2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban carried forward the brand's full-size truck design language, which was introduced with the 2021 model year redesign. Its exterior styling was shared with the shorter Tahoe SUV and the Silverado 1500 pickup, featuring a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels that contributed to its supersized appearance. 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. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with varying levels of comfort and luxury, from the economically comfortable base LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching and optional Luxury package amenities, though the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was offered in nine distinct trim levels, all sharing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Despite some creaking over bumps, the Bronco was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, and its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,300 pounds. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, excelled in towing a Chevrolet Impala on a trailer, thanks to features like hitch guidance and multiple rear camera views.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower in the Raptor trim. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the 2.7-liter V6 suited the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided exhilarating power, though not necessary for most drivers. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected, aided by several cameras for maneuvering.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row providing 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. Features like a power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be problematic for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. Up front, storage options included netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, appealing to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while a 10.2-inch Premium System was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot, were standard. The Suburban offered up to 13 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. Audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround system.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing settings for various terrains. Numerous camera views aided in navigating tight spaces, and Trail Turn Assist allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display. A wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Ford Bronco had standard safety features like forward collision warning and hill-start assist. The Mid package added features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS in most crashworthiness tests.