Big Boy SUV Towing: 2018 Ford Expedition MAX vs Chevy Suburban (Video)

2018 ford expedition max long suv chevy suburban 4x4 towing horse trailer
2018 Ford Expedition MAX vs. Chevy Suburban

How does the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition MAX do at towing a trailer when compared to the Chevy Suburban? This is precisely what we wanted to find at the first drive event near Malibu, CA that was organized by Ford. Ford provided the vehicles and CM Trailers provided the trailers.

The Expedition has been completely redesigned with an all-aluminum body and components from the new F-150 and the Super Duty. The Expedition shares the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, the 10-speed automatic transmission with the F-150, and the front part of the frame. The big SUV shares the dashboard layout with the Super Duty.

Ford set up the horse trailers to a total weight of 5,500 lbs for both SUVs, and directed us to some up and down grades near Saratoga Hills, CA.

Ford Expedition MAX Limited Chevy Suburban LT
Engine 3.5L twin-turbo V6 5.3L V8
Power 375 hp / 470 lb-ft (non Platinum) 355 hp / 383 lb-ft
Transmission 10-speed auto 6-speed auto
Rear Axle Ratio 3.73 3.08
Max Payload (as tested) 1,625 lbs 1,489 lbs
Max Towing (4×4) 9,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
MPG (4×4) 16/21/18 15/22/18
Staring Price (4×4) $65,595 $60,230

The Chevy Suburban LT 4×4 did better with downhill grade shifting and speed control. The Expedition MAX Limited 4×4 used just a little more brake on the way down, but it performed better on the way up the hill and had better side mirrors for seeing around the trailer.

We cannot wait to take these SUVs on the Ike Gauntlet and our 100-mile highway MPG loops.

Check out the video below to see what happened.