2024 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban had a long-standing presence in the automotive world, being a familiar sight on the roads despite its massive size. Its imposing dimensions, stretching nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, made it a vehicle not suited for everyone, especially in urban settings. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a solid choice. It was available in six trims, each offering a range of features from basic niceties like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights to more luxurious options like leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats. Despite its high-end trims, some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof were optional extras. Inside, the Suburban provided a comfortable cabin with supportive seats, though it lacked the plushness expected for long journeys.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive, it handled the challenging terrain with ease. Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the Pathfinder presented a robust appearance with its V-Motion grille and LED lighting. The Rock Creek trim further emphasized its adventurous spirit with features like a metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch. Despite its rugged look, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, it offered a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery with bright orange stitching, and while the interior was generally comfortable, it didn't exude luxury. The Pathfinder's seating system allowed for easy access to the third row, even with a car seat in place, making it a practical choice for families.

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, 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. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's size was managed well by its steering and brakes, though some body roll was expected due to its weight.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6. This engine produced 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque on most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered a slight increase to 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power difference, the Rock Creek's all-terrain tires affected its acceleration. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth shifts and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds on certain trims. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, offering a comfortable ride on rough roads but feeling floaty on twisty ones. Its fuel economy was decent, with the Rock Creek trim averaging 20.8 mpg over a 200-mile evaluation. The Pathfinder featured seven drive modes and hill-descent control, enhancing its traction management capabilities.

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 both rear rows down. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity. The Suburban also featured a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowing for long highway drives between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while not as spacious as some competitors, provided ample interior space for real-world needs. During a ski trip with four adults, it comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. It offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console in the second row, and its EZ Flex Seating System allowed for easy access to the third row without removing a car seat.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with an 8-inch screen on the base LS trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google Built-in providing access to essential apps without phone pairing. 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 found in competitors.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind some competitors, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on higher ones. The software was functional but dated, with physical buttons and rotary knobs for ease of use. The Pathfinder supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. Navigation was limited to the SL and Platinum trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum.

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 with a range of standard ADAS features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like rear cross-traffic alert and Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system available as an option.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests and rollover evaluations. It came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on most trims, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.