Ford Expedition Max vs Chevrolet Suburban Chevy Ta

Ford Expeditions, Chevy Tahoes and Chevy Suburbans have been serving families for decades, but each generation -- and each model year -- vary with the times.

How will these 3 row SUVs serve your family? Is one a better choice than the other? Here’s what you need to know for the 2024 model year.  

Trim Levels and Prices

Expeditions come in a 2-row XL STX, but all other models are 3-row SUVs. With the exception of the off-roading Expedition Timberline, the remaining trims are offered on either short or long wheelbase. This means the Ford Expedition Max trim levels are XLT, Limited, King Ranch and Platinum.

The Tahoe and Suburban are offered as LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country trim levels. Like the Ford, Tahoe prices and Suburban prices are higher when you choose four-wheel drive.  

Comparing Expedition prices to Tahoe prices or Expedition Max prices to Suburban prices, you’ll need to look closely at how things are packaged. Find the latest Expedition prices here.  

For instance, the Tahoe and Suburban start off with an 8-inch touchscreen while the Expedition 3 row SUV has a standard 12-inch touchscreen. Furthermore it has important cabin amenities such as its power-folding third row. As for driver assistance, there are more standard features for the 3 row Expedition, including a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.  



Performance and Efficiency

Twin turbo powertrains allow the Fords to claim 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 Chevy Tahoe utilizes a V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lower power, the Tahoe also has lower fuel economy. So, whether you are protecting the family budget or pleasing the family driver, the Expedition pulls ahead in this category.

If you want something speedier, twin turbo power grows to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque for the higher Ford trims. The Timberline has a special twin turbo that generates 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. 2024 Chevy Suburbans offer a V8 that generates 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.  

The Chevrolet 3 row SUVs offer a turbodiesel that creates 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has an advantage at the fuel pump. However, it also costs quite a bit more to buy the 2024 Tahoe or Suburban Turbodiesel. Of course, diesel fuel costs quite a bit more than regular fuel. All in all, the fuel economy doesn’t pay back enough to cover those differences.  



Style, Comfort and Ride Quality

There’s no way around it. The Ford Expedition and Expedition Max have superior interiors to their Tahoe and Suburban rivals. The 2024 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban have cabins often called plain but comfortable. The Expedition earns adjectives like upmarket and well-crafted. US News calls it “one of the nicest cabins in the segment.”

Plus Expeditions are known for their good ride quality while the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe is repeatedly criticized for uninviting ride quality unless you can afford an available suspension upgrade.  

As for size, the Expedition second row has more headroom than its Chevy rivals. It offers 41.5 inches of second row legroom, too. On the third row, the Expedition, Expedition Max, and Suburban offer more than 36 inches of legroom while the Tahoe offers less than 35 inches. Find out about Expedition financing.  

Utility and Tow Ratings

The Expedition Max has the same cabin measurements for passengers. However, it trades the 20-cubic foot cargo hold to a 36-cu ft cargo hold. The Tahoe cargo hold is 25 cubes while the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban cargo hold is 40 cubes.

The Expedition is set to tow 6,000 pounds unless the shopper opts for the four-wheel drive Expedition with the 3.73 axle ratio. With the right trailering equipment, it can pull 9,300 pounds. This makes it the leader in this comparison. Learn more about trim levels and options in this 2024 Ford Expedition review.  

2024 Tahoes and Suburbans are also good at towing. Tow ratings may be 7600, 8100 or 8400 pounds, depending on factors such as trailering equipment and four-wheel drive.  



Expedition Max vs Suburban

The Expedition Max doesn’t give the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban much room to pull ahead. When it comes to passenger space, the Ford offers equally friendly 2nd and 3rd row dimensions. Furthermore, while the Chevy claims the bigger cargo hold, the Max hold is so big at 36 cubes that it eliminates any concern.

As for power, the Expedition Max offers more torque while the Suburban offers more horsepower. These Chevy 3 row SUVs lag when it comes to suitable ride quality, a fact which also affects how responsive the handling is.  

If you look at price vs value, you’ll see that Ford 3 row trim levels pull ahead of their Suburban trim level rivals by providing more for the money. Expedition Max models make certain favorite amenities, such as ventilated seats, more accessible to buyers.  

Expedition vs Tahoe

In its higher quality cabin, the Expedition has a bigger 3rd row area for passengers than the Tahoe. Plus it has those power-folding third row seats. This means the buyer’s dollar captures more real estate when choosing the Ford Expedition over the 2024 Chevy Tahoe.

If you look at prices and value, the Expedition earns its keep with higher quality cabins at every trim level. Plus it has better standards for the money. The Expedition also has a 5-star safety rating while the 2024 Tahoe has a 4-star rating from the NHTSA.  

Last but not least, Ford Ecoboost engines offer the best power with the best fuel economy at the most affordable vehicle price.  

Conclusion

Whether it’s about space, driving manners, efficiency, or packaging, you’ll find what you need in the 2024 Ford Expedition or Expedition Max. Check out your choices at our Phoenix metro Ford dealer.

Schedule a test drive to discover your own opinion about the 3 row SUVs.