2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing icon in the automotive world, had a presence that was both commanding and familiar. Despite its massive size, it blended seamlessly into traffic, a testament to its status as an automotive institution. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for those in need of ample cargo and passenger space, as well as significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a fitting choice. Available in six trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers, LED lighting, and tinted windows. While the interior was spacious and comfortable, with leather upholstery in most trims, even the top-spec High Country felt somewhat pedestrian, lacking some standard features expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, did not stand out visually. Its Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers were unique touches, but the overall design was unremarkable. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h. Each model came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada and a variety of packages to enhance luxury and performance. Inside, the RX Hybrid offered a contemporary and comfortable cabin, though some ergonomic choices, like the loud climate control fan and snug front seats, detracted from the experience. The RX Hybrid provided ample interior storage and a panoramic sunroof, but its cargo space was limited compared to other midsize SUVs.

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 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-litre V8 was the most common, providing a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, offered better acceleration, while the diesel engine delivered superior 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 size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. However, its substantial weight meant drivers needed to be cautious with body roll and braking distances.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid's performance varied across its models. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the most efficient but least powerful, featuring a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity, surpassing competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for over 1,000 kilometres of highway driving between fill-ups.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, a midsize two-row crossover, focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, were snug and uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats, however, were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. While interior storage was practical, the cargo area had limitations, such as a cargo cover that hindered loading larger items.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base LS trim. The system was user-friendly, 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. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems found in competitors.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. The system worked well, though occasional glitches occurred. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver feature. Higher trims offered additional ADAS and the option for Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving technology.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.