Finest Massive SUVs of 2024, reviewed by specialists

Best Large SUVs of 2024, reviewed by experts

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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 might be the standard, 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 house, and ship superior gas economic system, dealing with and experience high quality than these massive conventional SUVs. They’re cheaper, too. Alternatively, 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 pieces however an airport shuttle.

As for luxurious massive SUVs, they fall into those self same two classes as effectively, with American selections largely being truck-based. The professionals and cons of selecting one over one other are related.

Under, you’ll discover our record of the very best massive SUVs damaged down into three classes: massive household crossover, massive conventional SUV and huge 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 Evaluate

The Honda Pilot was utterly redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s family-friendly packaging and total focus, but it surely has injected a welcome sense of fashion (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out a lot 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 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 automobile), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat signifies that each Pilot generally is a seven- or eight-passenger automobile. That center seat even matches underneath 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 inside
May very well 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 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 might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The primary motive 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 practically each competitor — greater children and even adults will probably 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 house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not appear like a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there; X-Professional’s agency experience

Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluate

In the event 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 elementary robust factors: house, know-how, 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 folks. Principally, 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 can be. Principally, the Kia Telluride does not appear like a three-row household hauler regardless of being top-of-the-line three-row household haulers. Win-win. 

 

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids

Why it stands out: Distinctive gas economic 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 Evaluate

Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was nearly fully due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas economic system none of its rivals may match. We all the time included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo house for that gas economic 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 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 economic 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 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 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 replicate their energy relative rivals. A swap to an impartial rear suspension for the all-new technology 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 largest in any automobile. Cargo house has ballooned, together with within the extended-length Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo ground is decrease. The experience 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 economic system, and a completely 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 degree. 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 economic system; greater 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 Evaluate and browse concerning the important updates made for final yr’s Expedition

Till the Tahoe/Yukon have been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a simple selection. Now, the enjoying area 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 might probably’t do a lot concerning 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 economic 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 you must ignore it. 

 

2023 Wagoneer L Carbide2023 Wagoneer L Series III

2024 Jeep Wagoneer

Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo house past that third row on this record; lovely inside; plush experience
May very well be higher: Smooth suspension with numerous physique motions; the L is completely gigantic, so good luck with parking

Learn our most up-to-date overview 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. Truly it does, the extended-length Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L is even bigger and the most important selections within the phase. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and cozy 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 phase, 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 outdated V8 selections whereas getting a lot better gas economic system. 

 

Finest Massive Luxurious SUVs

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

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 Evaluate and our particular Escalade Diesel overview

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 largest in the marketplace, whereas additionally benefiting the experience, dealing with and cargo house. The styling equally is as refined as you’d anticipate from this lofty value level when it comes to supplies, design and know-how. Particularly, the 38 inches price 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 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 550h+ F-Sport

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 overview

So 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 superb motive for that: It’s basically a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint, extra out there options, nicer inside supplies and extra {powerful} engine selections. Which may be a problem for some, however for many, it should not be.

The mix of house and gas economic 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. In fact, 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 selection amongst three-row crossovers, for those who’re prime precedence is “massive” when looking for a luxurious crossover, you may’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”

 

Lincoln Aviator GT

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 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 a normal 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most rivals. 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 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 “easy” 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 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 house
May very well be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability

Learn our Lincoln Navigator Evaluate

It is easy to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful coloration “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 similar time, each Navigator advantages from the identical basic Mid-Century Trendy-inspired inside design (up to date with a much bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, plentiful options record, refined street manners and a normal 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 quite truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall towards the world’s best flagship luxurious SUVs. 

 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Why it stands out: Lovely inside; impeccable engineering oozes from all the pieces; various mannequin line; well-executed security tech
May very well 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 searching 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. In fact, we expect the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however if you need the very best, then it is definitely laborious to argue towards 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; experience may be tough with massive wheels

Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Evaluate

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 possibility out there for practically $85,000 and stroll away with a really particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the similar time, although, you can 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 enchantment and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a good massive luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim degree.  

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