2025 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price point, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, a staple in the full-size SUV market, maintained its iconic status with a restyled exterior that balanced modern updates with its recognizable profile. The new front fascia and rear end, along with updated lighting signatures, added a dramatic touch. The trim lineup remained consistent, with the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country trims offering various features. The RST and High Country trims could be equipped with 24-inch wheels, although the Suburban largely followed the same exterior design as the 2024 model.

Inside, the 2025 Suburban saw significant upgrades over the 2024 model. The lower dash received more sophisticated HVAC controls, and the air vents were redesigned for a more refined feel. The electronic shifter buttons were replaced with a Mercedes-esque column shifter, and the steering wheel was modernized. A standout feature was the new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, replacing the outdated 10.2-inch screen. The Suburban's interior improvements elevated its appeal, making even the least expensive versions feel more luxurious.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's performance was somewhat disappointing, particularly with the standard 3.3 Turbo drivetrain, which lacked the refinement expected from its design and materials. The turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, also used in the Mazda CX-70, produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on the GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up. Power delivery and transmission behaviour were unpredictable, and unwanted engine surge and acceleration were noted. The vehicle also suffered from a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness, detracting from its upscale impression. However, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a firm and communicative driving experience, particularly in Normal mode, which offered smoother driving and a hint of Mazda's dynamic character.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of engines, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-litre V8, available in the RST, Z71, and Premier trims and standard in the High Country, provided 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban also offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which received a power boost for 2025, delivering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine was impressively quiet and smooth, making it a preferred choice for those driving in the 40 to 100 km/h range.

All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's steering was surprisingly light for its size. The recalibrated magnetorheological suspension, standard on the Premier and High Country trims, offered a softer ride, reducing bounciness. An adjustable air suspension was available on upper trims, enhancing the ride quality. However, the 24-inch wheels, while visually impressive, were harsh on rough pavement and came with a significant price increase.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and side window shades. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's long rear doors facilitated loading and unloading.

Cargo space in the CX-90 was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. However, storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and stingy door panel storage.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered enormous passenger space in all three rows and a massive cargo capacity. It could accommodate 1,175 litres of luggage behind the third row, 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,092 litres with all seats down. The Suburban's towing capacity was impressive, with the 5.3-litre V8 and Max Trailering Package allowing for up to 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds) of trailer weight.

The diesel engine offered a fuel economy estimate of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.7 on the highway, and 10.7 combined, with a range of nearly 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. The Suburban's size and capabilities made it an ideal choice for families with multiple children or pets and those with hobbies involving a trailer.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required the use of a knob and buttons on the centre console. The voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display offered helpful data, including blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban addressed its previous shortcomings with a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an available 15-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-in, which integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. The user interface was intuitive, but the driver information display's customization was less so. The new steering wheel featured an array of buttons and toggles, requiring some adjustment. Physical buttons for essential functions remained, and the Bose stereo, while improved, still had room for enhancement.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. However, the 2024 model received four out of five stars in overall crash safety. Standard advanced driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, automatic parking assist, blind zone monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a teen driver monitoring system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on most trims but would not launch with the first wave of 2025 models.