2024 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban had a long-standing presence in the automotive world, being a familiar sight on the roads due to its massive size and established reputation. Despite its imposing dimensions, the Suburban managed to blend into traffic, serving as a staple for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. With a length of nearly 19 feet and a height exceeding six feet, it was not suited for urban environments but catered to those requiring significant towing capacity. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering varying levels of luxury, from basic niceties like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights to more upscale features in the 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, with leather upholstery standard on most trims and options for heated and ventilated seats, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian despite its premium features.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, presented a more luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a look akin to a luxury SUV. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to its premium feel, which extended to the interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-90's design had some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen infotainment system, which detracted from its otherwise sophisticated ambiance. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded a sense of refinement and elegance, standing out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs with its upscale design and materials.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on 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 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. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's size was managed well by its steering and brakes, though drivers needed to account for its weight and potential body roll.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo model, and up to 340 horsepower with premium gas in the Turbo S variant. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which favored rear-wheel dynamics. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, detracting from its otherwise sophisticated driving experience.

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 with all rear seats down. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity, surpassing competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban also featured a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel, especially with the diesel engine's fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, while luxurious, had some practical limitations. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently, and the front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, but the rear doors' length made loading children challenging. Cargo space was limited, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. 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-speaker-count systems found in competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented traditionally, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The CX-90 also featured a head-up display with helpful data, though the lack of a conversational digital voice assistant was a drawback.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. It came standard with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system available as part of an optional package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was recognized for its safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like the speed reduction in curves, could be irritating.