Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Suburban showdown: chevrolet suburban vs volvo xc90 – which full-size suv reigns supreme?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • Both the Suburban and XC90 excel in the realm of safety, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
  • The XC90, while not as spacious as the Suburban, offers a premium interior with plush leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
  • The Volvo XC90 has better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Suburban, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway compared to the Suburban’s 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

In the realm of full-size SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Chevrolet Suburban and the Volvo XC90. Each boasts a distinct heritage and unparalleled capabilities, making them formidable contenders in their respective fields. This comprehensive comparison delves into every aspect of these automotive giants, from performance and safety to comfort and technology, to help you determine which reigns supreme in your automotive quest.

Performance: Muscle vs. Efficiency

Under the hood, the Suburban packs a punch with its standard 5.3-liter V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Its massive frame, however, demands a hefty thirst for fuel, with an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

In contrast, the XC90 prioritizes efficiency with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite its smaller displacement, the XC90’s advanced powertrain achieves impressive fuel economy, rated at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Safety: A League of Their Own

Both the Suburban and XC90 excel in the realm of safety, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Suburban boasts a robust frame and a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking. The XC90, on the other hand, takes safety to another level with its advanced driver-assist systems, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Comfort: Space and Serenity

With a cavernous interior, the Suburban offers unparalleled space for passengers and cargo. Its three rows of seats can accommodate up to nine adults, and its massive cargo hold provides ample room for luggage or equipment.

The XC90, while not as spacious as the Suburban, offers a premium interior with plush leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Its second and third rows of seats can also be folded down to create a flat loading space.

Technology: Connectivity and Convenience

The Suburban’s infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium Bose audio system. It also offers a rear-seat entertainment system with two 7-inch screens.

The XC90’s infotainment system is even more advanced, boasting a 9-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. It also features a 360-degree camera system and a heads-up display.

Reliability and Cost

The Suburban has a proven track record of reliability, with a solid rating from J.D. Power. Its maintenance costs are also relatively low. The XC90, on the other hand, is known for its high maintenance costs, but it offers a longer warranty than the Suburban.

In terms of pricing, the Suburban starts at around $51,000, while the XC90 has a starting price of around $56,000. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels and options, which can significantly impact the final price.

Verdict: A Choice of Priorities

Ultimately, the choice between the Chevrolet Suburban and the Volvo XC90 depends on your individual priorities.

If you prioritize space, performance, and affordability, the Suburban is an excellent choice. However, if you value efficiency, safety, and technology, the XC90 is the superior option.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which vehicle has the best fuel economy?
A: The Volvo XC90 has better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Suburban, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway compared to the Suburban’s 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Q: Which vehicle has more safety features?
A: The Volvo XC90 has more advanced driver-assist systems than the Chevrolet Suburban, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: The Chevrolet Suburban has a better reliability rating than the Volvo XC90, according to J.D. Power.

Was this page helpful?

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button