2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design wasn't just for show; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped secure cargo and provided better visibility of the vehicle's corners. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with some creaking over bumps, but it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its long-standing history, was a familiar sight on the roads. Its massive size, stretching nearly 19 feet, made it a common choice for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering basic features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights, with more luxurious options as you moved up the trim ladder. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims, and the Premier and High Country trims offering premium leather options. The Suburban's cabin was comfortable, with features like a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control, but it felt somewhat pedestrian despite its high price. The seats were supportive but not ideal for long trips, and the 12-way power adjustments were only available on the driver and front passenger seats.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was excessive but enjoyable. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with quieter interiors. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 was standard on most trims, while the 6.2-liter V8 was available on higher trims. The diesel engine provided better fuel economy and was less expensive than the V8 on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable with its height-adjustable air suspension. However, its 6,000-pound weight meant drivers needed to anticipate body roll and brake earlier than in smaller vehicles.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door model 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, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it ideal for families needing extensive cargo capacity. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank allowed for long road trips, especially with the diesel engine's fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured technology that enhanced its off-road capabilities, including G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch infotainment display.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in for accessing apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. It came standard with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional driver assistance features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests. It included standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional features available on higher trims. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, as an option.