2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it was far from resembling a toaster. The test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels that added a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as an automotive institution with its long-standing presence on the roads. Despite its massive size, the Suburban blended into traffic, a testament to its familiarity. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not for everyone, especially in urban settings. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, the Suburban was a compelling choice. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of features, from basic niceties like LED headlights to more luxurious options in higher trims. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims, and the High Country trim offered a refined brown leather interior. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, though it provided comfort and practicality for long journeys.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. Despite its bulky dimensions, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel. While it lacked extensive off-road capabilities, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered 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 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering effortless acceleration. The turbodiesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, excelled in fuel economy and towing capabilities. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and its electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up space in the centre console. With standard four-wheel drive on most trims, the Suburban handled various terrains with ease, though its size required cautious driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was notable, and the USB port's placement in the small centre console bin was inconvenient. While the second row was comfortable, accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 offered a nimble driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres available behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded and a maximum of 4,097 litres with all rear seats down. These figures surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L, making the Suburban an ideal choice for families needing ample space for road trips. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for extended highway driving between fill-ups.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. Google OS integrated Android Auto features, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, offering Google Built-in for seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, reducing reliance on phone pairing. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added twin touchscreens, enhancing long trips. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-speaker-count systems, leaving audiophiles wanting more.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of 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, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology further enhanced safety by maintaining distance and speed in traffic.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver feature. Higher trims offered additional ADAS and the option for Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving technology.