When you're searching for the ultimate full-size SUV for your family, the 2026 Ford Expedition really sets itself apart from the rest. While other models in this class tend to just stick with the status quo, the Expedition pushes for greater functionality. Find out the details in this 2026 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Chevy Suburban comparison!
Key Takeaways
- Ford introduced several interior upgrades to the 2026 Expedition to boost refinement.
- The Suburban enters 2026 with no major changes.
- When it comes to towing, the Expedition leads with a 9,600-pound towing capacity.
2026 Ford Expedition vs. Chevy Suburban Upgrade Comparison
For the 2026 model year, Ford really made the Expedition more functional for busy families. The cabin got a significant facelift with a redesigned dashboard that feels much more high-end. However, the real showstopper is the new Ford Split Gate with a top glass section that lifts up like a traditional SUV, but the bottom section drops down flat like a pickup truck bed.
On the opposite side of the aisle, the 2026 Suburban has a very quiet year. Since it just completed a refresh cycle, they haven't introduced any notable changes for this model year.
The Expedition continues to dominate with modern turbocharged power thanks to a standard twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 400 ponies, and a high-output version of that same engine that pushes 440 horsepower. It mates with a 10-speed automatic and independent rear suspension.
For those who want to get off the beaten path, Ford also offers the Expedition Tremor, which comes with a factory-lifted suspension, heavy-duty skid plates, and massive 33-inch tires. It also packs smart tech like Rock Crawl mode and Trail Turn Assist to help you navigate tight trails that would leave other big SUVs in the mud.
The Suburban still offers its traditional V8 options and a diesel paired with a 10-speed automatic, but they lag behind when it comes to raw numbers. The base 5.3-liter V8 only puts out 355 hp, and even the larger 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp) can't match the 440 hp found in the high-output Ford. This power difference is most obvious when you look at towing: the Expedition can haul a massive 9,600 pounds, while the Suburban maxes out at 8,300 pounds.
Powertrains and Towing
| 2026 Ford Expedition |
2026 Chevy Suburban |
| 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (standard and high-output versions) |
5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or available diesel |
| 10-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
| Independent rear suspension |
Traditional V8-based setup |
| Up to 9,600 lbs towing |
Up to 8,300 lbs towing |
Which SUV Has Greater Next-Gen Tech?
The Expedition's tech feels like it's from the future. It features a massive 24-inch panoramic display that stretches across the dash, merging your gauges and infotainment into one seamless view. It runs on a Google-based platform with standard wireless smartphone integration and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. Plus, when in park, you can actually stream movies or play games on the screen to keep everyone entertained.
The Suburban tries to keep up with its own screen real estate in an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and a 17.7-inch center touchscreen, but the layout feels a bit more traditional. It doesn't quite match the immersive, digital experience you get in the Ford.
Which Large SUV is Your Best Bet?
Both vehicles offer plenty of space, but the 2026 Ford Expedition offers more of what a modern family actually needs, like more towing muscle, more innovative cargo features (like the Split Gate), and more advanced tech. Contact Jarrett Scott Ford to get into a 2026 Expedition today!