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

As a golfer who loves weekend rounds and occasional trips to distant courses, I’ve spent plenty of time hauling clubs and gear in various SUVs.

The Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Sequoia stand out as two full-size SUVs that promise space, comfort, and reliability for golfers.

This article compares the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, focusing on their suitability for golfers who need room for equipment, passengers, and long drives to the fairways.

From cargo space to towing capacity, I’ll share insights to help you choose the right SUV for your golfing adventures.

Comparison Table: Chevrolet Suburban Vs. Toyota Sequoia

My Journey With Full-Size SUVs

My passion for SUVs stems from years of driving to golf courses with friends, clubs, and coolers in tow. As a mid-handicap golfer who plays weekly and takes occasional golf trips, I need a vehicle that’s spacious, reliable, and comfortable for long drives.

To compare the Suburban and Sequoia, I loaded both with golf bags, drove them on highways and backroads, and tested their features during a weekend golf getaway.

Key Features Of Chevrolet Suburban

• Design Philosophy & Target User: The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban is designed for families and adventurers who prioritize maximum space and versatility. Its massive size and robust frame cater to those needing room for passengers, gear, and towing, making it ideal for golfers who travel with multiple sets of clubs or large groups.

• Specific Features:
  • Cargo Space: With 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.7 cubic feet with seats folded, the Suburban easily swallows multiple golf bags, coolers, and travel gear. I fit four full-size golf bags and a cooler with room to spare.
  • Interior Comfort: The Suburban offers 44.5 inches of front legroom and 42.0 inches in the second row, ensuring comfort for long drives to courses. The plush seats and quiet cabin made my test drives feel luxurious.
  • Super Cruise Technology: Available on higher trims, this hands-free driving system is a game-changer for highway trips to distant golf resorts, reducing driver fatigue.
• Summary: The Suburban is best suited for golfers who prioritize cargo space, passenger comfort, and advanced tech for long road trips.

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

Key Features Of Toyota Sequoia

• Design Philosophy & Target User: The 2024 Toyota Sequoia blends rugged capability with hybrid efficiency, targeting drivers who want power and fuel economy. Its slightly smaller footprint and focus on reliability appeal to golfers who value maneuverability and low maintenance.
• Specific Features:
  • Hybrid Powertrain: The 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid delivers 437 horsepower and 21/24 MPG (city/highway), offering better fuel economy than the Suburban. This efficiency saved me noticeable fuel costs during a 200-mile golf trip.
  • Towing Capacity: With a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds, the Sequoia can haul a golf cart or small trailer, perfect for golfers who bring extra equipment.
  • Maneuverability: A 38.1-foot turning circle makes the Sequoia easier to navigate in tight country club parking lots compared to the Suburban’s 43.0-foot radius.
• Summary: The Sequoia is ideal for golfers who want a balance of power, efficiency, and agility in a full-size SUV.

Pros Of Chevrolet Suburban

• Spacious Cargo Area: The Suburban’s 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row allowed me to load five golf bags without folding seats, a feat the Sequoia couldn’t match. This makes it perfect for group golf outings.
• Comfortable Interior: The generous legroom and high-quality materials made long drives to courses feel effortless. My passengers raved about the second-row space during a four-hour trip.
• Advanced Technology: The 17.7-inch touchscreen and optional Super Cruise system impressed me with their ease of use and hands-free driving capabilities, enhancing road trip comfort.

Cons Of Chevrolet Suburban

• Lower Fuel Economy: At 15/20 MPG, the Suburban’s V8 engine was less efficient than the Sequoia’s hybrid, costing me more on long drives. Golfers on a budget may notice the difference.
• Maneuverability Challenges: The Suburban’s larger size and 43.0-foot turning radius made parking at crowded golf clubs trickier, especially in compact lots.
• Reliability Concerns: Some reviews note past GM reliability issues, like transmission problems after 100,000 miles, which could worry golfers planning to keep their SUV long-term.

