2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban had a long-standing presence in the automotive world, being a familiar sight on the roads due to its 90-year legacy. Despite its massive size, the Suburban managed to blend into traffic, serving as a staple for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Its towering height and nearly 19-foot length made it a challenge in urban settings, but it was a go-to for those requiring substantial towing capacity. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering a range of features from basic niceties like LED headlights to luxurious leather interiors in higher trims. However, even the top-tier High Country trim required additional costs for features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian despite its premium features.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stood out with its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, yet unique on modern roads. The mid-cycle refresh retained its iconic styling, with minor tweaks to the front fascia and new color options. The introduction of the XRT trim added rugged elements like red tow hooks and digital camouflage cladding, enhancing its off-road appeal. The Ioniq 5's interior remained minimalistic and modern, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The cabin offered ample space, with generous head and legroom, and a cargo area that expanded significantly with the rear seats folded. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) was a notable update, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its practicality for long-distance travel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds when equipped 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 diesel engine, 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 was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. However, its substantial weight resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button for off-road adventures, with drive modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand. The XRT's AWD system, paired with all-terrain tires, handled off-road conditions well, while the Limited trim offered a smooth on-road experience. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, extending its range to 318 miles in RWD configuration, with AWD models offering slightly less. Power output varied, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided a fun driving experience, despite its weight.

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 seats folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console. Interior dimensions remained generous, with ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Ioniq 5's transition to the NACS charging system enhanced its practicality, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless app integration. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, 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 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports, with a head-up display on the Limited trim.

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

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with the latter offering lane-changing capability.