Expedition or Suburban... which is the better SUV?

I’ve got a growing family and need a full-size SUV soon. I’m comparing the Expedition Max (2020-2022) and the Suburban from the same years. I want a proper third row for passengers and a good ride for me. I know no car is perfect, but I keep hearing about transmission and other issues with the Expedition. Of course, you always hear more complaints than praises online. Has anyone here switched from a Suburban to an Expedition or the other way around?

Honestly, reliability is a gamble with these. The safest choice might be buying a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) with an extended warranty to avoid unexpected repair bills. Between the two, drive them both to see what fits your needs. Personally, I think the newer Suburban interiors (2021+) feel more upscale than the 2020-2021 Expeditions, but the 2022 Expedition update helps. For space, the Suburban wins, and the ride is smoother than a standard Expedition unless you get one with CCD suspension, which improves things.

@Jordan
Thanks so much for this! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!

I was looking at Suburbans, Yukon XLs, and even F-150s before I ended up with the Expedition. After driving all of them, the Expedition stood out for the ride quality. Every brand has its fans and critics, so pick what feels right for you and cross your fingers. My Expedition rides great, tows well, and I’m happy with it so far.

@Niko
Thank you! Good to know the ride quality is solid. How’s the space in the third row, in your opinion?

Madden said:
@Niko
Thank you! Good to know the ride quality is solid. How’s the space in the third row, in your opinion?

The third row is surprisingly roomy. I’m over 6 feet tall and fit comfortably back there. Honestly, the seats feel better than what GM offers, and my nephew even said it feels like a limo back there!

I have a 2022 Expedition Platinum (standard length). We test-drove a Lincoln and a Yukon Denali before deciding. The Expedition felt the most stable, and I preferred the tech and seats over the Yukon. Lincoln had amazing seats, but the price was steep, and the ride was too floaty.

I’m 6’5” and fit well in all three rows of the Expedition, even without the Max version. GM’s third row in both the standard and XL/Suburban models is tight for taller people.

The Expedition does have some transmission issues, but Ford seems to have fixed the cam phaser problem. GM’s 6.2L engines have lifter issues, though the 5.3L doesn’t, but it lacks the power of Ford’s EcoBoost. Either way, get a CPO and an extended warranty to cover any big failures. There’s even a class-action lawsuit against GM’s 6.2L engines right now.

In my opinion, the 2022 Platinum Expedition is nicer than the Yukon Denali unless you go all-in on an Escalade, which is a different price range. But it all depends on what you like!

@Sky
Thank you so much! This was super detailed and helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share all this info!

The Expedition has more room in the third row than the Suburban.

Sydney said:
The Expedition has more room in the third row than the Suburban.

Yeah, and the seats are full-sized, not those short ones like in the Suburban.

Sydney said:
The Expedition has more room in the third row than the Suburban.

That’s exactly what I’ve read! Some people argue the opposite, but the measurements seem to favor the Expedition. Thanks for confirming!

We’ve got a 2021 Expedition Platinum Max. It’s been an amazing family hauler for our three kids (ages 4-7). The second-row bench works great, and the third-row access is a win for Ford. With GM models, the seats don’t flip as easily when car seats are installed, which was a dealbreaker for us.

Ford’s interior feels more open, and the seats are very comfortable compared to GM’s. I’m 6’5” and 300 pounds, and I can still get into the third row comfortably. For us, it’s been a great vehicle for kids and long trips.

@Han
Thanks for sharing this! Super helpful to hear about the car seats and the third-row space. I really appreciate it!

@Han
How would you compare the ride quality and noise levels between the Expedition and Suburban?

Bao said:
@Han
How would you compare the ride quality and noise levels between the Expedition and Suburban?

It depends on personal preference. GM tends to have a stiffer ride, while the Expedition with the upgraded suspension feels softer but has more body roll. Seat comfort is a big factor too—Ford’s are cushier, while GM’s feel sportier. My wife loves the Expedition’s ride, but I prefer a firmer setup in my daily driver.

For families, Ford’s sliding second-row seats and easy third-row access are huge perks. Overall, both are solid choices, but the Expedition worked better for us.

I tow boats across Idaho in the summers and need plenty of room for people and gear. The Expedition has been perfect!

For third-row access, it’s no contest—Ford wins. The second-row seats tilt and slide forward with a button press, making it much easier for adults to get in and out. My 6’7” cousin even commented on how much legroom there is back there.

As for towing, the Expedition handles it like a champ. The engine barely strains, and the turbos do all the work, keeping it quiet and smooth on the highway.

@Shan
This is great info, especially about towing and the third-row access. Thank you so much for sharing!