Pros Of Toyota Sequoia

• Superior Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid powertrain’s 21/24 MPG saved me about $15 on a 200-mile round trip compared to the Suburban, a boon for frequent travelers.
• Powerful Towing: The 9,520-pound towing capacity handled a small trailer with ease, making it ideal for golfers who tow carts or boats to resorts.
• Reliability Reputation: Toyota’s 9.7/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars gives peace of mind for long-term ownership, crucial for golfers who drive their SUVs into the ground.

Cons Of Toyota Sequoia

• Limited Cargo Space: With only 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, I struggled to fit more than three golf bags without folding seats, a drawback for group trips.
• Cramped Third Row: The Sequoia’s third row felt tighter than the Suburban’s, with less hip and shoulder room, which was noticeable for adult passengers on longer drives.
• Higher Starting Price: At $64,370, the Sequoia is slightly pricier than the Suburban’s $64,195, which may deter budget-conscious golfers.

Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road And At The Course

• Brief Intro: To evaluate these SUVs for golfers, I tested both over a weekend golf trip, driving 200 miles, parking at courses, and loading golf gear.
  • Cargo Capacity: The Suburban’s 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row easily accommodated four golf bags, a cooler, and luggage, while the Sequoia’s 22.3 cubic feet required folding the third row for similar loads. For golfers traveling with multiple players, the Suburban wins hands-down.
  • Driving Comfort: The Suburban’s spacious interior and Super Cruise system made highway drives to distant courses relaxing, with smooth handling despite its size. The Sequoia’s hybrid powertrain offered a peppier feel and better fuel economy, but its smaller cabin felt less luxurious on long trips.
  • Maneuverability: The Sequoia’s tighter turning radius (38.1 feet vs. 43.0 feet) made navigating golf course parking lots easier, especially in tight spaces. The Suburban required more care, particularly in crowded lots.
  • Towing Performance: The Sequoia’s 9,520-pound towing capacity outperformed the Suburban’s 8,400 pounds, easily handling a golf cart trailer. This makes it a better choice for golfers who tow equipment to private courses or resorts.
  • Price And Value: The Suburban’s lower starting price ($64,195 vs. $64,370) offers more cargo space and tech for the money, but the Sequoia’s fuel savings and reliability edge add long-term value. Golfers prioritizing upfront cost may lean toward the Suburban, while those focused on efficiency prefer the Sequoia.

Who Should Choose Which SUV?

• Recommendation For Chevrolet Suburban: The Suburban is ideal for golfers with large groups or heavy gear, such as those with handicaps of 10-20 who prioritize space and comfort. Its massive cargo area and advanced tech suit long road trips to tournaments or resorts.
• Recommendation For Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia suits golfers with mid-to-high handicaps who value fuel efficiency and towing power. Its agility and reliability make it perfect for solo golfers or smaller groups who drive frequently.

My Real-World Experience

• Detailed Anecdote 1: On a trip to a coastal golf resort, I loaded the Suburban with four golf bags, a cooler, and three friends’ luggage. The cargo space was a lifesaver, and the Super Cruise system made the four-hour drive feel effortless, though parking at the resort’s tight lot was a challenge.
• Detailed Anecdote 2: Driving the Sequoia to a local course, I appreciated its nimble handling in a packed parking lot. However, fitting three golf bags and a cooler required folding the third row, which was less convenient than the Suburban’s cavernous cargo area.

Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs

• General Statement: Both the Suburban and Sequoia are designed for practicality, offering ample space and power for amateur golfers who juggle gear, passengers, and long drives.
• Benefits For Amateurs: The Suburban’s vast cargo space and comfortable interior cater to group outings, while the Sequoia’s fuel efficiency and reliability appeal to golfers who drive frequently or tow equipment. Both vehicles simplify logistics, letting amateurs focus on their game.
• Reiteration Of Choice: The choice depends on whether you prioritize space (Suburban) or efficiency and towing (Sequoia), with no single SUV being definitively better.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Suburban excels in cargo space and comfort, making it the go-to for golfers with large groups or long trips, while the Toyota Sequoia’s hybrid efficiency and towing prowess suit those who value agility and long-term reliability. Your choice depends on whether space or efficiency tops your golfing needs.