2025 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2026 Acura MDX

$61,500 · SUV

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the massive 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and the nimbler 2026 Acura MDX boils down to prioritizing sheer size versus efficiency and cost. Buyers often struggle deciding if they truly need three rows of seating or if a mid-size crossover suffices. The Suburban starts at a substantial $61,500 and brings 355 hp from its V8, but users will feel the pain at the pump, achieving only 17 combined MPG. Conversely, the Acura MDX undercuts the Chevy by $9,700, retailing around $51,800, while offering a superior 22 combined MPG. Although the MDX has 65 fewer horsepower (290 hp vs. 355 hp), its smaller footprint (198.4 inches long vs. 226.3 inches) makes daily maneuvering much easier. The Suburban’s 41.5 cu ft of cargo space dwarfs the MDX's 18.1 cu ft, making the choice heavily dependent on hauling needs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The 2026 Acura MDX wins for commuting due to its significantly better 22 combined MPG compared to the Suburban's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban is the winner for large families requiring maximum utility, boasting 41.5 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The Suburban appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its higher output of 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX provides better value by saving buyers $9,700 upfront and offering 5 better miles per gallon.

Choose the Chevrolet Suburban if...

You frequently haul substantial gear, needing the massive 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the power delivery and sound of a V8 engine producing 355 horsepower.
You need the long-wheelbase stability provided by the Suburban's 226.3-inch length.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Fuel economy is a top priority, evidenced by its 22 combined MPG rating.
You want to save nearly $10,000, as the MDX starts at $51,800 versus the Suburban's $61,500 MSRP.
Maneuverability is key, thanks to its smaller dimensions compared to the massive SUV.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Suburban	Acura MDX
Length	226.3"	198.4"
Width	81.1"	78.7"
Height	75.6"	67.9"
Wheelbase	134.1"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	5.3 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	355 hp @ 5600 rpm	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Overhead valves (OHV)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/20 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/560.0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	28.0 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	11
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	65.6 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	61.5 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	64.6 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	61.3 in.	57.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/65R18	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and 2026 Acura MDX.

What is the real-world fuel cost difference between these two vehicles?

The difference is substantial; the Suburban returns 17 combined MPG on regular unleaded, while the MDX achieves 22 combined MPG, even if it recommends premium fuel. Over 15,000 miles annually, you will be buying considerably more fuel for the larger Suburban.

Is the 2025 Suburban too large for standard city parking spaces?

At 226.3 inches long and 81.1 inches wide, the Suburban is significantly larger than the MDX's 198.4-inch length. For tight urban parking structures, the MDX's smaller footprint will offer a much less stressful ownership experience.

How much more power does the 2025 Suburban offer the driver?

The Suburban packs a notable punch with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This is a 65 hp advantage over the MDX's 290 hp, making the Suburban noticeably quicker when fully loaded.

Which vehicle is better for towing, considering their drivetrain?

While towing capacity wasn't specified, the Suburban, with its RWD platform and larger structure, is inherently built for heavy hauling, whereas the FWD-based MDX is geared more toward lighter family loads.

Does the Acura MDX require more expensive fuel than the Suburban?

Yes, the 2026 Acura MDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban.

If I need to move large furniture, which vehicle offers the practical advantage?

The Suburban is the clear winner for pure volume; its 41.5 cu ft of cargo space more than doubles the 18.1 cu ft offered behind the third row of the MDX.