2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged edge with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with an oversized air intake and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior charm. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, catering to adventure enthusiasts.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, and higher trims offered a terracotta upholstery option. The dashboard, with its vertical air vents and a lone off-centre vent, maintained a clean aesthetic, though some design choices seemed like afterthoughts. Despite these minor quirks, the CX-50's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to style and functionality, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing icon in the automotive world, continued to impress with its commanding presence. Despite its massive size, the Suburban blended seamlessly into traffic, a testament to its status as an automotive institution. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for the faint-hearted, especially in urban settings. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, it was an ideal choice. Available in six trims, from the LS to the High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers, LED lighting, and tinted windows. Higher trims boasted larger alloy wheels, with the High Country riding on 22-inch alloys.

Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base LS trim. The Premier and High Country trims offered luxurious brown leather interiors, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. Our test vehicle, a High Country trim, featured a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and supportive seats with 12-way power adjustments. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt surprisingly pedestrian, lacking the opulence expected at this price point. Nevertheless, it remained a top choice for families seeking a reliable and spacious SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It provided a commendable fuel economy of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbo engine offered a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers. Despite a hint of torque steer, the CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and a driving experience reminiscent of a sporty station wagon.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing effortless acceleration. The diesel engine, with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, excelled in fuel economy and towing capabilities. Managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Suburban's powertrains were well-tuned, offering a comfortable driving experience despite its size. The electronic button-style shift mechanism, though unconventional, freed up space in the centre console, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for Canadian winters, featuring heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control ensured comfort in all weather conditions. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long journeys, though additional side bolstering would have been appreciated. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitating easy entry and exit. Cargo space was adequate, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage solutions could have been more innovative, the CX-50's interior remained functional and user-friendly.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. These figures surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L, making the Suburban an ideal choice for families and road trips. The 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for extended highway driving without frequent refuelling. The Suburban's interior, though spacious, lacked the luxury expected at its price point, but its practicality and functionality were undeniable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen functionality, the 2023 model allowed touch control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a welcome change. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver's line of sight. Despite some interface frustrations, the CX-50's tech offerings were competitive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system, though set for a major update in 2025, remained user-friendly. The 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, featured Google Built-in, allowing access to Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added value for long trips. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system fell short of expectations, lacking the richness found in competitors' offerings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it missed the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight and crash test results. It offered a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. While the systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, highlighting a need for improved sensitivity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-crash test results but lower rollover ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, enhancing the Suburban's safety credentials. Despite its size, the Suburban's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.