2027 Ford Expedition MAX vs 2027 Chevrolet Suburban: Which Full-Size SUV Wins?
The 2027 Ford Expedition MAX delivers 400 hp and up to 9,000 lbs of towing from a twin-turbocharged V6. The Suburban answers with a naturally-aspirated V8 at 355 hp and a higher tow rating of 9,600 lbs on the standard-wheelbase model. This comparison breaks down every key number so you can choose confidently, then check current inventory at George Coleman Ford.
Full 2027 Expedition MAX specs and trims
The Short Answer
The 2027 Expedition MAX is the right pick for buyers who want more interior cargo room, a larger touchscreen, standard BlueCruise-capable hands-free driving on upper trims, and the option to step up to 440 hp. The 2027 Suburban is the better fit for buyers who prioritize raw cargo volume at the back or want a diesel powertrain option. Both carry 8 passengers and share the same basic warranty. Neither is a bad decision, but their strengths land in different places.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Category | 2027 Ford Expedition MAX | 2027 Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp (440 hp H.O. available) | 355 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or Intelligent 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy/comb) | 15/22/18 (4WD) | 15/20/17 |
| Length | 221.7 in | 226.3 in |
| Height | 78.1 in | 75.6 in |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 37.4 cu ft | 41.5 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 84.5 cu ft | 93.8 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 123.1 cu ft | 144.5 cu ft |
| Max towing (4WD) | 9,000 lbs | 8,200 lbs |
| Seating | 8 | 8 |
| Center touchscreen | 13.2 in | 17.7 in |
| Digital cluster | 24 in panoramic | 11 in |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for 2027 Expedition MAX
Performance and Powertrain
The Expedition MAX uses a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure gives it a meaningful edge over the Suburban's 383 lb-ft, which matters when pulling a loaded trailer from a standing start. Buyers who want more power can choose the available High-Output tune at 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, a configuration not offered in any form on the Suburban's base 5.3L engine.
The Suburban runs a 5.3L naturally-aspirated V8 at 355 hp. A 6.2L V8 and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel are also available on the Suburban, giving it powertrain flexibility the Expedition MAX does not match. The diesel option in particular appeals to buyers who prioritize long-haul fuel range over raw towing numbers.
On the towing scorecard, the Expedition MAX 4WD rates at 9,000 lbs with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The standard-wheelbase Suburban 4WD reaches 8,200 lbs in the verified specs provided. Both use a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition MAX includes an integrated trailer brake controller as a standard feature. The Suburban is available rather than standard across all trims.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Suburban's body-on-frame platform is longer overall at 226.3 inches, and that extra length pays off in raw cargo numbers. Behind the third row the Suburban holds 41.5 cu ft versus the Expedition MAX's 37.4 cu ft. With the third row folded, the Suburban opens to 93.8 cu ft against the Expedition MAX's 84.5 cu ft. Maximum cargo with all rear seats down reaches 144.5 cu ft in the Suburban compared to 123.1 cu ft in the Expedition MAX.
Despite those cargo numbers, the Expedition MAX counters with a meaningful quality-of-life feature set. Power-folding third-row seats with power recline are standard, making rear cargo access genuinely easy. The Ford Split Gate, a powered dual-mode tailgate that opens both as a traditional liftgate and as a lower tailgate platform, is a standout feature with a 500-lb load rating. The available Flex Powered Console slides to open a center-row aisle, a practical touch for families loading gear or helping young passengers.
Seating in both SUVs accommodates eight passengers. Interior headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are comparable across all three rows.
Technology and Safety
The Expedition MAX installs a 24-inch panoramic digital instrument cluster, one of the largest in its segment, paired with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. The Suburban flips that equation: its center touchscreen measures 17.7 inches, which is the larger display in the cabin, while the instrument cluster is 11 inches. Buyers who prefer a larger infotainment screen will favor the Suburban; buyers who want a wider, more configurable driver display will prefer the Expedition MAX.
Both SUVs offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both include Google Maps and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Expedition MAX adds Google Assistant integration and a standard navigation system across all trims.
On hands-free driving, the Expedition MAX offers BlueCruise, standard on the King Ranch trim and available on others. BlueCruise operates on prequalified divided highways and includes a driver-facing camera. The Suburban offers Super Cruise with similar functionality, available on LT and above trims. Both systems require driver monitoring and work on mapped highway segments.
