There are no too many of them, but the full-size SUVs are homes on wheels. It is easy to say that the price of having one is very high, we cannot argue that. But, these mules will do everything. They can ride almost like cars, they can tow like trucks, they are spacious like minivans… Extra space inside is leaving more room for options and upgrades, so most of the big rigs are coming with advanced safety and infotainment systems.
Still, we must admit that the initial price is high. It is hard to find a full-size model under $50,000. The cost jumps easily with extras. Plus, the fuel consumption is poor, and the maintenance is not cheap as well. Still, here is the list of the best full-size SUVs you can find in the US, and a couple of upcoming models for the 2021 season.
If you are looking for the premium models, you can check the best crossovers and SUVs for 2020 HERE.
2020 Ford Expedition – King Ranch Model Added, Platinum Revisited
The 2020 Ford Expedition is the largest model in the company’s lineup (still). Changes for the new SUV are not too big since the current generation is still young. However, the addition of the King Ranch version is going to draw attention. Unique color for the grille and rear bumper skid plate are a couple of things that will allow you to recognize this version. It is also one of the premium versions with a price tag of $75,000.
Still, Ford makes the Platinum model even more expensive. Buyers will find a refreshed offer with 22-inch wheels and leather on the control panel as standard. The Co-Pilot360 package is worth of mention. The driver aid suite features emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus a lot of warning systems. The rest of the 2020 Ford Expedition lineup is mostly unchanged. The base price starts at $52,000. The Expedition is using a high-output twin-turbo V6 engine capable to tow 9,300 pounds.
2020 Chevy Tahoe – Waiting For the New Generation
There is no too much to say about the 2020 Chevy Tahoe. The company develops the new generation of its full-size SUV and buyers will probably wait for its debut in 2021. Meanwhile, small touches are going to change the 2020 YM. Most of them are deletions of optional packages for some trim levels, so we won’t be able to get All-Season and Signature suites.
Under the hood of the 2020 Chevy Tahoe is still a V8 engine and buyers can choose between 5.3 and 6.2 displacements. The other one is capable to produce 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Sources are confirming that GM is working on the adaptation of Cadillac’s turbo V6 engine for Chevrolet’s twin SUVs.
2020 Chevrolet Suburban – An Extended Tahoe
Ford offers a special version of its Expedition with a larger body. It is called Expedition MAX and it comes with 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban offers 0.2 cu.ft. more. Well, the new generation will add more space and power. The SUV, like its base sibling, is waiting for the 2021 season to present the fresh styling and features.
Meanwhile, we will get the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban with a High Country package. It is the top trim for GM’s big rigs and Silverado truck is going to offer similar features. It will go over $70,000. The base model costs $52,000 and Premier trim adds around $15k. Like for the Tahoe, we expect to see 2020 Chevrolet Suburban or its successor with a twin-turbo V6 engine.
2020 GMC Yukon – Versatile SUV Comes Unchanged
They call them GM Twins. Well, the differences are small. Besides the badge and details, 2020 GMC Yukon is pretty much the same as Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. As you can guess, this model is also waiting for the new generation. We saw its first spy photos recently.
Meanwhile, the 2020 GMC Yukon will offer more options under the same nameplate. The base version gets power from a 5.3-l or a 6.2-l V8 engine. The SUV is also available with an extended body. The GMC Yukon XL offers the same cargo volume as Suburban (121.7 cubic feet). What makes it different from the Chevy models is Denali trim level. This is the premium package with unique upgrades that will add half of the base price. The 2020 Yukon can tow 8,500 pounds, while the towing capacity for the XL version drops to 8,300 pounds.
2020 Nissan Armada – Minor Changes, Price is Updated
The 2020 Nissan Armada is another model you should miss and wait for the new generation. It seems like the Japanese company is about to update its largest model soon. The bad thing is that you have to forget about the diesel engine. A 5.0-liter turbodiesel V8 is not a part of the lineup any more and it is not coming back any time soon. So, the 2020 Armada sticks to a 5.6-l V8 with 390 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, which is good for the towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.
Base models for the 2020 Nissan Armada are the same as before. Platinum trim gets a $200 bump, while the Platinum Reserve is now $1,700 higher than before. Heated mirrors are standard all across the lineup, while the top of the class trim now comes with new 22-inch wheels.
2020 Toyota Sequoia – The New Member of TRD Pro Family
For a long time, we were guessing which model is the next one to get the TRD Pro treatment. The 2020 Nissan Armada debuted with the off-road package and became the fourth member of the lineup. Poor sales made Toyota to this move, but it won’t be enough for fans, which want a total overhaul. It will be hard for 2020 Sequoia to fight for its place with the competition inside the company (4Runner off-road SUV, Land Cruiser, Lexus LX).
The new 2020 Toyota Sequoia also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the company is updating the colors list. The engine remains a 5.7-liter V8. However, it is certain that Toyota will turn to the twin-turbo V6 for its entire full-size fleet. It will improve a very poor fuel economy (15 mpg). The towing capacity of the big SUV is 8,500 pounds and the price starts under $50,000 and ends up above $65,000 for TRD Pro and Platinum editions.
2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – A New Player in the Full-Size SUV Segment
We already mentioned that most big rigs are expecting updates in 2021 and beyond. But, we already have a confirmed rookie for the new season. Since it is coming from a leader in most other segments, we must turn your attention to the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The FCA misses on the full-size SUV and its only three-row model was Durango. Big changes are happening for 2021. We will see a three-row Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango is becoming the body-on-frame SUV, while the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the new full-size model.
We still don’t have production details. But, chiefs said the full-size model is coming next season. The 2021 Jeep Wagoneer is another nameplate used in reports. Experts believe the FCA will do the same thing as its rivals with the base and extended version. Also, the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is not getting an SRT version, but only Trackhawk. Calm down – the company is going to use it for all Jeep performance-oriented vehicles in the future. So, it basically replaces the SRT, which remains an exclusive package for Dodge products. Grand Wagoneer Trackhawk will use a 6.4-liter Hemi engine with 500 hp.
2021 Ford Excursion – The Comeback of the HD Truck-Based SUV
Another comeback is possible for the 2021 season. However, this one is not as official as Grand Wagoneer. But, since the SUV range is growing in every way, we thought that the largest model ever might be on its way soon. The 2021 Ford Excursion is not as big as it used to be. Now, we have more sub-classes and the new one, above the full-size segment is a promising idea.
The 2021 Ford Excursion would be based again on the Super Duty F-250 truck. The heavy-duty SUV will be capable to tow more than any existing model and the company could use one of its PowerStroke diesel units. Options are open both for a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with lighter output, or an HD V8 diesel motor with more than 900 pound-feet of torque. However, if you are after Ford’s large SUV, we recommend Expedition, since the Excursion is not confirmed yet, and the waiting could last.
