2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in Canada in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, was a luxury SUV that emphasized practicality, safety, and sustainability. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. Both models came standard with all-wheel drive and were offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim, tested with a seven-passenger seating configuration, included premium features such as massaging front seats, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with a total MSRP of $107,709. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, contrasting with the blacked-out trend, while the interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, was known for its massive size and practicality. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those in urban areas. However, it catered to those needing ample cargo and passenger space, as well as towing capacity. Available in six trims—LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country—the Suburban offered features like automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights, and tinted windows. The top-tier High Country trim rode on 22-inch alloys, though some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof were optional. Inside, the Suburban provided a comfortable cabin with leather upholstery from the LT trim upwards, and the Premier and High Country trims offered luxurious brown leather interiors. The test vehicle, a High Country trim, included a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and supportive seats, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian for a top-spec model.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving in Pure mode, though real-world testing showed a range of 45 kilometres. As a hybrid, it averaged 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the predicted 8.9 L/100 km. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with the latter providing up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the XC90 was more of a luxury SUV than a performance vehicle, with firm ride quality and handling that didn’t inspire spirited driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower 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 standard on most trims, while the 6.2-litre V8 was available on higher trims. The diesel engine, available at no extra cost on the High Country trim, provided better fuel economy and was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban’s size was noticeable, but the transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle’s steering and brakes were up to the task. The height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well, though drivers should expect some body roll due to the vehicle’s weight.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury, while higher trims offered additional amenities such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs, and provided up to 2,426 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. However, interior storage was only adequate, and the climate control system struggled on hot days.

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 with all rear seats down. This made it a top choice for those needing ample storage. The Suburban also featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Its interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making it ideal for family road trips.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard, with premium audio options available. The system was intuitive, though the digital instrumentation panel could be confusing. A head-up display and surround-view camera were optional.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on all but the base LS trim, which had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system included Google Built-in, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A rear-seat entertainment system was optional, while the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems. The Suburban’s tech was user-friendly, though the 2025 model was expected to offer significant updates.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most categories and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals, with Pilot Assist showing limitations during testing.

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. It came standard with numerous ADAS features, and higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.