The Expedition MAX bundles a robust standard safety suite, including a 360-degree surround view camera, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The Suburban matches most of those features and adds a rear seat reminder and safety alert seat as standard.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry identical warranty coverage: 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Neither holds an advantage there.
The Expedition MAX returns 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined in 4WD configuration. The Suburban's 5.3L V8 in 4WD returns 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined. The Expedition MAX's turbocharged V6 delivers 2 more highway mpg than the Suburban's V8, which over a 20,000-mile year of mostly highway driving adds up to roughly a full tank of fuel saved.
The Expedition MAX includes the integrated trailer brake controller as standard, a feature the Suburban charges extra for. The Expedition MAX King Ranch comes standard with BlueCruise equipped and a 1-year plan included, plus Pro Power Onboard 400W for on-site power. The Suburban's equivalent High Country trim adds the 6.2L V8 as standard and Bose audio, but BlueCruise-equivalent Super Cruise remains optional even at that level.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2027 Ford Expedition MAX if:
- You tow regularly and want the highest torque output in the segment at 480 lb-ft standard (510 lb-ft with High-Output tune)
- You want BlueCruise hands-free highway driving without moving all the way up the trim ladder
- A 24-inch panoramic driver cluster matters more than a large center screen
- You want power-folding third-row seats and a Split Gate tailgate as standard convenience features
- You want more highway fuel efficiency from the turbocharged V6
Choose the 2027 Chevrolet Suburban if:
- Maximum cargo volume behind all seating rows is your top priority (41.5 cu ft vs 37.4 cu ft behind the third row)
- You want the option of a diesel powertrain for long-haul driving
- A 17.7-inch center touchscreen is a must-have
- The standard-wheelbase Suburban's 8,200-lb tow rating is enough for your needs
Shoppers in Travelers Rest and across the Upstate South Carolina area can find the Expedition MAX at George Coleman Ford. If you are cross-shopping against the Suburban before making a final call, seeing both vehicles back-to-back makes the differences tangible.
See the 2027 Expedition MAX at George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest
George Coleman Ford serves buyers throughout Travelers Rest and the greater Greenville area with in-stock 2027 Expedition MAX inventory. The MAX trims, Active, Platinum, and King Ranch, cover a wide range of needs from active-family capability to luxury-level finishes with Del Rio leather and standard BlueCruise. Browse available units, value your current vehicle, or schedule a time to get behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Ford Expedition MAX tow more than the Chevrolet Suburban?
The 4WD Expedition MAX tows up to 9,000 lbs with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The 4WD Suburban tows up to 8,200 lbs. The standard-wheelbase Expedition 4WD reaches 9,600 lbs, but the MAX configuration is rated at 9,000 lbs.
Which has a bigger cargo area, the Expedition MAX or the Suburban?
The Suburban has more cargo volume in every measurement. Behind the third row it holds 41.5 cu ft versus 37.4 cu ft in the Expedition MAX. Maximum cargo with all seats folded is 144.5 cu ft in the Suburban versus 123.1 cu ft in the Expedition MAX.
Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
The Expedition MAX 4WD earns 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined. The Suburban 5.3L V8 in 4WD returns 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined. The Expedition MAX delivers better highway efficiency.
Does the Expedition MAX have hands-free driving?
Yes. BlueCruise is standard on the Expedition MAX King Ranch and available on other trims. It operates on prequalified divided highways called Blue Zones and includes a driver-facing monitoring camera.
What engine does the 2027 Expedition MAX use?
A 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. A High-Output version producing 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque is available on select trims.
Does the Suburban offer more engine choices than the Expedition MAX?
Yes. The Suburban offers a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel. The Expedition MAX offers one engine family, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, in standard and High-Output tunes.
Which SUV has the bigger touchscreen?
The Suburban's 17.7-inch center display is larger than the Expedition MAX's 13.2-inch screen. The Expedition MAX offsets this with a 24-inch panoramic digital instrument cluster, which is significantly larger than the Suburban's 11-inch cluster.
Where can I see the 2027 Expedition MAX near Travelers Rest, SC?
George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest carries the 2027 Expedition MAX.