2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The materials were designed for durability rather than luxury, with sturdy handholds and a grid-like mesh on the seat backs for attaching accessories.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its long-standing history, was a familiar sight on the roads despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not for everyone, especially in urban areas. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, it was a top choice. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered basic features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights, with more luxurious options as you moved up the trim ladder. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim. The High Country trim offered beautiful brown leather interiors, but even at the top level, some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof were optional extras. The seats were supportive, though not as comfortable for long trips as one might hope.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It handled highway driving well, with a quieter interior compared to the Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-litre V8 was the most common, offering a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8 provided better acceleration, while the diesel engine offered improved fuel economy. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable with its height-adjustable air suspension. However, its weight required early braking, and some body roll was expected.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door model had 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it ideal for families needing ample space for road trips and towing. The Suburban also featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing for long stretches between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. It also offered numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for easier use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen, with Google Built-in for accessing apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Additional features were available in higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.