2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

When comparing the look and feel of the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, both vehicles exhibited distinctive styling and design philosophies. The Explorer was undeniably a handsome vehicle, more visually appealing than even some luxury SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery. For 2020, Ford refined its design by trimming excess elements from the body panels, particularly at the rear, bestowing the Explorer with a lower, more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge created a prominent and recognizable front fascia. Although some may have disapproved of the small taillights, the overall proportions were nearly perfect. The ST trim, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, further enhanced the Explorer's hot and sporty nature. Unfortunately, the interior did not match the exterior's allure. The interior faced criticism for its use of low-grade materials, such as leather that felt like vinyl and flimsy plastic on the door panels and center console. For a vehicle priced at $60,000, the interior quality lagged behind competitors, leading to the perception that it was either too expensive or not luxurious enough.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a different story. While its front-end design, influenced by Camaro design language, could be polarizing, the overall exterior and interior design leaned towards practicality and functionality. The smaller headlights and large, busy grilles may not have appealed to everyone. However, the interior largely retained a familiar layout with controls in intuitive positions. Unlike the Explorer, the Suburban did not face significant criticism for its interior layout or material quality in this context. The trim levels, particularly the range-topping High Country, offered upscale features such as a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, adaptive suspension, and a massive panoramic sunroof. Even if not a genuine luxury SUV, the Suburban's interior quality was compared favorably against upscale pickups like the Ram 1500 Limited. Overall, while the Explorer had a more universally appealing exterior, the Suburban's interior was more consistent with its status and price point.

Performance-wise, the 2020 Ford Explorer boasted a remarkable array of engine options and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that significantly improved driving dynamics. The ST trim, in particular, was equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, making the ST variant incredibly responsive and nimble. The RWD setup offered even weight distribution, lending the Explorer more balanced handling characteristics reminiscent of luxury performance SUVs. The suspension and steering were tuned by Ford Performance engineers, resulting in a spirited driving experience with precise steering and superb brake feel. Other trims offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, and a hybrid option with a net 318 hp. Despite the variety, the V6 was the most compelling in terms of power and refinement. However, fuel efficiency was a concern, with the ST trim averaging 18 mpg in real-world conditions.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled with its range of engine options, including a base 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a robust 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban's truck-like capability shone through, with the 5.3-liter V8 equipped with the Max Trailering package capable of towing up to 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved ride comfort compared to previous generations, although some truck-like tendencies, such as body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds, were still present. The brakes offered ample stopping power with a soft and accurate pedal feel. The diesel engine provided impressive low-end torque, making it a versatile option for various driving conditions. Overall, while the Explorer was more nimble and sporty, the Suburban provided robust towing capabilities and a comfortable ride for large family haulers.

Interior space and cargo capacity were crucial factors in this comparison. The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a spacious and versatile interior, especially appreciated during long trips. The second row featured numerous conveniences, such as air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class experience for passengers. The third row was sufficiently roomy for short journeys, accommodating six-foot-tall adults without discomfort. However, the flat bench seat might not be ideal for long distances. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. While this was an improvement over previous models, some cargo space was sacrificed for increased passenger space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in terms of cargo capacity, offering a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it still provided 93.8 cubic feet, more than enough for most road trips. The 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row was comparable to many small crossovers. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample headroom and legroom. The second-row captain's chairs were particularly spacious, ensuring that front passengers did not need to move their seats forward. The Suburban's control layout, similar to GM pickup trucks, was intuitive. However, features such as the power-sliding center console and button shifter design were seen as unnecessary complexities. Despite these minor issues, the Suburban's sheer volume of passenger and cargo space was a significant advantage.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Ford Explorer offered a solid package. An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi came standard. Higher trims featured a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen's well-organized interface enhanced usability, but system updates were limited to external WiFi connections. The digital instrument panel provided fun animations and multiple layouts, though it lacked customization options and efficient use of screen space. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving but was not as refined as some competitors' systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system. It featured crisp graphics, a sensible layout, and a helpful home button. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, combined with an available wireless device charging pad, offered a highly convenient setup. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a head-up display providing large, easy-to-read graphics. Overall, while both vehicles offered robust tech packages, the Suburban's standard wireless integration and user-friendly interface gave it a slight edge.

Safety features were a critical consideration for both vehicles. The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, though the latter occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer had not yet been tested by NHTSA but received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. It also featured the Teen Driver system, allowing speed and volume limitations for young drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety credentials.