2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status in the full-size SUV market by carefully balancing modern updates with its classic design. Chevrolet managed to refresh the Suburban's exterior with a new front fascia and rear end, along with updated lighting signatures, while keeping its recognizable profile intact. The trim lineup remained consistent, offering a range from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, with options for 24-inch wheels on the RST and High Country trims. Inside, the Suburban saw significant improvements, including a sophisticated dashboard design, a new column shifter, and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen display, elevating the interior experience to match its premium price tag.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in several trims including the GLS 450 and the Maybach GLS 600, offered a luxurious and comfortable ride with a focus on exclusivity. The GLS 450, equipped with the new Manufaktur Edition Package, featured AMG wheels, exclusive paint colors, and premium interior materials. The interior, while similar to the smaller GLE-Class, provided high-quality materials and detailing, although some body creaks were noted in colder conditions. The GLS offered a range of comfort upgrades, including massaging seats and a fragrance system, enhancing the overall luxury experience. Despite its size, the GLS was praised for its tailored feel and ease of handling in urban environments.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A standout option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which saw a power increase to 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque for 2025. This engine was praised for its quiet operation and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among buyers. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's steering and suspension systems were noted for their improved handling and comfort, especially with the Magnetic Ride Control and adjustable air suspension options.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, allowed the GLS 450 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, and Sport, with the Airmatic adaptive suspension providing a smooth ride and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. While the GLS 450's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, it was generally well-received for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering seating for up to nine passengers and a massive cargo capacity. With 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down, the Suburban provided unparalleled storage options. Its towing capacity reached up to 8,300 pounds with the right configuration, and the diesel engine offered impressive fuel economy, making it a practical choice for families with active lifestyles.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS was praised for its comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated seats. However, storage space was limited compared to competitors, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite this, the GLS provided a luxurious and comfortable ride, with thoughtful interior features enhancing the overall experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Google Built-in services. The user interface was praised for its clarity, although some aspects, like the driver information display customization, were less intuitive. Physical controls for essential functions remained, providing a balance between modern tech and user-friendly design.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a navigation system with augmented reality. The standard Burmester surround-sound system was highly regarded, and additional options like gesture control and rear infotainment screens were available. The MBUX system was noted for its ease of use, although the digital assistant occasionally struggled with specific commands.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. While crash test ratings for the 2025 model were not available, the 2024 Suburban received four out of five stars from the NHTSA. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on higher trims, although not immediately at launch.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. While hands-free highway driving technology was not available, the GLS offered a hands-on system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The system required active driver participation, and while it performed well in most situations, it struggled with more challenging road conditions.