When it comes all the way down to massive SUVs, there’s extra to contemplate 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 might 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 finest guess. They’ve a great deal of passenger and cargo house, and ship superior gas financial system, dealing with and experience high quality than these massive 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 massive crossovers, whereas extended-length variations just like the Chevy Suburban have far more cargo capability behind their third rows than all the things however an airport shuttle.
As for luxurious massive SUVs, they fall into those self same two classes as effectively, with American decisions principally being truck-based. The professionals and cons of selecting one over one other are related.
Under, one can find our checklist of one of the best massive SUVs damaged down into three classes: massive household crossover, massive conventional SUV and enormous luxurious SUVs, which comprise each development sorts.
Finest Massive Household Crossovers | Finest Massive Conventional SUVs | Finest Massive Luxurious SUVs
Finest Massive Household Crossovers
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo house; distinctive second-row performance; refined experience; 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 Assessment
The Honda Pilot was utterly redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s family-friendly packaging and total focus, however it has injected a welcome sense of fashion (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the massive 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 discuss practicality, although, which is finally the Pilot’s finest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes house owners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and due to this fact six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on automobile), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat implies that each Pilot could be a seven- or eight-passenger automobile. That center seat even suits beneath the cargo flooring 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 inside
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Palisade Assessment 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 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 blatant in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that would simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The principle purpose 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 extra space than almost each competitor — greater youngsters and even adults will likely 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 shortage 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 seem like a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model obtainable; X-Professional’s agency experience
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Assessment
If you happen to’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, expertise, high quality and worth. Additionally they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their rivals. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has obtained the better 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 similar to a Vary Rover could be. Mainly, the Kia Telluride does not seem like a three-row household hauler regardless of being the most effective 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 row
May very well be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Assessment
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this checklist, it was nearly completely 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 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 obtainable with a conventional, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household automobile) 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 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 not less than getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Finest Conventional Massive SUV
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gasoline-efficient diesel engine; extra third-row house than massive crossovers; luxurious interiors
May very well be higher: Many driver help options not obtainable on decrease trims
Learn our full Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Assessment and our GMC Yukon Assessment
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not replicate their energy relative rivals. A change to an impartial rear suspension for the all-new era for 2021 has radically reworked it, nevertheless. The third-row within the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from almost uninhabitable to one of many largest in any automobile. Cargo house has ballooned, together with within the extended-length Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo flooring is decrease. The experience and dealing with have additionally been dramatically improved.
Moreover the suspension-related enhancements, there is a distinctive diesel engine choice that will get you crossover-like gas financial system, and a completely aggressive inside. The GMC Yukon even will get its personal inside design for the primary time, however it’s unique to the Denali trim degree. Add all of it up, and also you get a full-size SUV household that we are able to now advocate.
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)
May very well be higher: Much less engaging and splendid inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Assessment and browse concerning 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 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 obtainable diesel engine. Whereas it could possibly’t do a lot concerning the latter, not less than the Expedition acquired 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). Moreover 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 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 does not imply it is best to ignore it.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo house past that third row on this checklist; lovely inside; plush experience
May very well be higher: Delicate suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is totally gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date assessment of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Effectively, 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 most important decisions within the phase. In consequence, they’ve probably 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 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 Massive 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 measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our 2023 Cadillac Escalade Assessment and our particular Escalade Diesel assessment
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and way more aggressive. The change to an impartial rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many largest available on the market, whereas additionally benefiting the experience, dealing with and cargo house. The styling equally is as refined as you’d count on from this lofty worth level when it comes to supplies, design and expertise. Particularly, the 38 inches value of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can be obtainable with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving expertise.
One other key factor is the diesel engine choice, which supplies the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter gasoline 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 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 assessment
To this point, luxurious three-row crossovers have been significantly much less spacious and sensible than non-luxury fashions. The brand new TX, against this, isn’t solely simply as spacious and sensible as all these, it is extra so than nearly all of them. Now, there’s a excellent purpose for that: It’s primarily a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint, extra obtainable options, nicer inside supplies and extra {powerful} engine decisions. Which may be a difficulty for some, however for many, it should not be.
The mixture of house 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 might be required to function far too many features. Whereas the TX wouldn’t be our first alternative amongst three-row crossovers, in case you’re high precedence is “large” when trying to find a luxurious crossover, you’ll be able to’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”
2024 Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; massive energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo house
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 Assessment
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With a typical 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 sturdy engine and cater to extra patrons with a lower cost. 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 “effortless” versus “sporty.” Sure, even with 400 hp, the Aviator is extra about grand-touring pace than taking corners (applicable for a Lincoln). Sadly, the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid has been discontinued, however the Aviator that is still remains to be extremely fascinating.
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery easy and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row house
May very well be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small due to Cadillac; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Assessment
It is easy 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’ve got the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query probably the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical normal Mid-Century Trendy-inspired inside design (up to date with an even bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, ample options checklist, refined street manners and a typical 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). Certain, it is nonetheless gigantic and reasonably truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall towards the world’s most interesting flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from all the things; 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 Assessment
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 in search of 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 in order for you one of the best, then it is actually laborious to argue towards them.
Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; huge worth vary; obtainable plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; experience might be tough with massive wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Assessment
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 choice obtainable 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 trendy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread attraction and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb massive luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim degree.
