Chevrolet Suburban Vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Suits Golfers Best?

As an avid golfer and car enthusiast, I’ve spent countless weekends driving to courses, hauling clubs, and navigating diverse terrains. The Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Highlander are two SUVs that stand out for their ability to cater to golfers’ needs, and this article aims to help you choose the right one for your game.

These full-size and mid-size SUVs offer distinct advantages for transporting golf gear, passengers, and more, and I’ll compare them to guide you toward the best fit. From cargo space to fuel efficiency, I’ll share insights to ensure your next drive to the course is as smooth as your swing.

Comparison Table: Chevrolet Suburban Vs. Toyota Highlander

FeatureChevrolet SuburbanToyota Highlander
Starting MSRP$63,995$41,270
Cargo Volume (Seats Up)41.5 cu. ft.16.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Seats Folded)144.7 cu. ft.84.3 cu. ft.
Seating CapacityUp to 9Up to 8
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)15/20 mpg22/29 mpg
Towing CapacityUp to 8,300 lbsUp to 5,000 lbs
Front Legroom44.5 in42.0 in
Second-Row Legroom42.0 in38.7 in
Engine Power355 hp (5.3L V8)265 hp (2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder)
Safety Rating (NHTSA)4/5 Stars5/5 Stars

My Journey With SUVs

My love for SUVs stems from their versatility, whether it’s hauling golf bags or navigating winding roads to remote courses. As a mid-handicap golfer who plays weekly, I need a vehicle that balances space, comfort, and efficiency for both solo trips and group outings with friends.

To evaluate the Suburban and Highlander, I loaded each with golf gear, drove to local courses, and tested them on highways and city streets to see how they handle a golfer’s lifestyle.

Read more: My Thoughts on Honda Passport Vs. Acura RDX.

Key Features Of Chevrolet Suburban

  • Design Philosophy & Target User: The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV designed for those needing maximum space and power, ideal for large families or golfers carrying multiple bags and equipment. Its robust build and high towing capacity cater to users who value utility over agility.
Chevrolet Suburban
  • Specific Features:
    • Cargo Space: With 41.5 cu. ft. behind the third row and 144.7 cu. ft. with seats folded, the Suburban easily fits multiple golf bags, carts, and even coolers for post-round drinks.
    • Towing Capacity: Its 8,300-lb towing capacity is perfect for golfers who tow trailers with golf carts or other gear to tournaments.
    • Interior Comfort: The spacious cabin, with 44.5 inches of front legroom and 42.0 inches in the second row, ensures comfort for long drives to distant courses.
  • Summary: The Suburban is best suited for golfers who prioritize cargo space and towing capability, especially those traveling with groups or heavy equipment.

Key Features Of Toyota Highlander

  • Design Philosophy & Target User: The Toyota Highlander, a mid-size SUV, is designed for efficiency and maneuverability, appealing to golfers who want a versatile vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend golf trips. It balances modern tech with practicality.
  • Specific Features:
    • Fuel Efficiency: With 22/29 mpg (city/highway), the Highlander is more economical than the Suburban, saving money on frequent trips to the course.
    • Safety Features: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, it offers peace of mind on busy highways.
    • Maneuverability: Its smaller size and tighter turning radius make it easier to navigate crowded parking lots at golf clubs.
  • Summary: The Highlander is ideal for golfers who value fuel efficiency and ease of handling, especially for shorter trips or solo outings.

Pros Of Chevrolet Suburban

  • Massive Cargo Capacity: The Suburban’s 41.5 cu. ft. behind the third row allowed me to fit four golf bags, a push cart, and extra gear without folding seats, making it a dream for group trips.
  • Powerful Towing: Towing my friend’s golf cart trailer to a charity tournament was effortless, thanks to the 8,300-lb capacity, which the Highlander can’t match.
  • Spacious Interior: The generous legroom and headroom kept my foursome comfortable during a 3-hour drive to a coastal course, with no complaints about cramped quarters.

Cons Of Chevrolet Suburban

  • Poor Fuel Economy: At 15/20 mpg, the Suburban guzzled fuel on long drives, costing me $50 more per trip compared to the Highlander.
  • Difficult Parking: Its large size made parking at busy golf clubs challenging, often requiring me to circle for a spot far from the clubhouse.
  • Higher Price Point: The $63,995 starting MSRP is a significant investment, which may deter budget-conscious golfers.

Pros Of Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander’s 22/29 mpg saved me money on gas during frequent 50-mile round trips to my home course, compared to the Suburban’s thirstier engine.
  • Easy Handling: Its compact size and tighter turning radius made it a breeze to park in tight spaces at local courses, unlike the cumbersome Suburban.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ provided confidence on highways, with lane-keeping assist helping during early-morning drives to tournaments.

Cons Of Toyota Highlander

  • Limited Cargo Space: With only 16.0 cu. ft. behind the third row, I struggled to fit more than two golf bags without folding seats, limiting group trips.
  • Lower Towing Capacity: The 5,000-lb towing limit meant I couldn’t tow heavier trailers, unlike the Suburban’s robust capability.
  • Less Interior Room: The Highlander’s 38.7 inches of second-row legroom felt cramped for taller passengers on longer drives, compared to the Suburban’s spacious cabin.

Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road

  • Brief Intro: To compare the Suburban and Highlander, I tested both over three weekend golf trips, evaluating cargo handling, driving comfort, and overall value for golfers.
Chevrolet Suburban
  • Cargo Space: The Suburban’s 41.5 cu. ft. behind the third row easily accommodated four golf bags, a push cart, and a cooler, while the Highlander’s 16.0 cu. ft. required folding the third row for similar loads, reducing seating capacity.
  • Driving Comfort: The Suburban’s spacious interior and smooth ride were ideal for long highway drives, but its size made it less agile in city traffic. The Highlander offered a nimbler feel, with responsive steering that shone in urban settings.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander’s 22/29 mpg outperformed the Suburban’s 15/20 mpg, saving me $15-$20 per 100 miles, a key factor for frequent golfers.
  • Towing Capability: The Suburban’s 8,300-lb towing capacity handled a golf cart trailer with ease, while the Highlander’s 5,000-lb limit struggled with heavier loads.
  • Price and Value: At $41,270, the Highlander offers better value for solo or small-group golfers, while the Suburban’s $63,995 price tag is justified for those needing maximum space and power.

Also read: My Thoughts on Honda Acura Integra Vs. Honda Accord.

Who Should Choose Which SUV?

  • Recommendation for Chevrolet Suburban: The Suburban is ideal for golfers with large groups or heavy equipment, such as those towing carts or carrying multiple bags. It suits players who prioritize space and power over cost, typically those with lower handicaps who travel to tournaments.
  • Recommendation for Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is perfect for solo golfers or small groups who value fuel efficiency and easy handling. It’s best for mid-to-high handicap players making shorter trips to local courses.

My Real-World Experience

  • Detailed Anecdote 1: During a group trip to a mountain course, the Suburban’s massive cargo area easily swallowed four golf bags, a push cart, and a cooler, leaving room for spares. The Highlander, tested the next weekend, required folding the third row, which meant one friend had to drive separately.
  • Detailed Anecdote 2: On a rainy day at a local course, the Highlander’s tight turning radius and parking assist made navigating the crowded lot a breeze, while the Suburban’s size forced me to park far from the clubhouse, trudging through mud with my bag.

Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs

  • General Statement: Both the Suburban and Highlander are designed to meet the practical needs of amateur golfers, offering reliable transport for gear and passengers.
  • Benefits for Amateurs: The Suburban’s vast cargo space and towing capacity cater to golfers who travel with groups or equipment, while the Highlander’s efficiency and maneuverability suit those prioritizing cost and ease of use.
  • Reiteration of Choice: The choice depends on your priorities—space and power for the Suburban or efficiency and agility for the Highlander—ensuring amateurs find a vehicle that fits their game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who Should Use the Chevrolet Suburban?

The Suburban is best for golfers needing maximum cargo space and towing capacity, such as those traveling with large groups or heavy equipment.

What Are the Key Features of the Toyota Highlander?

The Highlander offers 22/29 mpg fuel efficiency, Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, and a compact design for easy handling.

What Is the Best SUV for a High-Handicap Golfer?

The Toyota Highlander is ideal for high-handicap golfers due to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking for frequent local trips.

Do Pros Use Full-Size or Mid-Size SUVs?

Professional golfers often prefer full-size SUVs like the Suburban for their ability to haul multiple bags and equipment to tournaments, though some opt for mid-size models for efficiency.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Suburban excels in cargo space and towing, making it the go-to for golfers with large groups or heavy equipment, while the Toyota Highlander’s fuel efficiency and maneuverability suit solo or small-group players. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize space and power or cost and agility for your golfing adventures.

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