Traditional, full-size, body-on-frame SUVs are far from the most popular vehicles on the market today, after all, not everyone needs their unique combination of capacity and capability.
But motorists that do, well, their needs really won’t be met by any other vehicle. If you require a heavy tow-rating, lots of seats and four-wheel drive, a Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition are two go-to models. But which is a better option? That’s your job to decide!
Starting with the Ford since it’s all new for 2018, this behemoth is offered in two different flavors, a standard model and an extended-length Max version. Better stacking up against its bow-tie rival, we’ll be focusing on the big one.
With a high-strength steel frame and new aluminum body, the Expedition is a bit lighter than before, though it still clocks in at about 5,800 pounds when equipped with four-wheel drive.
Under-hood, the only engine offered in Dearborn’s mammoth SUV is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that’s rated at a stout 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A cutting-edge 10-speed automatic transmission is standard. So equipped, this vehicle can tow more than 9,000 pounds, though properly equipped non-Max models can drag up to 9,300.
The Chevy in this comparison features a 5.3-liter small-block V8 that delivers 355 horses and 383 pound-feet of twist. A tried-and-true Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Nullifying Ford’s mass advantage, the Suburban weighs an advertised 5,808 pounds with four-wheel drive installed. Accordingly, it can tow up to 8,000 pounds.
Focusing on cargo volume, the Chevy has a slight edge, offering 121.7 cubic feet behind the first-row seats, 0.3 more than the Expedition. Still, the Ford has the advantage when it comes to passenger space, offering 172 cubes compared to less than 121 in the Suburban. This is likely because of its more spacious third-row, which is enabled by the independent rear suspension.
Ford vs. Chevy, Expedition or Suburban. Which of these SUVs to YOU prefer? Well, compare them here for more information and make sure to vote in our poll!
