Best Large SUVs for 2023
The best used and new large SUVs based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best large SUV is the Toyota Land Cruiser based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. Its overall rating of 9.2 out of 10 reflects the Land Cruiser’s reliability, value retention and safety scores. A new Toyota Land Cruiser costs between $85,665 and $87,995 while a used version costs between $59,994 and $97,393. This large SUV can seat up to 8 people and is EPA rated to deliver up to 14 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway driving.
The Large SUV category consists of 10 models priced between $30,575 and $97,555 for new vehicles and between $18,245 and $97,393 for used vehicles. iSeeCars has sufficient vehicle data to rate and rank 8 of these 10 models based on their reliability, value retention and safety scores.
Why Should I Buy a Large SUV?
With their expansive cargo space and three full rows of seating, large SUVs are the preferred choice for drivers who want a roomy and comfortable vehicle. These SUVs used to be built on truck-based platforms, with a rough ride quality and unwieldy handling that reflected their industrial foundations. But today’s large SUVs are remarkably comfortable and quiet, with relatively confident handling, but fuel efficiency remains a disadvantage compared to smaller SUVs.
Full-size SUVs are an ideal choice for drivers who want powerful vehicles with massive cargo holds. While the entire segment offers ample cargo and passenger space, some are more spacious than others.
What are the Best Large SUVs?
The most spacious full-size SUVs is a tie between the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL, both of which offer 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 93.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and 144.7 total cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. For comparison, the Ford Expedition has up to 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 104.6 cubic feet behind the front row.
These brawny big SUVs also have strong powertrains, which typically feature V8 engines. The Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and the Chevrolet Tahoe all come standard with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 and additional engine options are available, including a more efficient turbodiesel or a more powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. The Ford Expedition is the only V6-powered vehicle in the large SUV segment with its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.
Because most large SUVs still use body-on-frame construction and are built on pickup truck platforms, they have a higher towing capacity than their midsize and compact SUV counterparts. For example, the Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, which is the best in the class. While they aren’t as nimble as popular off-roaders like Jeep Wrangler, these large SUVs can also handle off-road adventures. The Expedition offers an off-road package for those who want an adventure-ready hauler, while the off-road-ready Toyota Land Cruiser comes equipped with all-terrain tires and tow hooks. Large SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive (4WD) is available for better all-weather capabilities. The Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as the only vehicle in the segment to offer standard 4WD.
These large SUVs return sub-par fuel economy as a result of their power and size, but they have many safety and family-friendly tech features like rear-seat entertainment systems and touchscreen infotainment systems.
The GM full-size SUVs including the Suburban, Yukon, and Tahoe saw a redesign for the 2021 model year to include updated styling, added cargo space, and more standard safety features. The iconic Land Cruiser was discontinued for the 2022 model year, so those looking for this vehicle will have to browse used car lots. The 2022 model year also saw new entrants to the segment including the Jeep Wagoneer and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
Buyers seeing smaller, or crossover SUVs, should check out our Best Midsize SUVs list, or our Best Small SUVs list. You can also find premium luxury SUV models like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, INFINITI QX80, and the BMW X7 in our Best Luxury Large SUV list and all-electric models in our Best Electric SUVs list. Lastly, if you want a more efficient family hauler, be sure to check out our Best Minivans list.
Why Should I Buy a Large SUV?
With their expansive cargo space and three full rows of seating, large SUVs are the preferred choice for drivers who want a roomy and comfortable vehicle. These SUVs used to be built on truck-based platforms, with a rough ride quality and unwieldy handling that reflected their industrial foundations. But today’s large SUVs are remarkably comfortable and quiet, with relatively confident handling, but fuel efficiency remains a disadvantage compared to smaller SUVs.
Full-size SUVs are an ideal choice for drivers who want powerful vehicles with massive cargo holds. While the entire segment offers ample cargo and passenger space, some are more spacious than others.
What are the Best Large SUVs?
The most spacious full-size SUVs is a tie between the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL, both of which offer 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 93.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and 144.7 total cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. For comparison, the Ford Expedition has up to 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 104.6 cubic feet behind the front row.
These brawny big SUVs also have strong powertrains, which typically feature V8 engines. The Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and the Chevrolet Tahoe all come standard with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 and additional engine options are available, including a more efficient turbodiesel or a more powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. The Ford Expedition is the only V6-powered vehicle in the large SUV segment with its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.
Because most large SUVs still use body-on-frame construction and are built on pickup truck platforms, they have a higher towing capacity than their midsize and compact SUV counterparts. For example, the Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, which is the best in the class. While they aren’t as nimble as popular off-roaders like Jeep Wrangler, these large SUVs can also handle off-road adventures. The Expedition offers an off-road package for those who want an adventure-ready hauler, while the off-road-ready Toyota Land Cruiser comes equipped with all-terrain tires and tow hooks. Large SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive (4WD) is available for better all-weather capabilities. The Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as the only vehicle in the segment to offer standard 4WD.
These large SUVs return sub-par fuel economy as a result of their power and size, but they have many safety and family-friendly tech features like rear-seat entertainment systems and touchscreen infotainment systems.
The GM full-size SUVs including the Suburban, Yukon, and Tahoe saw a redesign for the 2021 model year to include updated styling, added cargo space, and more standard safety features. The iconic Land Cruiser was discontinued for the 2022 model year, so those looking for this vehicle will have to browse used car lots. The 2022 model year also saw new entrants to the segment including the Jeep Wagoneer and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
Buyers seeing smaller, or crossover SUVs, should check out our Best Midsize SUVs list, or our Best Small SUVs list. You can also find premium luxury SUV models like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, INFINITI QX80, and the BMW X7 in our Best Luxury Large SUV list and all-electric models in our Best Electric SUVs list. Lastly, if you want a more efficient family hauler, be sure to check out our Best Minivans list.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
9.8
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.5
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
9.5
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
9.0
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.8
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.8
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.8
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.8
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.2
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.8
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.0
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.7
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.7
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
Ford Flex
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.9
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.7
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
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How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).