2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, with its 2021 redesign, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. This gave the Suburban a supersized appearance, characterized by a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering different grille, fascia, and wheel designs, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. Our RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, presented a sporty look, enhanced by a monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents and RST-specific badging. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. Our RST tester featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment tech. It featured a new grille, headlights, bumper, and redesigned wheels across its lineup. Available in XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, the Expedition also introduced a new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts. Our Stone Blue Metallic test vehicle, part of the Limited Stealth Edition, boasted black 22-inch wheels and a sporty appearance. Inside, the Expedition offered a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Our test model, priced at $80,155, included options like 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display. Despite its F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim, the Expedition impressed with its leather seats, soft padding, and advanced tech.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-liter diesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, which included Magnetic Ride Control and dual exhaust tips. The extra power was appreciated during an 80-mile tow test, where the Suburban performed admirably.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with higher output available on certain trims. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered fuel economy ranging from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. Our test vehicle, not equipped with the high-output version, delivered a satisfying driving experience with its addictive power and signature sound. However, the observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, slightly below the official rating. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally good, though the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension could have benefited from the adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking aids, and it excelled on the highway during a family trip.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, offering room for up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans provided seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row offering adequate headroom and legroom. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide forward or backward, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. The optional power-sliding center console added storage space, though the Suburban's size made maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort, with easy access thanks to available power running boards. The spacious interior provided ample room for passengers, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom, climate controls, and cupholders. Loading the third row was easy, and passengers enjoyed good leg support, though headroom could be tight for taller individuals. The Expedition's cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo space. The Expedition's size made it easy to envision for road trips, though some tire slap was noticeable on certain pavements.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of tech options, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on higher trims. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT trims and above. The Suburban offered a variety of audio systems, with a nine-speaker Bose system standard on the LT and a premium 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system featured a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Sync 4A's conversational voice-recognition system had some quirks, and the system occasionally activated unintended functions. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and more. The King Ranch and Platinum trims included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, offering autonomous steering on approved highways. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic.