The Chevrolet Suburban versus the Ford Expedition MAX is an old cross-town rivalry. Chevy and Ford both know a thing or two about trucks, and they both do an outstanding job translating that expertise into full-size SUVs. These highly competitive and family-friendly 3-row extended-length SUVs are both at the top of their game, so let’s take a closer look and see which is better in 2025.
2025 Chevrolet Suburban
There’s an air of trust and reassurance in the fact that the Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the history of cars. It’s come a long way since the original 2-door model came out in 1935, serving as one of America’s favorite family SUVs for decades. In many ways, it’s the archetype of full-size SUVs with muscular engine options, acres of interior space, true truck-like capabilities, and a macho appearance to match, plus modern tech features like a 17.7-inch touchscreen display.
Chevrolet Suburban Highlights
More cargo space: Families shopping for an extended-wheelbase full-size SUV need a lot of cargo space, and the Suburban has more of it than the Expedition MAX. Compared to the Ford, the Chevy has 10% more cargo room behind the third row and 17% more space when all of the back seats are folded down.
Three engine options: We love the mechanical variety under the hood of the Chevy Suburban. There are two tried-and-true gas-powered V8 engines available, a good one and a better one, and there’s an efficient and torquey Duramax turbodiesel option that gets up to 23 mpg in mixed driving.
Up to nine seats: The Chevy Suburban still offers seating for up to nine people with a bench seat in all three rows. Most buyers will opt for bucket front seats, but this is a notable strength that’s unique to the Suburban.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Suburban models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Expedition MAX
The Ford Expedition MAX enters a new generation for 2025 with a refreshed look inside and out, significantly updated technology, and some clever features you won’t find in any other SUV in this class, like a split liftgate, zone exterior lighting, digital device holders for the back seats, and a Cargo Tailgate Manager that turns into a table or a bench. Call them gimmicks if you want, but you may find them to be must-have features once you’ve lived with them.
Ford Expedition MAX Highlights
Ford Digital Experience: The Ford Digital Experience consists of a 24-inch panoramic display perched on the dash, plus a 13.2-inch center infotainment screen. All of this screen real estate clearly delivers helpful information to the driver, and it’s all very user-friendly.
Split liftgate: The class-exclusive Ford Split Gate is a game changer. The upper liftgate folds up and the lower tailgate folds down. This prevents stuff from rolling out of the cargo area when you open the hatch, plus it makes the Expedition MAX the ultimate tailgating SUV.
Class-leading towing: Who needs a diesel or a V8 when the turbo V6 in the Ford Expedition boasts a best-in-class maximum tow rating of up to 9,600 pounds? This beats the Suburban, which tows up to 8,400 pounds, by a significant margin. Meanwhile, the Ford also has lower EPA-estimated fuel costs than the V8 options in the Chevy.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Expedition MAX models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both in a small competitive set of extended-wheelbase, full-size SUVs. Both have ample 3-row seating, powerful engines, available 4-wheel drive, and even optional hands-free highway driving (Chevy calls it Super Cruise, Ford calls it BlueCruise).
Pricing
New 2025 Ford Expedition MAX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43050)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$66,995 |
$63,236 |
|||
$79,425 |
$75,159 |
|||
$88,650 |
$83,809 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles and New 2025 Ford Expedition MAX vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Chevrolet Suburban | 2025 Ford Expedition MAX | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 5.3-liter 8-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 8,200 pounds | 9,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 400 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm | 480 lb-ft @ 3,300 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 10-speed w/overdrive | automatic, 10-speed w/selectshift |
| Fuel Economy | 15 city/20 highway/17 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 9 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 134 inches | 131.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 226.3 inches | 221.7 inches |
| Width | N/A | 94.6 inches |
| Height | 75.6 inches | 78.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.5 feet | 43.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.2 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.5 inches | 43.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.0 inches | 42.2 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 36.7 inches | 43.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 65.5 inches | 64.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 64.6 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 62.8 inches | 64.2 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 41.5 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 93.8 feet | 84.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 144.5 feet | 123.1 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
These full-size SUVs are both excellent, but the Ford Expedition earns the title of our Best Buy Award; it’s our favorite in this class. We love the turbo V6 powertrain, the Ford Digital Experience, the roomy third row, and clever features like the split liftgate. That said, the Suburban is the one to get if you’re looking to maximize cargo space or seating capacity, or if you want a V8 or a diesel engine.
