When you're in the market for a larger SUV, the sheer size and capability of vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban and the Mazda CX-90 often come to mind. But how do they stack up, especially when you start digging into the different trim levels and what they offer? It's not just about how many seats you can cram in; it's about the whole package.
Let's start with the price tags, because that's usually where the conversation begins. The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a true behemoth in the SUV world, kicks off its extensive lineup at a considerable $77,299 in Canada. With eight different trims to choose from, you can see how the costs can climb all the way up to $106,799, plus freight and PDI. On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-90, while still a substantial three-row vehicle, starts its journey at a much more accessible $45,900. Its top-tier trims cap out around $64,350, also with freight and PDI added. Right off the bat, there's a significant difference in the entry point and the overall price ceiling.
When we talk about what's under the hood, these two take different paths. The Suburban sticks with a robust gasoline engine, delivering a solid 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It’s built for power and hauling, though its fuel efficiency reflects that, with a combined rating of 14.0 L/100 km. The CX-90, however, embraces more modern powertrains, offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. These can range from 280 to a potent 340 horsepower, with torque figures between 332 and 369 lb-ft. And the efficiency? This is where the CX-90 really shines, with combined ratings as low as 4.2 Le/100 km for its hybrid variants. It’s a clear indication of Mazda’s focus on blending performance with fuel economy.
Safety is, of course, paramount for any family vehicle. The Suburban has earned a respectable 4.0 overall NHTSA rating, with a 5-star score in side impact tests. It comes equipped with seven airbags. The CX-90, on the other hand, boasts a perfect 5.0 overall NHTSA rating, also achieving 5 stars in side impact. It features six airbags, including knee airbags, which is a nice touch. Both vehicles are designed with safety in mind, but the CX-90 seems to edge out the Suburban in overall crash test performance according to these ratings.
Thinking about the day-to-day features, both offer a good spread. The Suburban includes a 10.20-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-speaker Bose system, memory seats, in-car Wi-Fi, wireless charging, navigation, leather seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The CX-90 steps it up slightly with a 10.25-inch screen, the same smartphone integration, but a more impressive 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio system. It also mirrors many of the Suburban's convenience features like Wi-Fi, wireless charging, navigation, leather, and adds larger 21-inch alloy wheels.
Now, let's talk space. This is where the Suburban truly lives up to its name. It's an 8-seater with a massive 1175 liters of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold down the third row, and you get 2656 liters, expanding to a cavernous 4098 liters with all seats stowed. The CX-90, while a capable 7-seater, offers a more modest 423 liters behind the third row, expanding to 1133 liters with the third row down, and a maximum of 2101 liters. If sheer cargo volume is your priority, the Suburban is in a league of its own. It also boasts a higher towing capacity, up to 3629 kg.
Ultimately, the choice between these two, and their various trims, comes down to what you truly need. The Suburban is the undisputed king of space and towing, a traditional full-size SUV experience. The CX-90, however, offers a more refined, efficient, and arguably safer package at a significantly lower price point, making it a compelling option for those who want three rows without the full-size commitment.