Best Full-Size SUVs for 2023
Full-size SUVs are a unique breed. Most feature body-on-frame truck-based architecture, they are some of the largest non-commercial vehicles on the market, and many can do the work of hard labor and family hauling at the same time. Because of their size, they also carry hefty price tags and lack the fuel economy of smaller mid-size SUVs.
Despite their shortcomings compared to more fuel-efficient options, these true utility vehicles remain popular on the market, often replacing the minivan as the people-hauler of choice when a minivan is surprisingly just not enough. For cargo hauling, even some pickup trucks cannot match the capacity that some of these mammoth SUVs offer with the seats down.
Their larger-than-life personalities come in a variety of flavors, ranging from the popular, down-to-earth Chevy Tahoe to the stately Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Come with us as we explore the best full-size SUVs and crossovers on the market for 2023.
1. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-selling full-size SUV in America, and it is easy to see why. It is one of the more affordable options in the segment, it will comfortably seat at least eight adults across all three rows of seats, its ride is compliant, and its girth does not feel nearly as unwieldy as its large dimensions suggest. You will not be lacking for choice at the dealership either.
A 355-horsepower base engine, a 420-horsepower upgraded option, or a 277-horsepower turbodiesel is available in different combinations across six trim levels. With the exception of the off-road-focused Z71 model, each is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The turbodiesel is the most fuel-efficient, earning estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
Minor additions like new paint options and a performance package on the RST trim level are new for the 2023 model year. Super Cruise is also now available on the top two trim levels. Those unable to spend the extra money will still get an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Browse 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe listings here.
2. 2023 Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia enters 2023 with a complete makeover. Just about everything on it is lightyears ahead of the outgoing model, including a new hybrid powertrain, new tech features, new standard safety features, and a new look. Two things the new Sequoia still lacks compared to its competition, though, are third-row seating room and cargo space.
Though not quite as large as others in the segment, it feels large and cumbersome to drive. Straight-line acceleration is good, though, and it comes courtesy of the Sequoia’s impressive twin-turbo V6 engine, electric motor, and 10-speed automatic transmission. Its hybrid powertrain is also good for 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway on rear-wheel drive models.
A class-leading array of standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. All this is coupled with an upscale interior, at least until you get past the second row of seats where there is some plastic trim. Towing capacity is top-notch with the ability to pull up to 9,520 pounds on properly equipped models.
Browse 2023 Toyota Sequoia listings here.
3. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class may be better off-road and more of a status symbol than the GLS-Class, but the GLS-Class is the better people hauler with three rows of seating, a large cargo hold, a comfortable ride, a bit of performance poke to balance everything out, and smooth styling that mimics Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxurious S-Class sedan.
A 362-horsepower turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive are standard. You can get a peppier twin-turbo V8 with 483 horsepower, but fuel economy will naturally suffer. Despite its comfort, the GLS-Class is livelier and more planted than many of its rivals, including its prime competitor, the BMW X7.
The only new GLS-Class feature for 2023 is a standard panoramic sunroof. It accompanies other standard features like dual 12.3-inch infotainment and information screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a power liftgate, automatic high beams, power-adjustable front seats, blind-spot monitoring, a park assist system, automatic emergency braking, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Browse 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class listings here.
4. 2023 Ford Expedition/2023 Ford Expedition Max
Ford’s answer to both the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban is the Expedition and Expedition Max. The Ford Expedition is a longstanding member of the large SUV club. It features understated styling, a roomy interior, plentiful legroom in all three of its rows, and more towing capacity than its Chevrolet rival.
The Ford Expedition Max is just a long-wheelbase version of the standard Expedition, putting it squarely in the Suburban’s way.
A twin-turbo V6 engine is standard across all Expedition trim levels with varying power outputs. 380, 400, or 440 horsepower are available. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels except the off-road-ready Timberline model. Four-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is average for the class, with base rear-wheel drive models returning 19 combined MPG.
Base Expeditions only have two rows of seats, bringing passenger capacity down to five. All other models can seat up to eight in comfort. XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims are available to be upgraded to Max models, freeing up even more legroom and cargo space. Standard driver assistance features are average compared to some others in the class.
Browse 2023 Ford Expedition/2023 Ford Expedition Max listings here.
