Chevy Suburban vs Ford Expedition MAX: 2027 Suburban vs 2027 Expedition MAX Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Suburban and Ford Expedition MAX are the extended-length versions of Chevy’s and Ford’s full-size SUVs, built for big families who need room behind the third row and serious towing. Here is the 2027 Suburban against the 2027 Expedition MAX, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2027 Suburban starts $2,420 lower ($64,500 vs $66,920), has much more cargo space (144.5 vs 123.1 cu ft maximum and 41.5 vs 36.1 behind the third row), offers an available Duramax diesel (LT and up) rated at 23 mpg combined vs the MAX’s 18, seats up to nine and offers available Super Cruise (LT and up) that also works while towing. The 2027 Expedition MAX has more standard power (400 vs 355 hp), tows more with 4×4 (up to 9,000 lbs vs the Suburban’s 8,000 in 4WD; in 2WD the Suburban leads, 8,200 vs 6,300) and publishes 8.7 to 8.8 inches of ground clearance.
Shop the Suburban at Emich Chevrolet
New 2026 and 2027 Suburbans on our Lakewood lot, with current offers on 2026 models.
The Matchup: V8s, Diesel and Space vs Twin-Turbo V6
Both are 2027 models on sale now. The MAX is the long-wheelbase Expedition, offered as Active, Platinum and King Ranch; the off-road Tremor comes only in the standard length. A MAX costs $3,000 more than the matching standard Expedition, the same gap as between the Tahoe and Suburban.
Every MAX has a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 480 lb-ft) with a 10-speed automatic, and a 440-hp High-Output version comes with certain Platinum packages. The Suburban offers a 355-hp 5.3L V8, a 420-hp 6.2L V8 and a 305-hp, 495-lb-ft 3.0L Duramax diesel, all with a 10-speed automatic.
The Suburban is 4.6 inches longer (226.3 vs 221.7 in.) and holds much more: 41.5 vs 36.1 cu ft behind the third row, 93.8 vs 75.4 behind the second and 144.5 vs 123.1 maximum. Third-row legroom is nearly identical (36.7 vs 36.5 in.).
Suburban vs Expedition MAX Specs
| Spec | 2027 Chevy Suburban | 2027 Ford Expedition MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $64,500 (LS 2WD); $67,500 with 4WD; $2,795 destination | $66,920 (MAX Active 4×2); $69,920 with 4×4; $2,795 destination |
| Standard engine | 5.3L V8 (355 hp / 383 lb-ft) | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp / 480 lb-ft) |
| Other engines | 6.2L V8 (420 hp / 460 lb-ft); 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp / 495 lb-ft) | 3.5L High-Output V6 (440 hp / 510 lb-ft) with select Platinum packages |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Max towing | 8,200 lbs (2WD); 8,000 lbs (4WD) | 9,000 lbs (4×4, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package); 6,300 lbs (4×2) |
| Best EPA combined | 23 mpg (Duramax 2WD); 17 mpg (5.3L 2WD) | 18 mpg (4×2 and 4×4) |
| Seating | Up to 9 (8 standard) | 7 or 8 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 36.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 41.5 cu ft | 36.1 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 93.8 cu ft | 75.4 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 144.5 cu ft | 123.1 cu ft |
| Length | 226.3 in. | 221.7 in. |
| Ground clearance | Not published | 8.8 in. (4×2); 8.7 in. (4×4) |
| Screens | 17.7-in. touchscreen; 11-in. driver display; 15-in. head-up display available | 13.2-in. center display; 24-in. panoramic display |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise (LT, RST, Premier, High Country), including while trailering | BlueCruise (optional on MAX Active; equipped on Platinum and King Ranch); Ford lists BlueCruise with towing only for the F-150 |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain (Duramax 5 yr/100,000 mi) | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2027 Suburban); ford.com 2027 Expedition page, specifications and Build & Price data; fueleconomy.gov. Expedition MAX cargo figures are Ford’s standard measurements (Ford also quotes 37.4 and 84.5 cu ft with seats moved). Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
Cargo behind the 3rd row
Max towing
Diesel vs EcoBoost
The Suburban is the only one of the two with a diesel. Its 3.0L Duramax makes 495 lb-ft, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined in 2WD (21 city, 26 highway), and with the 28-gallon tank Chevrolet quotes up to 728 miles of EPA-estimated highway range. The Expedition MAX’s EcoBoost V6 is rated 18 mpg combined, with 16 city and 23 highway in 4×2. For 2027, Super Cruise is also available with the Duramax.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Suburban if you want
- A lower starting price
- Much more cargo space, especially behind the third row
- A Duramax diesel rated at 23 mpg combined
- Seating for up to nine
- Super Cruise, including hands-free trailering
Choose the Ford Expedition MAX if you want
- More standard horsepower (400 hp), and up to 440 hp with select Platinum packages
- Up to 9,000 lbs of towing with 4×4
- Published ground clearance of 8.7 in. or more
- A 24-inch panoramic display
Interior and Technology
Every Suburban has a 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and an 11-inch driver display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard and a 15-inch head-up display available on LT and above. The Expedition MAX has a 13.2-inch center display and a 24-inch panoramic display with Google Maps built in.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, is standard on the MAX, and BlueCruise is equipped on the Platinum and King Ranch. Super Cruise is available on the Suburban LT, RST, Premier and High Country, and GM says it can be used while trailering. NHTSA gave the 2026 Suburban a five-star overall rating; it has not rated the 2027 yet.
The Bottom Line
If you tow heavy trailers with a 4×4, the Expedition MAX’s 9,000-lb rating is its clearest advantage, along with more standard power. For most families, the Suburban delivers more: a lower starting price, far more cargo room and seating for up to nine, plus an available Duramax diesel rated at 23 mpg combined and available Super Cruise that also works with a trailer (both from the LT trim up).
More Comparisons
Find Your Suburban at Emich Chevrolet
Browse in-stock 2027 and 2026 Suburbans, or value your trade before you visit.
Suburban vs Expedition MAX FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Suburban or the Expedition MAX?
The 2027 Suburban starts at $64,500 (LS 2WD) and the 2027 Expedition MAX at $66,920 (MAX Active 4×2). Both have a $2,795 destination charge.
Which tows more?
With 4×4 and the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition MAX is rated up to 9,000 lbs. The Suburban tows up to 8,200 lbs in 2WD and 8,000 lbs in 4WD with the Max Trailering Package; the MAX 4×2 is rated 6,300 lbs.
Which has more cargo space?
The Suburban: 41.5 vs 36.1 cu ft behind the third row, 93.8 vs 75.4 behind the second and 144.5 vs 123.1 maximum.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Suburban with the Duramax diesel is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined in 2WD. The Expedition MAX is rated 18 mpg combined, and the Suburban’s gas V8s 16 to 17.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2027 Suburban page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, Build & Price data, specifications, price sheets and press materials and fueleconomy.gov for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Super Cruise and other hands-free systems require an active plan or trial and work only on compatible roads; always pay attention to the road. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.