover tests. It offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.