2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, which it shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban offered a variety of grille, fascia, and wheel designs across its six trims, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin that ranged from comfortable in the base LS trim to luxurious in the High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, although the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, with its nine distinct trim levels, offered a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. It featured practical elements like drain plugs, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and customizable handholds. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco's interior was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler's.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The RST trim, with its 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, excelled in towing tests, offering a stress-free experience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco also offered three engines: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower in the Raptor trim. All Broncos featured a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the 2.7-litre V6 suited the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, aided by multiple cameras.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was easy. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the seats folded flat. The power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, its size made parking challenging in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column shifter.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door required some effort to access the rear seats. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray. The two-door offered 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door provided up to 1,008 litres. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's removable fenders and doors added versatility for off-road enthusiasts, although the Raptor's oversized fenders were not designed for removal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology options, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while a 10.2-inch system was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot, were standard. The Suburban offered a variety of camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized settings for different terrains, while numerous camera views aided in navigating tight spaces. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display. Ford's SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect were standard, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured standard safety equipment such as forward collision warning and hill-start assist. The Mid package added features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS in most crashworthiness tests.