Suburban vs Expedition Max

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PartyInSection409
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12:00a, 7/8/26
AG
Shopping for a personal + family hauler, two kids, two dogs, looking for a slightly used.

Can't decide between suburban (or Yukon XL) vs expedition max. Want a lot of cargo space and to be able to make easy trips to college station. I think 2025 and newer since what I gather is that's when there was a refresh. However might hold off until the 2027s come out to get a 25.

Anyone owned or cross shopped both recently? Which way did you go and why? Any other recommendations?
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fixer
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4:42a, 7/8/26
I went with a z71 Suburban back in late 2024 and don't regret it.

I wanted max cargo room without having to go to a Sprinter van.

The Suburban has more cargo room than Expedition max by a good margin. This was by far the biggest reason.

Behind second row the Suburban has 94 cubic ft, and 41 cubic ft behind third row.

I went with 5.3 instead of 6.2 to stay away from the engine bearing poop storm.

The 5.3 is adequate for acceleration. I can pass without having to say a prayer. It moves off of a stop light without feeling sluggish. good enough. I'm not trying to win stop light races with this.

I'm going from a 5th gen 4runner to this Suburban so my reference point is different. The 5th gen 4runner is vw bus slow.

So far after 24,000 miles of some heavy use the engine has held up.

Transmission has been smooth and reliable so far.

4wd works great and has gotten me out of some potentially awful situations.

No leaks or weeps in engine, transmission, rear diff, front diff, transfer case.

I got ran off the road by a 18 wheeler in Hearne during a rain storm. I hit a curb at approx 35 mph with right front tire and had no damage and alignment stayed intact.

Tires are wearing evenly. I haven't even had to add air to any tire.

Fuel mileage has been between 18-20 mpg going 75-80 mph.

AC performance is the best I've ever experienced in any vehicle by the widest margin it is astonishing. It gets painfully cold, irritatingly cold actually, after 3-4 minutes sitting in sun for hours.

Seat comfort is good but I'm not super picky about this. I can go 10-12 hours with minimal stops and not have aches and pains. My wife is picky about seat comfort because of a back injury. She can go 6-8 hours before aches and pains get too much.

Only glitch I've found was occasionally the dashboard configuration will randomly change on start up.

Downsides to the GM product are a few

1. the lifter lottery. You can mitigate the probability with aggresive oil change schedules and using 5w30 and also getting a DFM disabler. The disablers are easy to install. Driving in L9 also defeats DFM but gets to be a drag when running multiple stops. Good news is oil changes are super easy on GM engines.
2.Engine options are really just the 3.0 diesel and 5.3. The 6.2 is in total disarray. The 3.0 has had a few issues with thrust bearings but is nowhere near the magnitude of the 6.2 issues. The 5.3 is the least powerful engine but has been off the radar of major bearing issues for many many years.
3. GM's new engine options are going to be much better than what is available right now.
4. Nit pick--Direct injection only. This will get the intake valves gummed up much quicker than port injection. You can mitigate this with a good catch can (which is a 20 minute install). The ecoboost has both port and direct injection which is smart and alleviates alot of the downsides to direct injection.
5. Servicing transmission fluid requires dropping a portion of the exhaust. I understand the ecoboost is similar. This is a bummer in my book.

The Expedition will have better seat comfort, the acceleration will be substantially better than a 5.3, and the ecoboost hasn't had an engine bearing problem pretty much ever.

Sadly in 2020-2026 vehicle shopping comes down to finding which engine has the lowest probability of an engine bearing problem. The 5.3 and 3.5 are really good ways of avoiding this issue.

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512Ag
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8:36a, 7/8/26
AG
I have a '25 Yukon XL AT4 with the 5.3. See above for pretty much the same review. It's been a good vehicle so far (driven ~25k miles). My 6' tall son can sit comfortably in the third row and the cargo space is great.

I drove an Expedition Max for a week as a rental on a recent trip and it was very nice. Easy drive and slightly more comfortable seats than my Yukon, imo. I considered both when buying, and for me it came down to liking the look of the Yukon more. I'm sure there will be some pointed opinions incoming about both, but I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either.
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PartyInSection409
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In reply to fixer • 10:28p, 7/8/26
AG
I also currently have a 4Runner and my main complaint is it's so damn slow. I always say the only way to pass someone on the highway is to hit the breaks and wave as they go by.
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Mas89
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10:58p, 7/8/26
AG
The Ford will have Much more comfortable seats than the Chevy/ Gm.
Love the boost engine in my 23 Lariat F150. 84k miles and has never been in the shop. Zero problems or complaints.
Much more comfortable and better driving than a 26 Chevy LT and 25 Escalade I drive/ ride in regularly also.
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fixer
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In reply to PartyInSection409 • 5:20a, 7/9/26
PartyInSection409 said:
I also currently have a 4Runner and my main complaint is it's so damn slow. I always say the only way to pass someone on the highway is to hit the breaks and wave as they go by.

