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Is an Expedition bigger than a suburban?

In most recent model years, the Chevrolet Suburban is the larger SUV compared to the Ford Expedition, especially when you look at overall length and cargo space behind the third row. The Expedition Max narrows the gap but the Suburban typically remains the bigger vehicle.


Size and dimensions


When evaluating which SUV is bigger, core measurements matter: overall length, wheelbase, and usable interior space. Model years and trims can shift numbers slightly, so check the exact specs for the year you’re considering.


What the numbers say



  • Overall length: Suburban is typically around 225–226 inches long, while the standard Expedition sits near 210 inches, with the Expedition Max around 221–222 inches.

  • Wheelbase: Suburban generally has a longer wheelbase (roughly 130–131 inches) compared with the Expedition’s standard ~122 inches; the Expedition Max nudges toward a longer wheelbase as well.

  • Cargo space behind the third row: Suburban usually offers more behind the third row than the Expedition, often by a meaningful margin (roughly double in many configurations).

  • Interior room and seating: Suburban tends to provide more total interior volume and cargo versatility, though both SUVs can seat up to 8–9 passengers depending on configuration.


These differences illustrate that the Suburban is the bigger vehicle in most practical terms, though exact figures vary by model year and trim package.


Head-to-head: current generations


Overview for 2024–2025 models


For recent model years, the Suburban’s longer body translates to more cargo space behind the third row and a larger overall footprint. The Expedition Max offers a long-wheelbase option that helps close the length gap, but the Suburban remains the longer and generally roomier vehicle overall.



  1. Length advantage: Suburban about 14–15 inches longer than a standard Expedition, with Expedition Max narrowing the gap but not closing it entirely.

  2. Cargo behind third row: Suburban typically has substantially more space than Expedition in this area.

  3. Interior volume: Suburban usually provides more total interior space and versatility across seating configurations.


Bottom line: for sheer size, the Suburban is the bigger option; the Expedition Max is the closest in length among Ford’s lineup, but the Chevrolet Suburban generally maintains the edge in overall size and cargo capacity.


Practical considerations for buyers


Choosing between the two often comes down to space needs versus maneuverability and price:



  • If you need maximum cargo and third-row space for families or equipment, the Suburban is typically the better choice.

  • If you want a large, capable SUV with a potentially lower price tag and dynamic urban maneuverability, the standard Expedition may fit your needs while still offering ample space.

  • Both offer long-wheelbase variants (Expedition Max and Suburban) that maximize interior room, but the Suburban still edges out in overall size.


Always verify the exact specifications for the model year you’re considering, as automakers periodically revise dimensions, cargo measurements, and seating configurations.


Summary


In the ongoing comparison between Ford’s Expedition and Chevrolet’s Suburban, the Suburban is generally the bigger SUV in terms of overall length and cargo space behind the third row. The Expedition Max narrows the distance, but for the most generous interior footprint, the Suburban typically comes out ahead. For buyers prioritizing maximum space, the Suburban is usually the safer bet; for those who value a slightly smaller footprint with ample capacity, the Expedition—especially the Max variant—remains a strong option.

What SUV is comparable to the Ford Expedition?


SUVs similar to the Ford Expedition include the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Lincoln Navigator, which are its most direct competitors. Other similar large, three-row SUVs are the Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. For a luxury option, consider the Cadillac Escalade, and for a hybrid option, the Toyota Sequoia is notable for its standard hybrid powertrain. 
This video compares the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, two popular full-size SUVs: 53sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Oct 16, 2025

  • Chevrolet Tahoe: A long-time direct rival of the Expedition, it often competes on a similar scale for size, capability, and price. 
  • GMC Yukon: A close relative of the Chevy Tahoe with a design that offers a slightly more upscale feel, while still excelling at towing and hauling. 
  • Lincoln Navigator: The luxury counterpart to the Ford Expedition. 
  • Chevrolet Suburban: A longer version of the Tahoe, offering even more cargo space, making it a strong competitor to the Expedition in that regard. 
  • Nissan Armada: A large, three-row SUV that is comparable in size and purpose to the Expedition. 
  • Toyota Sequoia: A large SUV that comes with a standard hybrid powertrain, giving it an advantage in fuel efficiency and horsepower for its standard engine compared to the Expedition. 
  • Cadillac Escalade: This is another luxury option in the same class as the Navigator, offering premium features.
  • Jeep Wagoneer: A large SUV that can be compared to the Expedition, with a focus on heritage styling and strong towing capacity. 



How much is a Ford Expedition compared to a Suburban?


Pricing starts around $50k for these roomy SUVs. However, the Suburban High Country model tops $80k fully loaded, while the Ford Expedition Limited falls just below $78k. It comes down to value. While both vehicles give you a pretty big bang for your buck, the Suburban is known to stretch your dollar a little further.



How much bigger is a Suburban than an Expedition?


Size: The Chevy SUV is larger than the Ford model, inside and out. Get into a Suburban for a more commanding drive with its longer dimensions and wheelbase. Cargo Space: The Suburban boasts 144.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity – more than 21 cubic feet larger than the Ford Expedition MAX.



What Chevy is comparable to Ford Expedition?


The Chevy equivalent to the Ford Expedition is the Chevrolet Tahoe for the standard version and the Chevrolet Suburban for the longer-wheelbase Expedition MAX. Both SUVs are large, three-row family haulers that offer powerful engines, spacious interiors, and advanced features. The primary difference is that the Suburban is longer than the Tahoe, which provides more cargo and third-row legroom, similar to the relationship between the Expedition and Expedition MAX.
 
This video compares the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition: 59sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Ford Expedition

  • Standard-sized equivalent: The Tahoe is the direct competitor to the standard Ford Expedition.
  • Long-wheelbase equivalent: The Chevy Suburban is the equivalent to the longer Ford Expedition MAX.
  • Size: The Suburban is about 20 inches longer than the Tahoe, offering more space for both passengers and cargo.
  • Third-row: The longer Suburban provides a more accommodating third row of seating. 

This video compares the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition: 1mBen HardyYouTube · May 26, 2025
Other considerations
  • Engine: The Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, while the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are typically offered with V8 engines. 
  • Cargo space: Despite its larger size, the Tahoe can have more cargo space behind the second row than the Expedition. 
  • Third-row legroom: Some reports suggest that the 2025 Ford Expedition has noticeably more third-row legroom than the 2025 Chevy Tahoe. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.