The Chevrolet Suburban stands as America’s longest-serving SUV, transporting passengers and their belongings since 1935—three years ahead of the debut of the original Jeep. As it approaches its 90th year, this vehicle remains dominant in the segment of three-row, nine-seat SUVs. It boasts modern technology, impressive towing capabilities, and an unexpectedly comfortable ride. For the 2025 model year, it will feature refreshed styling, enhanced technological features, and a more potent diesel engine.
The Suburban is essentially an extended version of the Tahoe, featuring a longer wheelbase and total length. With dimensions spanning approximately 226 inches in length, 81 inches in width, and 76 inches in height, and equipped with a 134-inch wheelbase, this vehicle offers around 180 cubic feet of interior room for passengers along with between 42 to 145 cubic feet of storage capacity. The maximum payload capacity can reach up to 1,759 pounds based on engine selection. Additionally, twenty-four-inch wheels have become available as an optional feature.
The updated interior is a pleasant change, featuring a remodeled dashboard with an 11-inch digital display for the driver and a large 17.7-inch touch screen for infotainment that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless phone charging station. Rear seat entertainment can be added as an option. Each of the three seating rows provides ample legroom, and the lower height of the cargo area floor simplifies the process of loading items compared to similar vehicles in its class.
Available in LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country trims, the default powerplant is a 5.3-liter OHV V8 delivering 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Additional options consist of a 6.2-liter OHV V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, as well as a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter DOHC inline-six offering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle comes equipped with a ten-speed auto gearbox, paired either with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.
The towing capacity ranges from 7,500-7,700 pounds for the 5.3-liter engine, 7,400-7,500 pounds for the 6.2-liter engine, and 7,800-8,100 pounds for the turbo-diesel option. An additional Max Trailering package can be added, featuring components such as a high-capacity radiator and cooling fan, an integrated trailer brake controller, Hitch View technology, Hill Descent Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist designed specifically for trailering, along with the Chevrolet Trailering app. The ground clearance stands at eight inches; however, purchasing the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension—an extra available on models like the RST, Z71, and High Country—boosts this figure up to a peak of ten point six inches. Models including the Premier and High Country versions come equipped with standard Magnetic Ride Control, enhancing their driving experience significantly more so than one would anticipate. Indeed, the Suburban outperforms competing vehicles when it comes to handling ease. Despite all these features making the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban quite impressive, potential buyers may still ponder over what alternatives the market presents.
Ford Expedition Max
Pardon us if the somewhat awkwardly titled Expedition Max comes off as a bulked-up moniker—not exactly in a flattering light. Nonetheless, it fits because this Expedition has had quite a growth spurt. With a 132-inch wheelbase, 222-inch length, and 80-inch width, it’s just a tad more compact than its competitor from Chevy yet still impressively large. It offers 172 cubic feet for passengers and between 34 to 122 cubic feet for storage space. The payload capacity lags behind too, topping out at around 1,600 pounds. However, every seat inside feels spacious, despite losing some cubic footage compared to the Chevrolet model. Inside, you’ll find comfort with a 24-inch digital instrument cluster paired alongside a centrally mounted 13.2-inch touch screen supporting both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities, along with a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and integrated Google services.
The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine from Ford generates 380 horsepower along with 470 pound-feet of torque. By selecting the Stealth Performance Package, these figures increase to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque using ordinary unleaded fuel. The vehicle comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission paired either with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options. For towing capacity, it can range between 6,000 pounds and 9,000 pounds when you add the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package. The ground clearance stands at 8.7 inches.
The Stealth Performance Package enhances the Expedition Max with features such as a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust, an adjusted final drive ratio, 22-inch wheels, red brake calipers, a premium 22-speaker B&O sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and extensive blacked-out detailing. Upgraded components like an electronic limited-slip rear diff and adaptive shock absorbers can be added separately. Although these upgrades might turn your vehicle into a swift performer in a straight line, its sheer weight makes it less agile around corners. It excels at providing smooth rides instead—something you likely anticipated.
Jeep Wagoneer L
With a significant $3,000 cut in its price tag for the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wagoneer L starts at just under the base price of the Suburban and around two thousand dollars cheaper than the Expedition Max. Although it has the shortest wheelbase—measuring 130 inches—the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L stands out as the biggest among these SUVs, stretching to an impressive length of 227 inches, width of 84 inches, and height of 79 inches. Even though this vehicle is marginally bigger overall, it offers somewhat lesser interior volume compared to the Suburban, providing 179 cubic feet for passengers and between 42 to 131 cubic feet for storage. However, rest assured; there remains ample room inside, ensuring comfortable seating across all three rows.
The dashboard includes a 10.3-inch digital display for gauges, along with a central touch screen sized at 10.1 inches for entertainment purposes. Additionally, customers can opt for another 10.3-inch touch screen designed specifically for the front-seat passenger. This setup integrates various connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, Amazon Fire TV integration, voice control via Alexa, and even provides access to a mobile data hot spot through 4G technology.
The vehicle features a 3.0-liter Hurricane bi-turbo inline six-cylinder engine delivering 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque via an 8-speed auto tranny paired either with rear-wheel drive or all-weather four-wheel drive equipped with a single-ratio gear box. The payload capacity ranges between 1,330 lbs and 1,550 lbs based on configuration and drivetrain setup. Its towing capability spans from 5,870 lbs up to 10,000 lbs, also contingent upon the driveline specifics and differential gearing. An additional option includes a Quadra-lift pneumatic suspension coupled with adaptive dampers as well as a rigid or tubular anti-roll bar. Standard ground clearance stands at 8.3 inches; however, this increases to 10.7 inches when opting for the air suspension kit. Notably smooth during travel—especially noticeable with the use of the air suspension—the Wagoneer exhibits superior handling characteristics more akin to smaller vehicles despite its size. Feedback steering feels appropriately balanced though deceleration may require extra distance compared to competitors like the Chevy. Nonetheless, control remains consistent throughout driving conditions. This makes it quite the formidable competitor within its class.
Final thoughts
In general, we still favor the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, yet the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L presents formidable rivalry. Similarly, the 2025 Ford Expedition L, especially when equipped with the Stealth Performance Package, also stands out as tough competition. All three models make very persuasive arguments, and we recommend testing each one thoroughly before committing to the Suburban. Nonetheless, whichever model you choose, proceed cautiously if opting for a higher trim level since their prices can approach those of more luxurious variants from rival brands; notably, the Jeep offers a significant bump in performance at this elevated tier.