5. 2023 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is perhaps the most well-known SUV on sale and reigns supreme as one of the largest vehicles on the market. 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the third row with 93.8 available with the third row folded. Up to 8,300 pounds of towing capacity is available on properly equipped Suburbans, which is good, but lacking compared to some others.
Two V8 engine options or a 277-horsepower turbodiesel mirror the smaller Chevy Tahoe’s options. All provide the grunt to get the Suburban moving, but as one might expect, the Suburban’s sheer size can make it difficult to maneuver. A comfortable ride for anybody in all three rows is accompanied by a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Standard driver assistance features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear-seat alert. More are available the higher you climb its available trim levels. Even though the turbo-diesel is fuel-efficient, few will buy the Suburban for its excellent fuel economy, which it lacks with both V8 powertrains.
Browse 2023 Chevrolet Suburban listings here.
6. 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep revived a historic nameplate when they brought the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer back to the market for the 2022 model year. The Grand Wagoneer is the pricier of the two models and pricier, in fact, than many of its competitors. With all of its tech features, an exceedingly roomy cabin, a long-wheelbase option, and healthy powertrains, it does well justifying its high MSRP.
It offers up to 9,870 pounds of towing capacity, Suburban-esque levels of cargo capacity with the long-wheelbase, and either a 471-horsepower V8 or 510-horsepower twin-turbo V6, depending on the trim level. Both engines are strong, but fuel economy numbers are some of the worst in the segment.
The Grand Wagoneer tries to make up for that with its outstanding standard features. A 12-inch touchscreen, a second 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, wireless device charging, quad-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a panoramic sunroof are all present, with even more available on higher trims.
A best-in-class suite of standard driver assistance features also comes with the price for those long road trips with the family. Each member will be comfortable regardless of their row of choice. If you want to take a detour, the Grand Wagoneer can also tackle a bit of off-roading with its standard four-wheel drive and two-speed transfer case.
Browse 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer listings here.
7. 2023 GMC Yukon/2023 GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon is best described as a ritzier Chevrolet Tahoe. The long-wheelbase GMC Yukon XL is a ritzier Chevy Suburban. They share the same underpinnings and powertrain options as their General Motors siblings, but both Yukon variants feature less polarizing exterior styling and a more inviting interior.
This is especially true for the new-for-2023 Denali Ultimate trim level. It features near Cadillac Escalade levels of luxury, tech features, and a price tag to match. As with the Tahoe and Suburban, Supercruise is also now available on the Yukon. The same 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, and 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine options are available in the Yukon, depending on your trim level of choice.
Despite the Yukon’s better interior, both the Tahoe and Yukon share the same 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, 8,400-pound maximum towing capacity, standard rear-wheel drive layout, optional four-wheel drive, 10-speed automatic transmission, and optional nine-passenger seating.
Likewise, the Yukon XL shares many of the same dimensions as the Chevrolet Suburban, as well as a similar towing capacity and identical powertrain options.
Browse 2023 GMC Yukon/2023 GMC Yukon XL listings here.
8. 2023 BMW X7
Updated styling, upgraded powertrain options, and an updated infotainment system are a few of the many little details from which the 2023 BMW X7 benefits as it enters the model year with a refresh. It looks and feels like a luxury BMW model, but surprisingly, it is one of the most affordable in the segment.
Its starting MSRP of $78,845 earns you a 375-horsepower turbocharged inline-six, all-wheel drive, a 14.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and quad-zone automatic climate control. Like the Toyota Sequoia, the X7 lacks the third-row passenger and expansive cargo space that some other competing luxury SUVs have.
Even with only 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, everywhere within the X7 is a nice place to be. The ride is quiet, and the seats are comfortable. You can carry six or seven passengers depending on whether you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs or the bench seat.
A mild-hybrid system helps its base powerplant return fuel economy estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. If you want more power, you can step up to the 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8, but you will have to pay quite a bit more to do it.
Browse 2023 BMW X7 listings here.
9. 2023 Cadillac Escalade
A near-$83,000 price tag, a top-of-the-line interior, luxurious exterior styling, a potential $155,000 price tag, and an optional 682-horsepower supercharged engine all distinguish the Cadillac Escalade from the Tahoe, Yukon, and Suburban models with which it shares many other features.
