When it comes all the way down to massive SUVs, there’s extra to think about than worth and simply how massive it’s. First, it comes all the way down to what’s beneath the pores and skin. Some are constructed on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis — this may be the normal, literal definition of an “SUV.” Others use car-like, unibody building, which might make them a crossover. What actually issues, although, is how you utilize them.
For many American households, a big three-row crossover goes to be your greatest wager. They’ve a great deal of passenger and cargo house, and ship superior gas financial system, dealing with and trip high quality than these huge conventional SUVs. They’re cheaper, too. However, these conventional massive SUVs just like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are better-suited for extra heavy-duty duties like towing. Most now have greater third rows than huge crossovers, whereas extended-length variations just like the Chevy Suburban have far more cargo capability behind their third rows than every little thing however an airport shuttle.
As for luxurious massive SUVs, they fall into those self same two classes as nicely, with American decisions principally being truck-based. The professionals and cons of selecting one over one other are comparable.
Beneath, you will discover our checklist of the very best massive SUVs damaged down into three classes: massive household crossover, massive conventional SUV and enormous luxurious SUVs, which comprise each building sorts.
Finest Giant Household Crossovers | Finest Giant Conventional SUVs | Finest Giant Luxurious SUVs
Finest Giant Household Crossovers
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo house; distinctive second-row performance; refined trip; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWDCould be higher: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver help tech
Learn our full 2024 Honda Pilot Evaluate
The Honda Pilot was utterly redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s family-friendly packaging and general focus, but it surely has injected a welcome sense of fashion (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the large crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and basic proportions are refreshing in comparison with the more and more busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent.
Let’s speak about practicality, although, which is in the end the Pilot’s greatest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes homeowners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and due to this fact six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on car), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat signifies that each Pilot generally is a seven- or eight-passenger car. That center seat even suits below the cargo ground in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of house). There’s additionally loads of considerate, family-friendly storage all through and a well-rounded driving expertise true to the Honda norm.
2024 Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; high-style interiorCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Palisade Evaluate and our long-term Palisade check
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers may principally come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you assume seems to be higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most evident in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The principle purpose for that is the fashionable, well-made cabin that not solely seems to be nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and extra space than practically each competitor — greater children and even adults can be completely snug within the third row, and you’ll match extra stuff behind the raised third row. Hyundai’s driver help and security tech can be among the many best-executed within the business. If there is a main gap in its sport, it is the dearth of a hybrid powertrain or a extra {powerful} model.
2024 Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not appear to be a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there; X-Professional’s agency trip
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluate
For those who’ve already learn the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you’ve got been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the identical basic robust factors: house, know-how, high quality and worth. Additionally they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has obtained the larger share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra individuals. Principally, fashion is the tiebreaker. There’s greater than a whiff of Vary Rover to its blocky proportions and restrained detailing. Heck, “Telluride” is even written throughout the hood, very like a Vary Rover could be. Principally, the Kia Telluride does not appear to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being top-of-the-line three-row household haulers. Win-win.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids
Why it stands out: Distinctive gas financial system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; tons of house behind the third rowCould be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Evaluate
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this checklist, it was virtually totally due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas financial system none of its opponents may match. We all the time included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo house for that gas financial system. That’s not the case with the brand new Toyota Grand Highlander, a separate mannequin regardless of its identify, that is considerably bigger the place it counts: within the third row and behind it.
It’s out there with a standard, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household car) 33-36 mpg mixed, but in addition provides the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gas financial system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals strategy. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a simple alternative right here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price ticket does give us pause, however you are no less than getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Finest Conventional Giant SUV
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gasoline-efficient diesel engine; extra third-row house than massive crossovers; luxurious interiorsCould be higher: Many driver help options not out there on decrease trims
Learn our full Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Evaluate and our GMC Yukon Evaluate
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not mirror their power relative opponents. A change to an unbiased rear suspension for the all-new era for 2021 has radically reworked it, nonetheless. The third-row within the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from practically uninhabitable to one of many greatest in any car. Cargo house has ballooned, together with within the extended-length Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo ground is decrease. The trip and dealing with have additionally been dramatically improved.
Apart from the suspension-related enhancements, there is a distinctive diesel engine possibility that will get you crossover-like gas financial system, and a totally aggressive inside. The GMC Yukon even will get its personal inside design for the primary time, but it surely’s unique to the Denali trim stage. Add all of it up, and also you get a full-size SUV household that we are able to now suggest.
2024 Ford Expedition
Why it stands out: Silky easy V6 with class-leading torque and gas financial system; greater third-row than GM SUVs (barely)Could possibly be higher: Much less engaging and opulent inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Evaluate and browse in regards to the important updates made for final 12 months’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon had been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a simple alternative. Now, the enjoying discipline has largely been leveled between the 2, with the scales tilting towards the GM SUVs by way of inside design and high quality, infotainment options, and the out there diesel engine. Whereas it might’t do a lot in regards to the latter, no less than the Expedition bought an up to date inside for 2022. Ford additionally nonetheless has the larger, extra snug third-row seat, although, plus the piece de resistance: its silky easy 3.5-liter turbocharged V6.