You will be stunned at the room in these things by comparison.

The Suburban has 41 cu. ft behind the third row. That is basically how much the 5th gen has behind the second row.

And by comparison, the 5.3 in the suburban (a 6000 lb vehicle) will still have way better acceleration than a 5th gen. It isn't a rocket ship, but is significant improvement in acceleration. I suggest driving one to form your own opinion. I know I was surprised.

If you opt for the 5.3 in a Suburban I would also recommend you find one with max trailer tow package. This has kept transmission temps in the cold to frigid range. I rarely see above 185 F.

The 3.5 in Expedition by comparision will be approaching scary fast coming from a 5th gen ownership experience.

Seat comfort...coming from a 5th gen you will find both the Expedition and Suburban seats luxurious. Most people find Expedition seats more comfortable.

Room, power/acceleration, seat comfort, and technology were the 4 biggest and immediate differences between the Suburban and 4runner.


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MouthBQ98
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5:39a, 7/9/26
AG
Do some research on drivetrain reliability Chevy vs ford half ton vehicles.
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1agswitchin4lanes
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7:17a, 7/9/26
AG
We have a Max 4WD KR and we love it.

Had a 23 Tahoe LT before this.


The expedition definitely has the better seats and better power. Sadly no cool V8 noises. Expedition has had some infotainment glitches but have all gone away since I force updated the APIM. I've kept up all fluid changes including transmission fluid every 30-40K, and transfer case and diffs. Zero issues with drivetrain.



The Tahoe was in repeatedly for electronics issues random dead battery and touchscreen issues, and a lifter issue before the first oil change.




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AgsWin2011
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8:32a, 7/9/26
AG
I would definitely go Ford over Chevy right now.
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Mookie
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8:02p, 7/9/26
AG
Had a 24 Tahoe high country on a 1yr lease. The 6.2L took a dump on the poor valet that picked it up from my house when I returned the lease.
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PartyInSection409
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8:11p, 7/9/26
AG
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs
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1agswitchin4lanes
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In reply to PartyInSection409 • 9:49p, 7/9/26
AG
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.
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PartyInSection409
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In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 9:53p, 7/9/26
AG
Ok that's what I needed to know. Bummer the sequoia also seems to have no cargo space. Doesn't feel like there's a Toyota comp and the Lexus LX is $100-120k
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kubiak03
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10:15p, 7/9/26
AG
Great looking but Toyota really messed up the sequoia with that back area. I don't see any new ones on the road.
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PartyInSection409
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In reply to kubiak03 • 10:20p, 7/9/26
AG
Agree. It's a huge disappointment. It looks awesome, like a truck, but there's hardly any cargo space and the 3rd row is horrible. Really could be a Tahoe/ expedition comparable.
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Charismatic Megafauna
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10:21p, 7/9/26
AG
I have said for years that if Toyota would make a sequoia xl I'd pay whatever it cost and add a blower. Sadly they never will so I continue to roll the dice with suburbans and assume I'll eventually get smacked with an $8k trans and/or $12k motor. Knock on wood
Edit: if gm would make a ltz trim 2500 burb with the 6.6 (maga edition) I would buy that in a heartbeat. I thought it would happen this year but guess not
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PartyInSection409
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10:27p, 7/9/26
AG
This picture says it all. Awesome looking, high HP, the article says with the 3rd row up it will only fit a single row of groceries..
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ktownag08
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10:51p, 7/9/26
AG
Test drove the Sequoia a few weeks back on the upper trim, and it wasn't particularly nice inside nor did it drive that well.

I looked at the 3rd row, and it was baffling as well.

I've test driven at lot of cars over the last few months and Toyota products were very uninspiring, and I've been in a Toyota the last decade.
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Chetos
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9:28a, 7/10/26
AG
i went with reconditioned 2000 limited excursion and never looked back!
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1agswitchin4lanes
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In reply to PartyInSection409 • 9:49a, 7/10/26
AG
PartyInSection409 said:
Ok that's what I needed to know. Bummer the sequoia also seems to have no cargo space. Doesn't feel like there's a Toyota comp and the Lexus LX is $100-120k


I find it bizarre that every new generation of Sequoia seems to have less and less space behind a third row. If they made a Sequoia L or Sequoia, Max, and still offered V8 engines, people would be all over them. I'm sure it will take time, and Toyota can get their turbo. V6 is right, but right now, they're not putting on a good show.
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Roger350
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In reply to ktownag08 • 9:55a, 7/10/26
AG
It seems like in every vehicle category Toyota just phones it in. Nothing spectacular, compelling, or class leading in any areas. Their quality perception has allowed them to sell every uninspired average vehicle they build so they don't even have to try with design or content and it shows.
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Roger350
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10:00a, 7/10/26
AG
Watching the engineer speak about the new Tundra back when they introduced it he even came across as a defeated guy that was just told don't bother to try and compete with the big 3 on anything that actually counts for people that use their trucks as trucks. His statement on tow ratings was pathetic, something along the lines it's not worth putting up a big number because next year someone else will beat it - we can tow as much as anyone will ever be comfortable towing. I wanted to kick him in the nuts and tell him he should stop telling people he is a truck engineer.
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fixer
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In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 10:04a, 7/10/26
1agswitchin4lanes said:
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.


