2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, with only minor updates. Despite its age, the styling remained modern and attractive, reflecting traditional Mazda aesthetics. The test vehicle featured the new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., with Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of exclusivity. Mazda enhanced the CX-5's fuel economy for the base engine, removed a previous wheel design, and introduced wireless charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The lineup offered a base 187-horsepower engine and a 256-horsepower turbocharged option, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276, including fees. The Suna trim, similar to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard and was priced at $47,026. The CX-5's interior materials, technology, and overall feel provided an upscale experience at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to blend into traffic despite its massive size. With a length of 5,733 millimetres and a height of 1,923 millimetres, it was not for everyone, especially in urban areas. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, the Suburban was a solid choice. Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims, each with standard features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights, with more luxurious options available in higher trims. The interior provided comfort and space, with leather upholstery standard on most trims. The High Country trim, tested for this review, featured a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. Despite these features, the interior felt somewhat pedestrian. The Suburban's size and weight required careful handling, but its air suspension and steering made it manageable on various terrains.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower on premium gas and 227 horsepower on regular gas, with torque figures of 320 lb-ft and 310 lb-ft, respectively. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged engine to shine. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, observed at 10.3 L/100 km during testing. The base engine offered better efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its excellent visibility, smooth suspension, and standard all-wheel drive. It handled well in various conditions, from city streets to mountain roads, and offered a decent towing capacity of up to 900 kilograms.

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 engine 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 offered more effortless acceleration, while the diesel engine provided better fuel economy and similar towing capabilities. The 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the Suburban's size became manageable with time. The electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up space in the centre console. Rear-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with four-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Suburban's air suspension and steering handled various terrains well, though its size required careful handling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with comfortable and supportive seating. The driver's seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather available on the Signature trim. The interior, though smaller than some competitors, provided comfort for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful design elements. The cargo area offered 871 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

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 seats down. This made it a top choice for those needing ample storage. The Suburban's fuel tank capacity of 106 litres, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. The interior provided comfort for passengers, with standard features like leather upholstery and climate control enhancing the experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favour of traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, with quick access buttons for essential functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system provided quality audio in the Suna trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in providing access to essential apps without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system offered good sound quality, though it lacked the richness of higher-speaker-count systems.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

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, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.