2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban showcased a divisive front-end design reminiscent of its truck and SUV brethren, which has been somewhat polarizing among consumers. The design philosophy seemed influenced by the Chevrolet Camaro, with small headlights and a large, busy grille stretching across the Suburban's massive frame. Despite the controversial styling, which may not age as gracefully as past models, Chevrolet continued this trend, hinting at no early redesigns similar to those seen with the Camaro. Inside, the Suburban maintained a consistent layout with previous models, ensuring familiarity with the placement of controls. The vehicle was equipped with a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip that, unfortunately, reflected sunlight directly into the driver’s eyes, an oversight not helped by Detroit's weather. The Suburban was available in various trims including LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and the High Country. The latter featured luxury and technology enhancements but still fell short of the plush interiors expected in its price range, often feeling more utilitarian than luxurious. Conversely, the 2021 Ford Expedition presented a refreshing sight for a group of weary travelers in Los Angeles. Its luxurious Platinum trim included large, comfortable seating and an opulent interior, though still marred by extensive use of hard plastics reminiscent of its less expensive siblings. The exterior of the Expedition Platinum boasted a detailed chrome grille and large wheels, presenting a commanding presence. Despite its ample room and advanced features, the standard-length Expedition struggled with cargo space when fully loaded with passengers, a limitation not faced with the extended-length MAX model, which provided ample space for passengers and luggage alike.

The Chevrolet Suburban's performance was defined by its choice of powerful engines including a standard 5.3-liter V8, a robust 6.2-liter V8, and a newly available Duramax turbodiesel, each paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offered impressive towing capabilities and a ride quality enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, though it retained some truck-like driving characteristics. The Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 across all trims, delivering up to 400 horsepower in the Platinum trim. It also featured a commendable towing capacity and sophisticated technology like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Expedition's ride quality was occasionally compromised by large wheels, but its independent suspension provided a stable and comfortable driving experience.

In terms of utility, the Suburban offered an impressive cargo capacity across its three rows of seats, with a cavernous space behind the first row. It provided extensive room for passengers, though some interior features like the power-sliding center console felt unnecessarily complex. The Ford Expedition, especially in the MAX version, excelled in maximizing passenger and cargo space, outperforming many minivans. The interior was spacious, and while the vehicle had large seats comfortable for all passengers, the presence of hard plastics was notable.

Technology in the Suburban included a 10.2-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly infotainment system, wireless connectivity for devices, and optional advanced features like a rear entertainment system and head-up display. The Expedition's older Sync 3 system, despite showing its age, managed to offer essential connectivity and entertainment options, supported by a high-quality Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, it lacked some of the newer features seen in competitors.

The Suburban was equipped with essential safety features like automatic emergency braking and innovative additions such as the Teen Driver system. Optional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Expedition boasted a robust structure with a high overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which included numerous driver-assist technologies. However, it lacked some of the more advanced autonomous driving aids available in newer models.