Some of us just need a full-size SUV. Whether we have a big family, or just big things to haul and tow, these are necessities for many of us. All of these SUVs are based on full-size trucks which means they are tough and can carry and tow a lot of people and things. But these are also comfortable places to be, whether it’s the soccer field or the hunting blind.
What five large SUVs do Edmunds experts recommend for 2023?
he finished in sixth place. But it seems that the reviewers haven’t rated the new 2023 version yet and instead put the outdated 2022 version in 6th place. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV has won a number of accolades and will likely move up the charts soon.
No. 1: Chevrolet Suburban
The is synonymous with giant. The Suburban is the original eight-passenger long-wheelbase SUV, and for several decades (since 1935, to be exact) was one of Chevy’s flagship vehicles. Chevy knows this market, and the Subub’s fittingly can get a 355-horsepower V8 or the 420-horsepower, as well as torquey diesel for towing. It can be equipped as a luxury SUV, an off-road monster with the Z71 trim, or as a people carrier.
The Suburban may not have the fancy fit and finish of a luxury SUV, that’s what the Yukon is for (below). But for hauling people, or lots of things, it’s hard to beat. Prices start around $58,000, while the more comfortable RST and Premier versions start at $67,000 or $73,000.
No. 2: GMC Yukon
While the Chevy Suburban is the long wheelbase king, the Yukon is the slightly shorter and more luxurious version. You can order it as a long wheelbase XL version, but both versions have capabilities beyond most of us. It seats eight, can tow up to 7,900 pounds, and in the Denali Ultimate trim can cost nearly $100,000.
The Yukon has a level of fit and finish that its Chevy cousin, the Tahoe, can’t touch. But you pay more with prices starting around $60,000.
No. 3: Ford Expedition
Ford has been happy to let the expedition sail for years. But recently Ford paid more attention to the Expedition and updated it with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which produces a staggering 440 horsepower. This massive SUV needs that horsepower because it’s small, beefy, and with a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, you’re going to need all the grunt you can get. But now the Expedition gets some special trims that make this truck-like SUV appealing for off-roading, like the Timberline version, or for luxury cruising, in Limited trim.
The Expedition just reduced the price of the Tahoe or Yukon and it starts at around $57,000, while going up to around $73,000. The new Stealth version for 2023 adds a healthy dose of power.
No. 4: Chevrolet Tahoe
Take everything we said about the Yukon and then give it a Chevy badge. This is the Tahoe. It has all the same goodies as the Suburban, but in a (very slightly) easier to park version. The Tahoe has been a staple of school drop-off lines for years, but also for those who like to explore the wilderness.
A 2023 Tahoe starts at around $56,000, while the top-trim High Country is a $77,000 upscale version clad in leather and wood trim inside.
No. 5: Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada received a major update in 2021 and this has improved this great Nissan. The Armada comes with a standard 400-horsepower V8 and is based on Nissan’s big Titan pickup. But, unlike the Titan, it has smooth road handling thanks to fully independent suspension to fulfill its luxury mission. The Armada seats seven or eight comfortably, surrounded by high-end interiors that aren’t inspired, but are nice.
A 2023 Nissan Armada starts at around $53,000, but the SV and SL versions add more leather, a power liftgate and a sunroof.