That engine produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (and it goes as much as 440 hp and 510 lb-ft within the Expedition Timberline pictured above left). Apart from that being class-leading torque, its horsepower additionally blows away most opponents, together with GM’s 5.3-liter V8 present in most trim ranges. Higher but, its gas financial system is best than the GM V8s and considerably higher than the Jeep Wagoneer’s gas-guzzlers (though these are changed with a far-more aggressive engine within the extended-length Wagoneer L). In different phrases, simply because the Expedition’s been round awhile doesn’t suggest you need to ignore it.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo house past that third row on this checklist; stunning inside; plush rideCould be higher: Gentle suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is completely gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date evaluate of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Nicely, it does not actually get bigger than the Jeep Wagoneer and its extra-luxury model, the Grand Wagoneer. Truly it does, the extended-length Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L is even bigger and the largest decisions within the phase. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and cozy third-row seat on this checklist, whereas the cargo space behind that third row can be extra beneficiant. It is completely possible so that you can pack in sufficient baggage for everybody aboard.
The Wagoneer additionally has the best inside in its phase, because it’s actually not that completely different from what you get within the Grand Wagoneer that competes fairly favorably with Cadillacs and Lincolns. The excellent news for 2024 is that the whole Wagoneer lineup will get Jeep/Ram’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine that produces extra energy and torque than the previous V8 decisions whereas getting significantly better gas financial system.
Finest Giant Luxurious SUVs
2024 Cadillac Escalade
Why it stands out: 38 inches of OLED screens; diesel engine; tow functionality; adult-friendly third row; Tremendous CruiseCould be higher: V8 gas effectivity; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our 2023 Cadillac Escalade Evaluate and our particular Escalade Diesel evaluate
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and much more aggressive. The change to an unbiased rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many greatest available on the market, whereas additionally benefiting the trip, dealing with and cargo house. The styling equally is as refined as you’d count on from this lofty worth level by way of supplies, design and know-how. Particularly, the 38 inches value of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can be out there with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving know-how.
One other key component is the diesel engine possibility, which supplies the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter fuel V8, however ought to prevent important cash on the pump even with excessive diesel costs. It is the one to get. On the other finish of the spectrum, there’s the brand new Escalade-V that is massive in each measurement and energy.
2024 Lexus TX
Why it stands out: Largest third-row of any luxurious crossover; nice cargo house, too; a number of hybrids; top-notch construct qualityCould be higher: It is principally a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint and nicer inside supplies; irksome tech
Learn our Lexus TX evaluate
Up to now, luxurious three-row crossovers have been significantly much less spacious and sensible than non-luxury fashions. The brand new TX, in contrast, isn’t solely simply as spacious and sensible as all these, it is extra so than virtually all of them. Now, there’s a excellent purpose for that: It’s basically a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint, extra out there options, nicer inside supplies and extra {powerful} engine decisions. That could be a difficulty for some, however for many, it should not be.
The mix of house and gas financial system actually cannot be beat amongst luxurious fashions. The TX additionally provides up nothing by way of luxurious options and inside high quality to different Lexus fashions. After all, it additionally has equally irksome tech, most notably the ridiculous head-up show and unmarked steering wheel buttons which are required to function far too many capabilities. Whereas the TX wouldn’t be our first alternative amongst three-row crossovers, in the event you’re high precedence is “massive” when trying to find a luxurious crossover, you possibly can’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”
2024 Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; huge energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo spaceCould be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that may open the Aviator as much as extra consumers
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Evaluate
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With an ordinary 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most opponents. That is positively commendable, and we’re not likely complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it may simply supply a much less strong engine and cater to extra consumers with a cheaper price. They’d nonetheless be getting a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style inside, plus a refined driving expertise that makes an attempt to make your time behind the wheel “easy” versus “sporty.” Sure, even with 400 hp, the Aviator is extra about grand-touring velocity than taking corners (applicable for a Lincoln). Sadly, the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid has been discontinued, however the Aviator that continues to be remains to be extremely fascinating.
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery easy and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row spaceCould be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Evaluate
It is simple to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful shade “Themes” of deep inexperienced or icy blue. They’re actually particular, and when you’ve got the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query essentially the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical basic Mid-Century Trendy-inspired inside design (up to date with an even bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, plentiful options checklist, refined street manners and an ordinary engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of this important energy benefit over the 6.2-liter Escalade, it is also extra environment friendly (though Lincoln does not supply a fuel-efficient reply to the diesel Escalade). Positive, it is nonetheless gigantic and somewhat truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall towards the world’s best flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every little thing; numerous mannequin line; well-executed security techCould be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Mercedes GLS Evaluate
The Mercedes GLS is a lot greater and a lot nicer than three-row luxurious SUVs just like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 that it is elevated past them into the uppermost echelon of luxurious SUVs: the flagships. That it has three rows is in some methods only a bonus for these looking for essentially the most superior SUV Mercedes has to supply (the Maybach GLS 600 does not even have it), however that aft-most row can be genuinely adult-friendly, which is uncommon amongst luxurious makers. As such, the GLS can without delay compete with the Vary Rover and Navigator … to not point out the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan when in Maybach guise. After all, we predict the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however in order for you the very best, then it is definitely exhausting to argue towards them.
Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; vast worth vary; out there plug-in hybridCould be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; trip might be tough with huge wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Evaluate
You will get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 455-horsepower XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined possibility out there for practically $85,000 and stroll away with a very particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the identical time, although, you could possibly get a base XC90 Core for round $58,000 and stroll away with a well-equipped and well-made household SUV that is extra spacious, environment friendly and classy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread enchantment and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb massive luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim stage.
