While some may consider them gas-guzzling tanks or over-sized automobiles, the SUV is here to stay. These types of cars have survived the very worst gas droughts, and plenty other economical crises without a scratch in their sales potential. Just about every American car brand has an SUV option nowadays.
The appeal that SUVs bring comes from their ability to move a whole lot of cargo or people from point A to point B with little to no issues. More than that, they also bring enough power to the table for hauling trailers or motorboats. That being said, they’ve come a long way from their gas-guzzling roots. Today, we look at 7 of the best full-size SUV options currently on the market.
All Photos Via Car and Driver
The GMC Yuokon Denali
The 7 Best SUVs Money Can Buy
What makes a great SUV? The first things that come to mind are good gas mileage, plenty of safety features, and power to do what needs to be done. Those are the basic tenants of the items on our list. Of course, other things like sales numbers and overall customer satisfaction are also taken into account. Let’s see what massive vehicles are topping our list today.
7. The Toyota Sequoia
Coming in first on our list is the Toyota Sequoia. This beast of a vehicle can hold up to eight-passengers with plenty of space for everyone, and a price that’s lower than the Land Cruiser. The engine inside is a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and a tow capacity of 7,400 pounds. The four-wheel drive comes in several modes with reduce the slip differential to ensure that the tires perform well on rough terrain and slick roads.
It doesn’t top our list because the suspension creates a less then smooth ride on uneven roads. The interior is also not up to the standards that we’re used to. That being said, it still meets the vast majority of buyer needs in terms of space and capability.
6. The Nissan Armada
This SUV is carrying a 317 horsepower 5.6-liter V-8, and has an automatic transmission. There are options for both rear and/or four-wheel drive. The 9,000 pound towing capacity puts it ahead of the pack, and the rear suspension ensures a smooth ride.
The Nissan Armada
On top of this, the interior allows for plenty of stretch room for up to eight people. The only real downside here is the overall design of the vehicle; it’s just bland from an aesthetic standpoint.
5. The GMC Yukon XL
The latest 2015 model of the GMC Yukon XL still showcases one of the best methods for getting nine people to their destination in both safety and comfort. The wheelbase this time around is over a food longer than the regular Yukon, and it sports a few options for your engine: a 355 horsepower 5.3-liter V-8, or a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V-8. In the former option, there is a six-speed automatic transmission.
The latter option includes General Motor’s brand new eight-speed automatic. The standard is rear-drive, but there is an option for four-wheel drive as well. As far as utility goes, the Yukon is very versatile, but don’t expect it to be fuel-efficient.
4. GMC Yukon
The smaller sibling of the Yukon is a more well-rounded option. With a sleek design and a 355 horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is included with options for either a rear, or four-wheel drive. As another bonus, those who appreciate some extra style in their SUVs can upgrade to the Yukon Denali.
This version includes extra chrome trim, some fancy wheels, and an upscale interior. With a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Denali is our favorite version of this model.
3. The Chevrolet Suburban
This model makes no empty promises. Since its first model in 1935, this SUV has been a household name for those looking to perform all of the duties you would expect from an SUV. A 355 horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission is only just the beginning.
This power gives it a 8,300 pound towing capacity and the option for four-wheel drive to tackle any and all conditions that mother nature throws at you. Top all of this with a seating capacity for nine people and the option to put the rear seats down, and you’ll find that this can haul people and cargo with equal ease. A lower price is the final advantage for this exceptional SUV.
2. The Chevrolet Tahoe
This is one of the best full-size SUV options out there. The new 2015 model continues its legacy of being a hauler that ticks all of the boxes you would expect. While the engine is still a V-8, the new direct fuel injection and six-speed automatic transmission pack a punch.
The Chevrolet Tahoe
High-tech bells and whistles are all present and accounted for in this model. The Chevrolet MyLink is available, along with an all-wheel drive option. Magnetic Ride Control is standard on the LTZ model. There is plenty of room for storage, but the high load floor makes access a little difficult.
1. The Ford Expedition
The Expedition comes to us this year with a new front and rear design, along with a more powerful engine. This model sports a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6. This engine brings 365 horsepower which is an upgrade from last year’s V-8 by 55 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is included, with options for controlled suspension and four trim levels.
The Ford Expedition
There you have it, the best full-size SUV options on the market! This should make your purchasing decision a little easier.
