2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its long-standing history, was a familiar sight on the roads. Despite its massive size, it 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 everyone, especially in urban settings. However, it catered well to those needing ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity. Available in six trims, from LS to High Country, the Suburban offered features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights, with luxury increasing at higher trims. Yet, even the top-tier High Country required additional costs for features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof.

Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim. The High Country trim featured a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control, though the interior felt somewhat ordinary. The seats offered 12-way power adjustments, but lacked the comfort expected for long journeys. Overall, the Suburban was a practical choice for those prioritizing space and utility.

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive and athletic appearance, with a long hood and tapering roofline. Its Arctic Race Blue paint and 21-inch wheels emphasized its sporty stance. The interior, though not extravagant, featured quality materials and a simple dashboard with a BMW Curved Display. The Veganza artificial leather seats were comfortable, but rear passengers found the seating position low and the front seat-back panels hard. The cargo area offered 892 litres of space, with practical features like a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The X3’s cabin felt spacious, with a dashboard that visually extended the interior width. The driver’s seat provided a sports car-like view, enhancing the driving experience. Despite some interior material shortcomings, the X3 delivered a blend of style and practicality, appealing to those seeking a compact crossover with a sporty edge.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 277 horsepower. The 5.3-litre V8 was standard on most trims, providing ample power and a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, offered better acceleration but slightly less towing capability. The diesel engine, with its 460 pound-feet of torque, delivered excellent fuel economy and was a cost-effective option on the High Country trim. The Suburban’s 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, though the electronic button-style shift mechanism might not appeal to everyone. With standard four-wheel drive on most trims, the Suburban handled well, though its size required cautious driving.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its modest power figures, the X3 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine’s broad power curve and 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced responsiveness and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The X3’s sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. Overall, the X3 delivered a balance of performance and efficiency, appealing to driving enthusiasts.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it ideal for families needing substantial carrying capacity. The Suburban’s 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine’s efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and optional ventilation. However, rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. The cargo area offered 892 litres, with practical features like a removable cover and additional storage. The X3’s interior design and technology catered to those seeking a modern and functional compact SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked depth compared to competitors’ offerings.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced iDrive 9 with a BMW Curved Display, though our experience with the system was mixed. While the wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, issues with profile setup and system responsiveness were noted. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions. Despite some frustrations, the X3’s technology offered potential for a personalized and connected driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist standard. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature.

The 2025 BMW X3 also earned a four-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered advanced parking technology. Steering Assistant was less impressive, but lane-keeping assist worked well.