2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 with Black Ice accents. Inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from comfortable on the base LS trim to luxurious on the High Country, with leather seats standard from the LT trim upwards. The RST's interior featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark despite its spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of the past. The XC90's purposeful yet understated design featured a stout front end and a bold grille, complemented by the modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The Ultimate trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint, added a touch of drama to the otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, though the limited physical controls could be a point of frustration for some users.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency and towing capability. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, and the independent rear suspension improved ride quality and cargo space. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it a capable towing vehicle.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6 powertrain, with its supercharger and turbo, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the fuel economy benefits were minimal, the mild-hybrid system contributed to smoother operation and aligned with Volvo's electrification goals. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, and the vehicle's handling was surprisingly agile for its size. The XC90's brakes offered a solid pedal feel, and the cabin remained quiet thanks to effective insulation. The XC90's driving experience was straightforward, with limited customizable driving dynamics, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most configurations offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a third row that provided adequate space for adults. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The power-sliding centre console and various storage compartments added to its practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for long-time users.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which, while elegant, resulted in limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant as standard features. The system supported Apple CarPlay, though iPhones were less compatible. The XC90's natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced the user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical controls was a drawback. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. 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 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane-keeping.