Further…
The total cargo room is a joke. It is only slightly more room than a 5th gen 4 runner yet is much larger.

And Toyota has a major problem with #1 main bearing failure that they can not solve in all their 3.4 turbo v6 across every platform.

If you are looking for a sporty or off road focused mid size then I'd look at the Armada.

Waaaaay more cargo room than sequoia but even then a massive gap compared to expedition and suburban.

And the armada v6 is bad ass and has no outbreak of engine bearing issues.
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Corps_Ag12
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In reply to fixer • 10:22a, 7/10/26
AG
If Nissan/Infiniti could market better, they'd probably take a huge market share from Toyota.

The Titan shouldn't have failed/been discontinued. It failed because somehow, Nissan fails to market how reliable their vehicles are. The should've just made the XD the standard Titan and they'd of owned the market with their gas V8, or even the new V6 in the Armada.
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1agswitchin4lanes
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In reply to fixer • 10:52a, 7/10/26
AG
fixer said:
1agswitchin4lanes said:
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.


Further…
The total cargo room is a joke. It is only slightly more room than a 5th gen 4 runner yet is much larger.

And Toyota has a major problem with #1 main bearing failure that they can not solve in all their 3.4 turbo v6 across every platform.

If you are looking for a sporty or off road focused mid size then I'd look at the Armada.

Waaaaay more cargo room than sequoia but even then a massive gap compared to expedition and suburban.

And the armada v6 is bad ass and has no outbreak of engine bearing issues.



Some qx80s have had spun Rod bearings already
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GAC06
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In reply to PartyInSection409 • 1:49p, 7/10/26
AG
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs


We love our LX so far, but we have two kids. We wanted the option of a third row when necessary but if you need to use a third row for long trips, I'd look elsewhere. There very little room behind the third row (which is really only for kids itself) and if you get the hybrid 700h, the space is even less.
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fixer
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In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 9:55a, 7/11/26
1agswitchin4lanes said:
fixer said:
1agswitchin4lanes said:
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.


Further…
The total cargo room is a joke. It is only slightly more room than a 5th gen 4 runner yet is much larger.

And Toyota has a major problem with #1 main bearing failure that they can not solve in all their 3.4 turbo v6 across every platform.

If you are looking for a sporty or off road focused mid size then I'd look at the Armada.

Waaaaay more cargo room than sequoia but even then a massive gap compared to expedition and suburban.

And the armada v6 is bad ass and has no outbreak of engine bearing issues.



Some qx80s have had spun Rod bearings already

Can you share any details?
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1agswitchin4lanes
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In reply to fixer • 3:26p, 7/11/26
AG
fixer said:
1agswitchin4lanes said:
fixer said:
1agswitchin4lanes said:
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.


Further…
The total cargo room is a joke. It is only slightly more room than a 5th gen 4 runner yet is much larger.

And Toyota has a major problem with #1 main bearing failure that they can not solve in all their 3.4 turbo v6 across every platform.

If you are looking for a sporty or off road focused mid size then I'd look at the Armada.

Waaaaay more cargo room than sequoia but even then a massive gap compared to expedition and suburban.

And the armada v6 is bad ass and has no outbreak of engine bearing issues.



Some qx80s have had spun Rod bearings already

Can you share any details?



Reading on the forums there are number of VR35DDTT guys that have had engines replaced already for this issue. Seems like it's early production number units.
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murphyag
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In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 8:55p, 7/14/26
AG
1agswitchin4lanes said:
fixer said:
1agswitchin4lanes said:
PartyInSection409 said:
Any thoughts on the Lexus LX for a family hauler? Looks a little smaller than the Tahoe but might meet the same needs



The cargo space behind the 3rd row is laughable.


Further…
The total cargo room is a joke. It is only slightly more room than a 5th gen 4 runner yet is much larger.

And Toyota has a major problem with #1 main bearing failure that they can not solve in all their 3.4 turbo v6 across every platform.

If you are looking for a sporty or off road focused mid size then I'd look at the Armada.

Waaaaay more cargo room than sequoia but even then a massive gap compared to expedition and suburban.

And the armada v6 is bad ass and has no outbreak of engine bearing issues.



Some qx80s have had spun Rod bearings already

Are these the newest version QX80s?
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