*All information in this article has been revised and updated for the latest 2021-2022 models.
The 2021 Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban can bring both upscale comfort and tow-friendly muscle to your daily drive. However, how do you choose between these full-size SUVs? Our comparison guide is here to take a closer look.
Kick-Back Luxury: 2021 Ford Expedition
You can’t beat the Expedition for passenger space. No matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort. Unlike its competitors, even the Expedition’s third row has enough legroom and seating support for adult-size passengers. In the Suburban, there might be enough space for adults back there, but the third-row cushions lack the necessary support for long-term comfort.
On the other hand, the Expedition and Suburban have a lot of comfort features in common. Both full-size SUVs have a lot of luxury features on offer. If you’re in the mood for leather upholstery or heated seats, you can add these items to either model.
Best Safety Lineup: 2021 Ford Expedition
This year’s Expedition has big news: every trim level now comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 package. This bundle of high-tech driver aids, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping technology, is specially designed to maximize on-road safety.
The Suburban also comes with some impressive safety features. Should something go wrong, Chevy’s OnStar emergency telematics system is ready to rescue you with roadside assistance or emergency crash notifications. However, if you want crash-prevention technology, you’re going to have to add the Enhanced Driver Alert package, and that costs extra.
The Expedition also has the edge in terms of crash-test scores. In government crash-tests, the 2020 Expedition earned perfect five-star ratings for overall safety. The Suburban follows behind with four stars for overall safety.
Most Space for Your Luggage: 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban might cut down on rear-seat legroom, but you’ll find plenty of room in the cargo hold. Behind the third-row seats, there are 41.5 cubic feet of space for your adventure gear. The 2021 Expedition’s spacious third row does cut down on cargo space, but only slightly. You still have 34.3 cubes for your stuff.
Tows the Most: 2021 Ford Expedition
When it comes to towing the biggest boat, it’s almost impossible to beat the Expedition. Not in this segment anyway. Depending on how it’s configured, the Chevy Suburban can tow up to 7,800 pounds. However, the Expedition bests its rival by quite a bit, giving you max tow ratings of 9,300 pounds. If you’ve got a heavy camper or boat at home, odds are that you’re going to need the Expedition.
The new Chevy Suburban is spacious and tech-savvy, but the 2021 Ford Expedition blows the competition away with its expansive passenger space and strong performance. Ford’s three-row SUV is the right choice for big families with a passion for adventure.