It’s hard for many of us to justify a large SUV. They are big, heavy, beastly things that pull so much weight and have so many capabilities that you need a commercial driver’s license to reach their potential. But they are as popular as ever and with new innovations, manufacturers are ensuring that their dinosaur-sized SUVs do not go extinct. What new technologies will the best-selling large SUVs get?
What is a large SUV?
There are only a few large SUVs on the market right now and they are all based on large trucks. Each of these SUVs comfortably seats seven or eight passengers, has a powerful engine, be it a turbocharged V6 or a honking V8, and can carry more than a week’s worth of luggage in the back. Sure, they drink a lot of gas, but even that is changing as manufacturers add new features.
According to car sales tracking company, Car Sales Base, dealerships sold more than 200,000 full-size SUVs in the first half of 2022. Interestingly, the top six are all American SUVs from Chevy, GMC, Ford, Cadillac and Jeep. Here are today’s top-selling full-size SUVs:
Chevy Tahoe retains its best-selling crown
The Chevrolet Tahoe may be the best-selling full-size SUV, but for 2023, the Tahoe is getting some new features to keep it current. This year, Chevy is promising that Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver technology, will be an option on Premier and High Country versions of the Tahoe. Sure, it gets some new colors and accessories, but at heart, the Tahoe remains one of the most capable full-size SUVs around.
The Tahoe has received a major update for 2021. The Tahoe can hold 122.9 cubic feet of cargo when the seats are folded.
The Yukon is like a luxury Tahoe
The 2023 Yukon and Tahoe share the same bones, but the Tahoe adds luxury touches that make it a pricier, but nicer SUV. Like the Tahoe, the top-of-the-line Denali Ultimate trim will soon have Super Cruise available and will receive a few other updates.
New For 2023 it also gets a new improved automatic parking assist, standard on the Denali Ultimate and optional on the Denali. GM’s parking assistance software helps you find a parking space when you are driving slower than 30 km/h. Once it finds a spot, the system beeps and automatically directs itself to the spot.
The Ford Expedition added an off-road Timberline version
While Chevy and GMC lean on technology and practicality, Ford leans towards the off-road world and more features to keep the Expedition fresh. The Expedition received a refresh for 2022 and now has a giant 15.5-inch touchscreen, a new SYNC system and the fantastic multi-contour massage seats that are standard on the Platinum edition. But the big news for 2022 (2023 specs have not yet been released) is the off-road Timberline package that adds a factory lift, skid plates and more to this large SUV.
It can’t hold as much as a longer Suburban, but the Expedition can carry up to 105 cubic feet of cargo.
Chevy Suburban is the largest
The Suburban soldiers as the biggest Chevy SUV money can buy. It’s basically the same as a Tahoe, except it’s six inches longer. Like the Tahoe, it’s had a major update in 2021, and like the Tahoe, the top-of-the-line trims could get Super Cruise this year. It can hold a massive 144.7 cubic feet of cargo and tow up to 8,300 pounds.
The Escalade brings special luxury accents
The Escalade 2023 shares a lot with the Tahoe and Yukon. But where the Tahoe shows off its truck bones, the Escalade shows off its luxurious touches of chrome, leather and booming stereos. Like the Tahoe, Super Cruise will be available on the premium Escalades, but unlike the Tahoe, you can get a console fridge/freezer, as well as giant screens that offer more than 38 inches of viewing area.
For 2022, the 682-horsepower Escalade V is great, but it’s also a $150,000 SUV.
The Jeep Wagoneer is the newcomer to the list
The Jeep Wagoneer was all new for 2022, joining the longer Grand Wagoneer (which launched for 2021) as the top dog in the Jeep lineup. The Wagoneer offers several types of four-wheel drive, a mid-century modern interior, and a deluxe top-loading interior that offers up to 75 inches of total screen space. You can also order a premium McIntosh stereo system in the Wagoneer, one of the best factory sound systems out there, according to AutoBlog.
It can hold up to 117 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded.