When it comes all the way down to massive SUVs, there’s extra to contemplate than value 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 could be the normal, literal definition of an “SUV.” Others use car-like, unibody development, 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 guess. They’ve a great deal of passenger and cargo area, and ship superior gas financial system, dealing with and trip high quality than these large conventional SUVs. They’re cheaper, too. Then again, 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 larger third rows than large crossovers, whereas extended-length variations just like the Chevy Suburban have far more cargo capability behind their third rows than every thing however an airport shuttle.
As for luxurious massive SUVs, they fall into those self same two classes as properly, with American decisions largely being truck-based. The professionals and cons of selecting one over one other are related.
Under, you will see our record of the very best massive SUVs damaged down into three classes: massive household crossover, massive conventional SUV and enormous luxurious SUVs, which comprise each development 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 area; distinctive second-row performance; refined trip; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWD
May very well be higher: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver help tech
Learn our full 2024 Honda Pilot Evaluation
The Honda Pilot was utterly redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s family-friendly packaging and total focus, nevertheless it has injected a welcome sense of favor (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the large crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and traditional proportions are refreshing in comparison with the more and more busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent.
Let’s discuss practicality, although, which is in the end the Pilot’s greatest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes house owners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and subsequently six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on car), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat implies that each Pilot could be a seven- or eight-passenger car. That center seat even matches beneath the cargo ground in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of area). 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 area; well-executed tech; high-style inside
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Palisade Evaluation and our long-term Palisade take a look at
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers might principally come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose appears to be like higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most evident in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that would simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The principle cause for that is the trendy, well-made cabin that not solely appears to be like nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than almost each competitor — larger youngsters and even adults shall be completely comfy within the third row, and you may 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 recreation, 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 area; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not seem like a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there; X-Professional’s agency trip
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluation
Should you’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 sturdy factors: area, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they accomplish that to an extent that outpaces their rivals. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has acquired the higher share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra individuals. Mainly, type 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 can be. Mainly, the Kia Telluride does not seem like a three-row household hauler regardless of being among the finest 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 area behind the third row
May very well be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Evaluation
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was nearly fully due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas financial system none of its rivals might match. We at all times included the caveat that you just’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo area 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 gives the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gas financial system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals method. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a simple substitute right here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price ticket does give us pause, however you are at the least 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 area than massive crossovers; luxurious interiors
May very well be higher: Many driver help options not out there on decrease trims
Learn our full Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Evaluation and our GMC Yukon Evaluation
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not replicate their power relative rivals. A swap to an impartial rear suspension for the all-new era for 2021 has radically remodeled it, nonetheless. The third-row within the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from almost uninhabitable to one of many greatest in any car. Cargo area 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 choice 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, nevertheless it’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 clean V6 with class-leading torque and gas financial system; larger third-row than GM SUVs (barely)
May very well be higher: Much less enticing and opulent inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Evaluation and browse in regards to the vital updates made for final 12 months’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon have been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a simple alternative. Now, the enjoying subject has largely been leveled between the 2, with the scales tilting towards the GM SUVs when it comes to inside design and high quality, infotainment options, and the out there diesel engine. Whereas it could possibly’t do a lot in regards to the latter, at the least the Expedition obtained an up to date inside for 2022. Ford additionally nonetheless has the larger, extra comfy third-row seat, although, plus the piece de resistance: its silky clean 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 rivals, together with GM’s 5.3-liter V8 present in most trim ranges. Higher but, its gas financial system is healthier 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 it’s best to ignore it.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo area past that third row on this record; lovely inside; plush trip
May very well be higher: Tender suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is totally gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date evaluation of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Properly, it does not actually get bigger than the Jeep Wagoneer and its extra-luxury model, the Grand Wagoneer. Really it does, the extended-length Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L is even bigger and the largest decisions within the section. Because of this, they’ve probably the most spacious and comfy third-row seat on this record, 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 section, because it’s actually not that totally 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 complete 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 Cruise
May very well be higher: V8 gas effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our 2023 Cadillac Escalade Evaluation and our particular Escalade Diesel evaluation
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and way more aggressive. The swap to an impartial rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many greatest in the marketplace, whereas additionally benefiting the trip, dealing with and cargo area. The styling equally is as refined as you’d anticipate from this lofty value level when it comes to supplies, design and expertise. Particularly, the 38 inches price of three OLED screens that encompass the driving force. The Escalade can be out there with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving expertise.
One other key ingredient is the diesel engine choice, which supplies the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter fuel V8, however ought to prevent vital cash on the pump even with excessive diesel costs. It is the one to get. On the alternative finish of the spectrum, there’s the brand new Escalade-V that is massive in each dimension and energy.
2024 Lexus TX
Why it stands out: Largest third-row of any luxurious crossover; nice cargo area, too; a number of hybrids; top-notch construct high quality
May very well be higher: It is principally a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint and nicer inside supplies; irksome tech
Learn our Lexus TX evaluation
Thus far, luxurious three-row crossovers have been significantly much less spacious and sensible than non-luxury fashions. The brand new TX, in contrast, is just not solely simply as spacious and sensible as all these, it is extra so than nearly all of them. Now, there’s a excellent cause for that: It’s primarily 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 mixture of area and gas financial system actually cannot be beat amongst luxurious fashions. The TX additionally offers up nothing when it comes to 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 case you’re prime precedence is “massive” when trying to find a luxurious crossover, you may’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”
2024 Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; large energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo area
May very well be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that might open the Aviator as much as extra patrons
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Evaluation
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With a regular 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most rivals. That is undoubtedly commendable, and we’re probably not complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it might simply supply a much less strong engine and cater to extra patrons 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 (acceptable 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 clean and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row area
May very well be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Evaluation
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 really particular, and when you have the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query probably the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical common Mid-Century Fashionable-inspired inside design (up to date with a much bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger area, ample options record, refined highway manners and a regular engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of this vital 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 moderately truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall in opposition to the world’s most interesting flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every thing; numerous mannequin line; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Mercedes GLS Evaluation
The Mercedes GLS is a lot larger 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 searching for probably 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 directly 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 if you would like the very best, then it is actually onerous to argue in opposition to them.
Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; huge value vary; out there plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; trip could be tough with large wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Evaluation
You may get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 455-horsepower XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined choice out there for almost $85,000 and stroll away with a really 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 attraction and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb massive luxurious SUV irrespective of the worth or trim stage.
