2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was a masterclass in sophisticated design and meticulous attention to materials. It came in three configurations: the B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, being a plug-in hybrid, promised maximum efficiency and an impressive 32 miles of electric-only range. All variations boasted an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.

Volvo's lineup for 2024 was well-structured into Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices spanning from $56,000 to $79,600, not including the $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim commanded a premium, coming in at an MSRP of $89,145, given the destination charge. The test model dazzled with its seven-passenger seating, Lounge Package, active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, reflecting its capability to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The exterior aesthetic of the XC90 was designed to resonate with luxury and practicality. Subdued and earthy tones dominated the color palette, while various wheel designs, up to 21 inches in diameter, added flair. The Bright theme, characterized by chrome and polished metal, provided a stark contrast to the blacked-out trends prevalent in the industry.

Inside, the XC90 appointed itself with dated yet premium materials such as wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather options. The Orrefors crystal shift knob was a highlight, along with an array of natural wood trims, creating a harmonious and sophisticated cabin space. Volvo’s offering was unique in allowing buyers to mix and match paints, wheels, and upholstery to cater to individual preferences much more flexibly than many competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban leaned heavily on its historical significance, dating back 90 years. Despite its large size, the Suburban's design ensured it blended into traffic unobtrusively. Its massive 18 feet 10 inches length and height over six feet might have been intimidating for urban driving but made it an excellent choice for those needing ample cargo and passenger accommodations.

Chevrolet segmented the Suburban into six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Each step up the trim ladder introduced more luxury and convenience features. For example, while the base LS featured 18-inch alloy wheels, the High Country flaunted 22-inch alloys and additional optional luxuries like power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof, albeit at a hefty price.

Inside, the High Country trim showcased a heated steering wheel, three-stage heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. However, despite its premium aspirations, the interior materials felt somewhat pedestrian compared to the Volvo XC90. The driver and front passenger enjoyed 12-way power adjustments, while other trims offered 10-way adjustments. Seats, though supportive, were not the most comfortable for long journeys.

For 2024, the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 pushed the envelope by integrating an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor into the B6’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This combination churned out an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, efficiently distributed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The setup allowed for 32 electric-only miles, and in hybrid mode, the XC90 averaged 27 mpg in combined driving. Switching to Power mode, the XC90's acceleration was brisk, clocking a 0-60 mph time in just about five seconds.

Recharging the XC90 was straightforward, with a standard household outlet serving the purpose well within 12 hours. An upgrade to a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet cut recharge times by more than half. Various drive modes, such as Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, provided flexibility, adapting the vehicle's behavior to various driving conditions.

Our test day in Southern California, with temperatures in the mid-90s, revealed a slight deviation in performance metrics, delivering 28 electric-only miles and falling short of the EPA’s predicted 27 mpg by offering 24.5 mpg. But during regular week-long suburban commutes, the XC90 performed admirably on electric power alone, making it highly fuel-efficient.

However, the XC90's firm ride, symptomatic of its 21-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension, did compromise comfort on uneven pavements. Handling was less than perfect, with notable roll, pitch, and dive during spirited drives, and steering lacked the sharpness and communicative feedback sportier SUVs offered.

Turning to the Chevrolet Suburban, buyers had three engines to choose from: two V8s and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, generated 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, sufficient for an 8,300-pound towing capacity when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. The more powerful 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims including the High Country, offered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, enhancing performance and making acceleration notably effortless.

The diesel engine, while offering less horsepower at 277, compensated with 460 lb-ft of torque, delivering superior fuel economy and robust towing capabilities. It was also the most economical option, costing $1,500 less than the V8 when selected for the High Country trim.

All engines were paired with a crisp 10-speed automatic transmission. Most trims were rear-wheel driven, while the off-road-focused Z71 came with four-wheel drive as standard. Optional air suspension in models such as our test Suburban made light work of Boston’s uneven streets and improved versatility with adjustable ride height. However, the sheer size and 6,000-pound weight of the Suburban necessitated mindful driving to manage expected body rolls and extended braking distances.

The Volvo XC90, even in its Core trim, pampered occupants with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims included additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage options, and rear door sunshades.

The XC90 catered to seven passengers, or six if opting for second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row bench, as in our test unit, offered commendable comfort with individual climate controls. Access to the third row was tight, more suitable for children but still more accommodating than rivals. Cargo capacity was 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down, providing ample storage space for road trips.

Chevrolet’s Suburban, however, significantly outshone the XC90 in cargo space. With the third-row seats in place, it boasted a massive 41.5 cubic feet of storage—27% more than a Subaru Outback’s trunk. Folding the third-row seats expanded this to 93.8 cubic feet, with a maximum cargo capacity of 144.7 cubic feet. The 28-gallon fuel tank coupled with the diesel engine’s 26-mpg highway rating suggested impressive range, making the Suburban an ideal companion for extended road trips.

Technology-wise, Volvo’s XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen system utilizing Google Built-in technology for navigation, apps access (Google Play), and voice recognition (Google Assistant), free for four years. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard, with notable audio options like a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

The addition of Google Built-in had modernized the XC90’s infotainment. The screen size, though smaller by recent standards, was practical given its driver-centric positioning. A 12-inch digital instrument panel complemented the system, accompanied by available features like a head-up display and a surround-view camera, enhancing parking ease.

Chevrolet’s 2024 Suburban, with an already capable 10.2-inch touchscreen standard on higher trims, excelled in user-friendliness, particularly with Google Built-in simplifying navigation and app usage without requiring pairing. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, plus an optional rear-seat entertainment system indicated a family-friendly design.

A 10-speaker Bose audio system in the Suburban, although good, felt lacking compared to the richer options available in competitors like Ford Expedition’s and Jeep Wagoneer’s superior sound systems.

Volvo fortified the XC90 with an array of safety features resonating with its legacy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it five stars in all but rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tagged it as a Top Safety Pick+. Yet, its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) didn’t feel cutting-edge, and its Pilot Assist System, while generally reliable, faltered during some tests.

Conversely, the Chevrolet Suburban garnered a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, scoring slightly lower in frontal crashes and rollover tests. It was well-equipped with standard ADAS including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver feature. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, enhancing long-distance driving convenience with over 400,000 miles of compatible roads.