Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Everything You Need To Know
Ford Expedition by Ominae — CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban are both full-size SUVs at the top of their class. The Chevy Suburban has been in production since 1934, making it the longest continuously running automotive name in the United States, and is currently on its 12th generation as of 2021. The Ford Expedition is a relatively newer entry to the market, with models in production since 1997, and is on its 4th generation today with an electric version coming soon. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban specs and reviews.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Performance
When it comes to performance, full-size SUVs can sometimes get a bad rap. However, both the Chevy Suburban and the Ford Expedition offer their drivers plenty of power in a package that is fun to drive.
The base model of the 2021 Ford Expedition offers drivers 470 lb-ft of torque and 375 hp from a 3.5-liter V6 engine, with an increased 400 hp on the Platinum trim.
On the other hand, the 2021 Chevy Suburban base model delivers 383 lb-ft of torque and 355 hp from a 5.7-liter V8 engine, with the option to upgrade to either a 6.2-liter V8 engine or a 3-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine.
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Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Safety
Since SUVs are typically marketed and sold as being family cars, safety is of the utmost importance. Consumers want to see stellar crash test ratings, superior technology, and other safety features. Luckily, advanced safety features and driving aids make both the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Suburban a solid choice when it comes to passenger safety.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the NHTSA Safety Ratings for the Ford Expedition give the 2021 model a 5-star overall rating, 5-stars in a frontal crash or a side crash, and 3-stars in the event of a rollover. The NHTSA ratings for the 2021 Suburban are similar, with a 4-star overall rating, 4-star frontal crash rating, 5-star side crash rating, and 4-star rollover rating.
Standard safety features in the Expedition include lane assist, forward collision alerts, automatic braking in emergencies, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera, while optional driving aids include parking sensors, a camera system featuring a 360-view, and parking assistance.
The Suburban also offers a host of advanced safety features and driver-assist technology, including a standard package of rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, pedestrian detection, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. Upgrade options include front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and rearview mirror cameras.
In summary, while your family will be well protected with either the Expedition or the Suburban, the Suburban offers slightly more technology and has a higher safety rating in the event of a rollover crash.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Reliability
According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2021 Ford Expedition is rated at a 75 out of 100 when it comes to quality and reliability, as determined by J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings. These scores are based on owner feedback and ownership experiences from both initial responses and long-term responses. Likewise, the 2021 Chevy Suburban is rated at a 70 out of 100. It appears that part of the reason for this slight difference is a higher number of recalls in the 2021 Suburban than the Expedition.
Both vehicles are covered by industry-standard 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranties and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranties.
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Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Value
Both of these vehicles have a similar starting price before optional upgrades, and higher-end trims are accounted for. The Chevy Suburban is slightly more expensive than the Expedition by just a few thousand dollars, making it hard to determine a clear winner when it comes to value.
The starting MSRP of the 2021 Expedition starts at $50,595 for the base model XL STX and ranges all the way to $76,150 for the Platinum Max edition.
Similarly, the starting MSRP of the 2021 Suburban is a comparable $52,900, with the High Country 4WD clocking in at a starting MSRP of $77,895 before options.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: MPG
The Expedition takes the prize when it comes to fuel economy, with a slight advantage over the Suburban for both city and highway MPG. According to fueleconomy.gov, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has a combined city/highway MPG of 18, which breaks down to 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highways. In comparison, the 2021 Ford Expedition has a combined city/highway MPG of 19, which breaks down to 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highways.
Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: Interior Design & Features
When it comes to the Expedition, while the base trim utilizes more plastic than many car buyers would prefer, higher trims add more luxurious touches like leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Standard features include push-start, a rearview camera, climate control, and a signature infotainment system complete with a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The Expedition also features several high-end interior options such as massaging front seats, heated front and middle row seats, navigation, wireless device charging, keyless entry, remote start, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. Depending on if the vehicle features captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the middle row, the Expedition can seat up to 7 or 8 occupants.
The Chevy Suburban’s interior is impressive, with plenty of cargo space, a well-appointed cabin, and spacious seating in all rows. There is more flexibility with the Suburban’s seating arrangements, where drivers can choose from configurations that seat 7-9 passengers, making the Suburban one of the few options available on the market that seats 9.
Standard interior features include keyless entry, remote start, climate control, a 10.2 touch screen infotainment system, power-adjustable front seats, and a full suite of safety features. Available upgrades include rearview camera mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front and middle row seats, navigation, wireless charging, a rear-seat entertainment system, and power side steps.
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Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban: The Bottom Line
While each SUV is a solid option, the choice will come down to which features your family finds most desirable and how much money you have available to shell out for the model and trim that has the features and upgrades you want. For example, if you desire an SUV with the most seating possible, the Suburban is the clear winner with the option to seat 9, while the Expedition will win your heart if you are seeking the best possible MPG.
Both vehicles offer impressive safety features, roomy interiors with optional seating configuration upgrades, fully integrated infotainment systems, and best-in-class performance, all for a similar value. No matter which SUV you choose, you should find that your family will be happy with the purchase for many years to come.
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