VS
At a Glance
Power
420hp @ 5600
493hp @ 6000
Torque
460lb-ft @ 4100
450lb-ft @ 2500
Towing
8100lbs
8200lbs
Engine
—
5.0 L/305cc
Choosing between the Chevrolet Suburban and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Suburban delivers 420hp @ 5600 while the Land Rover Defender produces 493hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $83,400 for the Suburban and $63,500 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
420hp @ 5600
493hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
460lb-ft @ 4100
450lb-ft @ 2500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
5.0 L/305cc
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
Diesel
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Supercharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
28gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
226.3in
197.5in
Width (in)
81in
79.1in
Height (in)
76.3in
77.7in
Wheelbase (in)
134.1in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
5735lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8100lbs
8200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Suburban
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Land Rover Defender
Lower starting price ($63,500)
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Suburban or Defender?
The Suburban produces 420hp @ 5600 and 460lb-ft @ 4100 of torque while the Defender delivers 493hp @ 6000 and 450lb-ft @ 2500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Suburban and Defender?
The Suburban starts from $83,400 and the Defender from $63,500. The Defender is cheaper by $19,900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Suburban or Defender?
The Suburban has a braked towing capacity of 8100lbs and the Defender can tow 8200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Suburban or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.