VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5600
Torque
553lb-ft @ 1800
460lb-ft @ 4100
Towing
—
7900lbs
Engine
4.4 L/268cc
—
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X5 delivers 523hp @ 5500 while the Chevrolet Suburban produces 420hp @ 5600. Pricing starts at $92,600 for the X5 and $86,400 for the Suburban. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
553lb-ft @ 1800
460lb-ft @ 4100
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.4 L/268cc
—
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
—
Diesel
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.9gal
28gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.3in
226.3in
Width (in)
78.9in
81in
Height (in)
69.5in
76.2in
Wheelbase (in)
117.1in
134.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5355lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7900lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Chevrolet Suburban
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Suburban
Practicality
Suburban
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Chevrolet Suburban
Lower starting price ($86,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the X5 or Suburban?
The X5 produces 523hp @ 5500 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Suburban delivers 420hp @ 5600 and 460lb-ft @ 4100 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Suburban?
The X5 starts from $92,600 and the Suburban from $86,400. The Suburban is cheaper by $6,200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or Suburban?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Suburban can tow 7900lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the Suburban?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.