2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a striking yet divisive front-end design closely aligned with modern Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. It seems that designers borrowed heavily from the Camaro’s design language, stretching it across the massive SUV frame. This resulted in a combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles, which didn't favor the Suburban’s appearance. While past generations of Chevrolet vehicles leaned on conservative design principles that aged gracefully, the latest versions faced an uphill battle in acceptance.

On the inside, the Suburban felt more familiar. Though reimagined, the layout of controls remained practical and user-centric. The radio and climate controls were strategically placed, supplemented by redundant controls to the touchscreen set in the dash. A chrome strip framed the screen and reflected sunlight, albeit inconveniently, suggesting that Detroit designers underestimated sunny days.

Available trims ranged from LS to the high-end High Country. The LS trim provided essentials like an infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, and tri-zone climate control. Mid-level trims such as LT added luxury touches like leather upholstery and a Bose premium stereo. The Z71 aimed at off-road ruggedness, whereas the RST offered on-road performance with 22-inch wheels. The range-topping High Country—our test model—boasted additional features like air suspension and a panoramic sunroof, though it couldn’t entirely escape the hard plastic finishes typical of upscale pickups over true luxury SUVs.

Ford introduced multiple changes in the 2022 Expedition's exterior styling, aiming for a refreshed look with a new grille, headlights, and bumper in the front, and redesigned taillights and trim at the rear. Updates across all trim levels included redesigned wheels. Trim options remained consistent with prior models, ranging from the base XL STX to the luxurious Platinum. The introduction of the Timberline trim catered directly to off-road enthusiasts, offering unique touches like all-terrain tires and enhanced ground clearance.

Inside, the Expedition embraced modern tech with a redesigned dashboard housing the latest Sync infotainment systems. The Stealth Edition packages brought aesthetic enhancements, such as black 22-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers. Our Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition combined leather-lined interiors with upgraded tech features, providing a substantial step-up from earlier models and rivaling its contemporaries in terms of comfort and sophistication.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a variety of engine choices. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded 6.2-liter V8 offered a more robust 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the newly available Duramax turbodiesel with its 3.0-liter inline-six engine generated 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

In practical use, the diesel engine proved satisfying with V8-level torque, providing strong thrust and acceleration. Despite its diesel nature, the Suburban managed an impressively smooth ride, albeit with noticeable truck-like handling characteristics such as body-roll and sensitivity to crosswinds. The independent rear suspension, a recent addition, contributed to a more compliant ride compared to previous iterations, despite some remaining truck-related ride quirks.

The 2022 Ford Expedition utilized a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine across all models. Standard output was 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a high-output version available in specific trims pushing up to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft on premium fuel. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg combined, and towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds depending on configuration.

The Expedition's twin-turbo V6 delivered an addictive power experience, exuding a distinct signature sound pleasing to the ears. Though the test model’s observed fuel economy was slightly underwhelming at 16.2 mpg, the performance remained commendable with potent acceleration and smooth highway cruising. Handling-wise, the sport-tuned suspension in our Stealth Edition sometimes allowed for harsh ride quality on uneven pavement, influenced by its 22-inch wheels and tires. Yet, the Expedition excelled in maneuverability within urban environments and was especially effortless on the highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space and cargo capacity. With seats folded, it offered an expansive 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Even with the second-row seats in use, there were 93.8 cubic feet available, and behind the third row, 41.5 cubic feet provided substantial room. The commanding driving position and ample head- and legroom across all rows further emphasized its suitability for larger families and long road trips.

While the control layout mimicked that of GM pickup trucks, the Suburban introduced a button shifter design that paled in comparison to traditional column shifters. Additionally, the power-sliding center console, though innovative, felt unnecessary and somewhat cumbersome.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, however, focused equally on maximizing comfort and practicality. Higher trims offered leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated seats with additional amenities like massaging seats. Unlike the Suburban’s cargo space, the standard Expedition provided 104.6 cubic feet of cargo with all rear seats folded, increasing to 121.5 cubic feet in the Expedition Max. Behind the third row, cargo room measured 19.3 cubic feet, though the Expedition Max offered a larger 34.3 cubic feet.

Passenger comfort remained paramount, with power running boards aiding entry and exit. Second-row passengers enjoyed heated captain’s chairs and private climate controls, while the third row provided a power-recline function for adaptability. However, tight headroom and limited floor space hindered practicality slightly, especially with higher cargo loads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that ably ran GM’s user-friendly infotainment system. The clear graphics and intuitive interface, bolstered by a home button, simplified navigation through various menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available wireless charging pad enhanced the connected experience. Optional features included a rear entertainment system and a head-up display, successfully combining convenience and entertainment.

For 2022, the Ford Expedition introduced the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The base Sync 4 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with physical controls, while the optional Sync 4A upped the ante with a 15.5-inch screen and adaptive dashcard interface. Both systems supported wireless smartphone connectivity and navigation. Higher trims offered premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems, though the B&O system in our test model lacked fidelity at high volumes compared to expectations.

While Sync 4A proved sophisticated, it wasn’t without quirks. Occasional issues with Apple CarPlay restarting automatically and an inadvertently activated defroster function slightly marred the user experience. Nonetheless, the system's extensive capabilities, including FordPass Connect and enhanced voice recognition, positioned it as a notable improvement over previous iterations.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came well-equipped with essential safety features including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system, which imposed speed and volume restrictions, ensured added safety for younger drivers. Optional features extended to adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a rear-view camera mirror. Compared to rivals, the Suburban’s optional suite of safety systems could have been more comprehensive.

In comparison, the 2022 Ford Expedition integrated safety features into three Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package boasted forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, among others. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and intersection assist. Higher trims came with Co-Pilot Assist 2.0, including rear automatic emergency braking and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Further, the introduction of systems like BlueCruise hands-free driving technology and Road Edge Detection underscored Ford’s commitment to advanced safety. Despite minor inconveniences like inconsistent lane-centering performance, the Expedition’s overall safety offerings provided robust protection and driver assistance.