Is a Ford Expedition as big as a Suburban?
The Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban sit at the top of the full‑size SUV class and are very close in size, but they’re not identical. In most configurations, the Suburban is the longer option, while the Expedition Max comes very close to matching that length. The standard Expedition is noticeably shorter.
The comparison depends on which versions you’re looking at. Ford offers the Expedition in standard and Max (extended) lengths, while Chevrolet offers the Suburban in a single long form. Here’s how they stack up in exterior dimensions and usable space, and what that means for buyers weighing passenger capacity, cargo space, and overall footprint.
Exterior dimensions and overall size
Overview of length, wheelbase, width, and height helps explain how much space each vehicle occupies on the road and in parking lots.
- Ford Expedition (standard): about 210 inches long; wheelbase roughly 122 inches; width about 80 inches; height around 76 inches.
- Ford Expedition Max: about 226–227 inches long; wheelbase about 131 inches; width about 80 inches; height about 76 inches.
- Chevrolet Suburban: about 225–226 inches long; wheelbase around 134 inches; width about 80 inches; height around 74–75 inches.
In exterior length, the Expedition Max and Suburban are nearly tied, with the Suburban typically just a touch shorter or on par depending on model year. The standard Expedition, however, is meaningfully shorter by roughly 15 inches, which can influence maneuverability and parking in tight spaces.
Interior space and practicality
Interior layout, cargo capacity behind the third row, and overall usable space are key factors for families and gear haulers. Here’s how the three compare in typical configurations.
- Behind the third row: Suburban around 41 cubic feet; Expedition (standard) around 20 cubic feet; Expedition Max around 34 cubic feet.
- Behind the second row: Suburban around 93–94 cubic feet; Expedition (standard) around 63–66 cubic feet; Expedition Max around 80–90 cubic feet.
- Passenger space and comfort: All offer three-row seating for up to eight, with ample second-row legroom in most configurations. The Suburban’s longer body generally yields more cargo space with the third row folded and a spacious second row, while the Expedition Max narrows the gap with a longer wheelbase and extended cargo area.
Bottom line: If cargo with the third row in use matters most, the Suburban typically holds the advantage. The Expedition Max closes the gap significantly on interior space and cargo, while the standard Expedition remains the shortest of the group and best for those prioritizing overall footprint.
Version-specific notes and real-world impact
Choosing between them often comes down to how you plan to use the vehicle. The Suburban’s extra length aids storage and long-haul comfort, especially with families or frequent gear transport. The Expedition Max offers a nearly equivalent footprint to the Suburban but may come with the Ford interior features and technology that appeal to Ford buyers, along with solid towing and performance. The standard Expedition remains a strong choice for buyers who want seating for up to eight in a more compact large SUV footprint.
Summary
Both the Ford Expedition (standard) and the Chevrolet Suburban are among the largest SUVs on the market, with the Suburban typically edging out in exterior length and cargo behind the third row. The Expedition Max is a close match to the Suburban in overall size, often offering comparable length and substantial interior space, while the standard Expedition is noticeably shorter. For buyers, the deciding factors usually come down to exact cargo needs, seating comfort, and which model’s interior features align with preferences.
