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When it comes to full-size SUVs, two titans stand above the rest: the Ford Excursion and the Chevrolet Suburban. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for their exceptional capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced features. But which one is the ultimate choice for discerning SUV enthusiasts? In this in-depth comparison, Western Ford HCM presents the "Ford Excursion vs. Chevy Suburban: Battle of the Giants." We will meticulously examine these automotive behemoths across various categories, including performance, towing capacity, interior comfort, safety, technology, and value, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Ford Excursion vs. Chevy Suburban: Battle of the Giants ( Updated 2023 Guide )
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs | 8,300 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 3,250 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 10/14 mpg | 15/20 mpg |
Seating Capacity | 8-9 passengers | 7-9 passengers |
Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 137.6 cu. ft. | 121.7 cu. ft. |
Safety Features | ABS, traction control, stability control, side airbags, curtain airbags | ABS, traction control, stability control, side airbags, curtain airbags, forward collision warning, lane departure warning |
Technology Features | AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary input, Bluetooth | AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary input, Bluetooth, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot |
Price Range | $50,000 - $70,000 | $55,000 - $75,000 |
I. Ford Excursion vs. Chevy Suburban: A Comparison of Two American Icons
The Power of SUVs: Exploring the Capabilities of the Excursion and Suburban
The Ford Excursion and Chevrolet Suburban are two of the most iconic SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer impressive capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced technology. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Excursion and Suburban against each other in a battle of the giants, examining their strengths and weaknesses across various categories to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to power and performance, the Ford Excursion takes the lead with its massive 7.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The Chevrolet Suburban, on the other hand, offers a range of engine options, including a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. While the Suburban's engines provide ample power, they fall short of the Excursion's impressive torque output.
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Engine | 7.3-liter V8 | 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, 3.0-liter Duramax diesel |
Horsepower | 310 hp | 355 hp (6.2-liter V8) |
Torque | 525 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft (5.3-liter V8) |
Fuel Efficiency and Performance: A Comparison
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an SUV. The Ford Excursion, with its large engine and heavy weight, has a lower fuel economy rating compared to the Chevrolet Suburban. The Excursion gets an estimated 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway, while the Suburban offers slightly better fuel efficiency with 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
In terms of performance, the Ford Excursion's powerful engine provides excellent acceleration and towing capabilities. It can tow up to 10,000 lbs, making it a great choice for hauling heavy loads. The Chevrolet Suburban, with its lighter weight and more efficient engines, offers a more balanced performance with a towing capacity of 8,300 lbs.
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 10/14 mpg | 15/20 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs | 8,300 lbs |
Interior Space and Comfort: Which Vehicle Reigns Supreme?
Both the Ford Excursion and Chevrolet Suburban offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to 9 passengers. The Excursion, however, has a slight edge in terms of overall interior space, with 137.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats compared to the Suburban's 121.7 cubic feet.
When it comes to comfort, both vehicles offer comfortable seating with adjustable seats and plenty of legroom. The Excursion's larger interior provides a more spacious and airy feel, while the Suburban's more modern interior design offers a touch of luxury.
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Seating Capacity | 8-9 passengers | 7-9 passengers |
Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 137.6 cu. ft. | 121.7 cu. ft. |

Ford Excursion vs. Chevy Suburban: A Comparison of Two American Icons
II. Powertrain and Performance: Which One Packs a Bigger Punch?
The Might of the Excursion
Under the hood of the Ford Excursion, you'll find a mighty 7.3-liter V8 diesel engine that delivers an impressive 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides ample acceleration and effortless towing capabilities, making the Excursion an ideal choice for hauling heavy loads. The powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that ensures smooth and efficient gear changes.
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Engine | 7.3-liter V8 diesel | 5.3-liter V8 |
Horsepower | 350 hp | 355 hp |
Torque | 650 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic | Six-speed automatic |
Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs | 8,100 lbs |
The Strength of the Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban comes standard with a powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine that generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers responsive acceleration and decent towing capabilities, suitable for most hauling tasks. However, it falls short of the Excursion's raw power and torque output. Like the Excursion, the Suburban is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
Fuel economy is an important consideration for large SUVs. The Ford Excursion, with its massive diesel engine, has a lower fuel efficiency rating compared to the Chevrolet Suburban. The Excursion's estimated fuel consumption is 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. The Suburban, on the other hand, has a slightly better fuel efficiency of 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, making it a more economical choice for daily driving.
Conclusion
In terms of powertrain and performance, the Ford Excursion offers superior towing capability and raw power thanks to its robust diesel engine. The Chevrolet Suburban, while not as powerful, provides adequate performance and fuel efficiency for most users. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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Powertrain and Performance: Which One Packs a Bigger Punch?
III. Interior and Comfort: Space, Luxury, and Convenience
Spacious Interiors for Ample Seating and Comfort
The Excursion boasts an expansive interior, providing generous space for both passengers and cargo. Its three rows of seating can accommodate up to nine individuals, offering ample legroom and headroom for all. The Suburban matches this capacity, providing a spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and their belongings.
Luxurious Appointments for a Refined Experience
Inside, both the Excursion and Suburban offer a premium ambiance with high-quality materials and thoughtful amenities. Leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, and a panoramic sunroof are available to enhance comfort and create a luxurious driving experience. Advanced infotainment systems with large touchscreens, premium audio, and navigation capabilities further elevate the interior experience.
Versatile Cargo Space for Ample Storage
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Excursion reigns supreme with its vast rear cargo area. Behind its third row of seating, it offers an impressive 137.6 cubic feet of storage space, making it ideal for transporting large items or luggage for extended trips. The Suburban, while slightly smaller, still provides a respectable 121.7 cubic feet of cargo space, offering ample room for groceries, sports equipment, or tools.
Passenger Comfort Features: A Deeper Dive
- Ambient Lighting: Both vehicles offer customizable ambient lighting, allowing drivers to create a personalized and relaxing atmosphere within the cabin.
- Climate Control: Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures optimal temperature levels for all passengers, regardless of their seating position.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment: DVD players and wireless headphone capability provide entertainment options for rear-seat passengers, enhancing their comfort during long journeys.

Interior and Comfort: Space, Luxury, and Convenience
IV. Towing and Payload Capacity: Hauling Heavy Loads with Ease
Towing Capacity
The Ford Excursion boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs, making it a formidable choice for hauling heavy loads. This capability is ideal for towing large trailers, boats, or equipment, providing versatility for various tasks.
Payload Capacity
In terms of payload capacity, the Excursion excels with a maximum of 3,250 lbs. This allows for ample space to transport cargo, tools, or materials, making it suitable for commercial or personal use.
Feature | Ford Excursion | Chevrolet Suburban |
---|---|---|
Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs | 8,300 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 3,250 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
Comparison with Chevrolet Suburban
Compared to its rival, the Chevrolet Suburban, the Excursion offers a significant advantage in both towing and payload capacity. The Suburban's towing capacity is rated at 8,300 lbs, while its payload capacity is 2,200 lbs. This difference highlights the Excursion's superior hauling capabilities, making it a more suitable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Towing and Payload Capacity: Hauling Heavy Loads with Ease
V. Conclusion
The Ford Excursion and Chevrolet Suburban are both exceptional SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Excursion offers superior towing and payload capacities, making it the ideal choice for those who need a vehicle for heavy-duty work or hauling large items. The Suburban, on the other hand, provides better fuel efficiency, a more comfortable interior, and a wider range of advanced technology features. Ultimately, the best choice between these two giants depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize rugged capabilities and maximum utility, the Excursion is the way to go. But if fuel economy, comfort, and cutting-edge technology are more important to you, the Suburban is the better option.