2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. Based on the SR5 trim, it added $3,330 to the price, bringing the MSRP to $54,380. The 40 ASE featured bronze 17-inch wheels, badges, and stitching, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, it exuded a nostalgic charm. The 4Runner's truck-based SUV design had an enduring appeal, with a solid and quality interior, despite the abundance of plastic. The controls were straightforward and user-friendly, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a long-standing automotive icon, blending into traffic despite its massive size. At 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not for everyone, especially urban drivers. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, it was a top choice. The Suburban came in six trims, with features improving as you moved up the ladder. The High Country trim, which was tested, offered leather interiors and a range of options, though some expected features were still optional. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian for a top-spec model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with an average of 13.9 L/100 km during testing. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 5.3-litre V8 was the most common, with a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8 provided better acceleration, while the diesel offered superior fuel economy. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable, though some body roll was expected. The air suspension handled rough roads well, and the Suburban's steering and brakes were up to the task.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seats, with dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations. However, the lack of rubber liners in storage areas led to vibrations and rattles. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, with a bumper that doubled as a seat.

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

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional upgrades like navigation and a JBL sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base LS trim. The infotainment system included Google Built-in, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system was decent but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, the 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban also received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. It included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature.