2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with a base price of $48,909, presented a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. Despite its aggressive front resembling an angry robot, the design carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint and no optional accessories. The rear quarter view was its best angle, with Volvo-like taillights and a tidy design. Inside, the Touring offered leather seats with orange stitching, a soft-touch dashboard, and metal mesh air vents, exuding sophistication in the compact SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing automotive icon, blended into traffic despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not for everyone, especially urban drivers. However, it catered to those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Available in six trims, from LS to High Country, the Suburban offered features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights. Higher trims boasted 22-inch alloys, but some expected features, like power running-board steps, were optional even on top trims. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with leather upholstery on most trims, though it felt somewhat pedestrian despite its premium features.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The system operated transparently, though it produced a low-speed acoustic warning and engine droning on hills. Fuel efficiency was rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing returned 8.7 L/100 km. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quiet ride with predictable handling, though steering was notably heavy.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 277 horsepower. 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 size became manageable quickly. Standard rear-wheel drive was available on lower trims, with four-wheel drive standard on others. The Suburban's steering and brakes were impressive, though its size necessitated early braking.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and a roomy cargo area. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The back seat was spacious, with a nearly 90-degree door opening, making it ideal for families. Cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,030 litres with seats folded.

The Chevrolet Suburban prioritized cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with seats down, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. It surpassed competitors in carrying capacity, making it ideal for large families and road trips. The Suburban also featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing for extended highway driving between fill-ups.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, but the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, allowing access to Google Maps and Assistant without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was optional. The 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked richness compared to competitors.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. It received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but lacked a NHTSA rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.