Unlike the other GM SUVs on this list, the Escalade drops the 5.3-liter V8 for a 6.2-liter V8 or the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. Of course, the biggest news is that the Cadillac Escalade -V is a new super SUV for 2023. A ten-speed automatic transmission accompanies each powerplant but the turbodiesel is the one you need for the best fuel economy.
Impressive features like a 16.9-inch touchscreen, a 14.2-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless device charging, a 19-speaker audio system, and tri-zone automatic climate control all come standard. A rear-seat entertainment system, a center console refrigerator, and a 36-speaker audio system can all be added for a more luxurious experience.
Even with all that luxury, the Escalade still has practicality. Its cavernous interior can seat seven adults comfortably, it can tow a maximum of 8,200 pounds, four-wheel drive is optional, and the long-wheelbase Cadillac ESV model is just as large as the Chevrolet Suburban.
Browse 2023 Cadillac Escalade listings here.
10. 2023 Nissan Armada
Despite its fresh appearance, 400-horsepower V8 engine, smooth seven-speed automatic transmission, and nice interior, the Nissan Armada feels like it just cannot get out of its own way. It is one of the least fuel-efficient large SUVs on sale, its third row is tight, it lacks surefooted handling characteristics, and its cargo space falls behind the competition.
One thing that helps make up for its shortcomings is its comparatively low starting MSRP: $51,595. You still get nice standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It just does not make you feel as big or as special as others in the segment.
Even with its standard two-wheel drive, buyers can only expect 19 MPG at best on the highway. A maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, a decent four-wheel drive system, spacious second-row seats, and the sheer amount of standard features you get at the price certainly does not make it a bad choice, but rather one that you may want to consider carefully.
Browse 2023 Nissan Armada listings here.
11. 2023 Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer is the Grand Wagoneer’s less powerful, less luxurious sibling. While less impressive on the tech and luxury fronts, the regular Wagoneer’s overall presence is just as impressive. With the addition of the long-wheelbase Jeep Wagoneer L for 2023, it now fully competes with others in the segment, albeit at a still higher-than-average price point.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker audio system make up its standard tech list. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors comprise some of the standard safety features.
A 392-horsepower V8 engine propels the base Wagoneer, while the other trim levels come with a 420-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six. Each model comes with either two or four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity comes in at a whopping 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Even though its off-road prowess is hampered by its huge size, buyers will probably never use its capabilities to the fullest. That is fine because there is plenty of room for seven or eight passengers, and the ride quality is excellent.
Browse 2023 Jeep Wagoneer listings here.
12. 2023 Lincoln Navigator
The Chevy Suburban is to the Cadillac Escalade as the Ford Expedition is to the Lincoln Navigator. It shares many of the same pros and cons as the Escalade. Namely, both have copious amounts of passenger and cargo space, both are a handful to park and maneuver, both have well-appointed interiors and tech features, and both can cross over the six-digit price tag plain.
Each Navigator comes with a twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a ten-speed transmission that sends power to the rear wheels by default or all four wheels if you opt for four-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive models will reward buyers with 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
Despite its size being a hindrance in some situations, it handles better than it should. It is also comfortable to drive, mostly because of its roomy interior and comfortable seats. Assisting its high comfort levels are the standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, the easy-to-use SYNC 4 infotainment system, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
Naturally, a long-wheelbase version of the Navigator is available for even more passenger and cargo space. The Lincoln Navigator L is available on the top-tier Reserve or Black Label trim levels.
Browse 2023 Lincoln Navigator listings here.
13. 2023 Lexus LX
The 2023 Lexus LX has many of the same undesirable characteristics as the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. It has a cramped third row, its cargo space is lacking compared to others in the segment, and it feels cumbersome to drive. Its starting price is also high at close to $90,000.
What it does have is a comfortable ride, a luxurious interior, the off-road DNA left behind by the Toyota Land Cruiser, and a 409-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that helps it get 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. There is even a six-figure Ultra Luxury trim that seeks to keep passengers as comfortable as possible with a four-seat layout.
A standard heated steering wheel is the only change of note for the 2023 model year. It accompanies other standard features like dual touchscreens, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless device charging, a power liftgate, crawl control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view parking camera.
https://www.autolist.com/guides/best-full-size-suvs Best Full-Size SUVs for 2023
