2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers mixed quality materials with some less impressive ones, but overall, the cabin felt worthy of its price.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing styling cues with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle featuring a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable on the base LS to plush on the High Country. The RST's cabin, with its black leather and red stitching, felt a bit dark, but overall, it was a pleasant place to be.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg and fuel consumption as low as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and it felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: 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 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 generated 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, provided effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, and it excelled in towing tests, making it a capable and reassuring choice for hauling.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage, with limited pockets and cubbies. Cargo space was 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,132 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The third row was spacious, with good access. Cargo space was impressive, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with seats folded. The Suburban featured a power-sliding centre console and ample storage cubbies. However, its size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and it might not fit in some garages.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen felt like an afterthought. The system included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less effective than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of tech features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. Google built-in, with Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were available. The Suburban offered various audio systems, with a premium Bose CenterPoint system on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included Chevy Safety Assist, with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.