2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing icon in the automotive world, continued to impress with its massive presence on the road. Despite its size, the Suburban managed to blend seamlessly into traffic, a testament to its status as an automotive institution. Measuring nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for those in need of ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a top contender. Available in six trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers, LED lighting, and tinted windows. While the interior provided comfort and space, even the top trims felt somewhat pedestrian, with options like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof available at an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive and athletic appearance for a compact SUV. Its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering roofline contributed to its sporty look. The test model, adorned in Arctic Race Blue paint, featured 21-inch wheels and M Sport details, enhancing its dynamic stance. Inside, the X3 offered a simple yet quality cabin, with Veganza artificial leather and ambient lighting. However, some interior elements revealed its price point, particularly the plastic trim in lower areas. The X3 was available in two model series, the 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, both with standard AWD. Priced competitively against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the X3 offered a good value proposition, especially with its well-equipped test vehicle priced just over $60,000.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: two V8s and a straight-six diesel. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine, found in most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, excelled in fuel economy and was a cost-effective option on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission and electronic button-style shift mechanism contributed to a comfortable driving experience, despite its size. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims, and the Suburban's steering and brakes were well-suited for its size.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its seemingly modest power figures, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and efficiency. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. The turbo-four engine delivered impressive fuel economy, though our test vehicle fell short of the EPA rating due to spirited driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it a top choice for those needing ample storage for road trips or towing. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with a power-adjustable driver's seat offering a sports car-like view. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats were less so, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat for versatility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless app access. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display, powered by iDrive 9, offered a user-friendly interface with Quick Select. However, our test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and system responsiveness. Despite these challenges, wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions, though the native infotainment features were less reliable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist standard on all trims. Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature, was available on higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X3 also earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional packages offered features like adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant, and Traffic Jam Assistant, enhancing the X3's safety and convenience.