Chrysler Pacifica vs Chevrolet Suburban

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban continued to uphold its legacy as a dominant force in the SUV segment. With its roots tracing back to 1935, the Suburban maintained its reputation by introducing subtle yet impactful cosmetic updates. The addition of a Polar White Tricoat paint option, 22-inch bright split-spoke wheels, and the RST Dark Essentials Package with 24-inch black wheels and black accents provided a fresh look without altering its driving dynamics. The Suburban's imposing size, measuring 5,748 millimetres in length, was both a challenge and a testament to its commanding presence. While navigating city streets required extra attention, the Suburban excelled on open roads, offering a smooth and composed ride.

In contrast, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a more noticeable transformation with a new front-end design. The lit-up logo and sharper lighting signature were bold changes that not everyone appreciated. The Pacifica's side profile remained unchanged, maintaining its five-metre length, while new two-tone wheels added a touch of sophistication. The rear design, featuring a clean light bar, was arguably its best angle. Inside, the Pacifica retained its comfortable cabin with thoughtful storage solutions and flexible seating configurations. However, the use of lower-quality materials in certain areas detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban offered a robust performance lineup with three engine options. The standard 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered a more assertive 420 horsepower. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the 3.0-litre Duramax diesel engine achieved an impressive 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. The Suburban's towing capacity ranged from 3,720 to 3,810 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Suburban provided a smooth driving experience, although occasional gear indecision was noted on steeper inclines. Rear-wheel drive was standard on the LS trim, with four-wheel drive available and standard on higher trims.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, generating 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the power output was competitive, the engine's exhaust note was less refined, and the cabin lacked insulation against noise and vibration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on Select and Limited trims and standard on the Pinnacle. The Pacifica's handling was commendable for a minivan, but its ride quality on rough pavement left room for improvement. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid option left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with fuel economy figures trailing behind hybrid competitors.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 4,092 litres with all seats down. The Suburban's seating flexibility allowed for configurations accommodating up to nine passengers, with options for captain's chairs in the second row. The power-folding third row and cargo tie-down anchors enhanced usability, making the Suburban a practical choice for families needing ample space.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica, while offering 915 litres of cargo space behind the third row, excelled in its ability to reconfigure the cabin quickly. The Stow 'n Go seating system allowed the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, providing a total cargo volume of 3,979 litres. However, the Pinnacle trim sacrificed this feature for power-adjustable seats. The Pacifica's sliding side doors and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-In for seamless integration. An 11-inch driver information display and an optional head-up display provided additional information. While adaptive cruise control was standard, Super Cruise was reserved for higher trims. The available Bose stereo offered an upgrade over the standard system, enhancing the overall audio experience.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica retained analog gauges, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The blind spot camera system, activated by the turn signal, provided a live view on the centre screen, enhancing safety. Physical climate controls were a highlight, offering easy adjustments without relying on the touchscreen.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not published updated crash test results. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle detection, and a surround-view camera system. Trailer sway control was also standard, catering to the Suburban's towing capabilities.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with standard safety features such as full-speed forward collision warning, ParkSense rear park assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Sphere Package added a surround-view camera and a turn-signal-activated blind spot camera. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS ratings were mixed, with a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front test.