Best Large SUVs of 2024

When it comes down to large SUVs, there's more to consider than price and just how large it is. First, it comes down to what's underneath the skin. Some are built on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis — this would be the traditional, literal definition of an "SUV." Others use car-like, unibody construction, which would make them a crossover. What really matters, though, is how you use them.

For most American families, a large three-row crossover is going to be your best bet. They have loads of passenger and cargo space, and deliver superior fuel economy, handling and ride quality than those big traditional SUVs. They're cheaper, too. On the other hand, those traditional large SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are better-suited for more heavy-duty tasks like towing. Most now have bigger third rows than big crossovers, while extended-length versions like the Chevy Suburban have way more cargo capacity behind their third rows than everything but an airport shuttle.

As for luxury large SUVs, they fall into those same two categories as well, with American choices mostly being truck-based. The pros and cons of choosing one over another are similar.

Below, you will find our list of the best large SUVs broken down into three categories: large family crossover, large traditional SUV and large luxury SUVs, which comprise both construction types.

Best Large Family Crossovers  |  Best Large Traditional SUVs  |  Best Large Luxury SUVs

Best Large Family Crossovers

2024 Honda Pilot

Why it stands out: Exceptional storage and cargo space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; versatile and capable TrailSport; advanced AWD
Could be better: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver assistance tech

Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review

The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor's family-friendly packaging and overall focus, but it has injected a welcome sense of style (especially in the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out much better from the big crossover crowd. The Pilot's restrained adornment and classic proportions are refreshing compared to the increasingly busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent.

Let's talk about practicality, though, which is ultimately the Pilot's best attribute. While every other three-row SUV makes owners choose between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs (and therefore six-, seven- or eight-passenger capacity depending on vehicle), the Pilot's removable second-row middle seat means that every Pilot can be a seven- or eight-passenger vehicle. That middle seat even fits under the cargo floor in all trims but the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up too much space). There's also plenty of thoughtful, family-friendly storage throughout and a well-rounded driving experience true to the Honda norm.

2024 Hyundai Palisade

Why it stands out: More third-row and cargo space; well-executed tech; high-style interior
Could be better: No hybrid or performance version

Read our most recent Hyundai Palisade Review and our long-term Palisade test

The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically related to the Kia Telluride, and choosing between this pair of masterfully executed family haulers could basically come down to a coin flip. Or, more realistically, which you think looks better. For its part, the Palisade has a more luxurious vibe, which is most obvious in its Limited and Calligraphy trim levels that could easily compete with actual luxury-brand SUVs. The main reason for this is the stylish, well-made cabin that not only looks great, but boasts useful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more space than nearly every competitor — bigger kids and even adults will be perfectly comfortable in the third row, and you can fit more stuff behind the raised third row. Hyundai's driver assistance and safety tech is also among the best-executed in the industry. If there's a major hole in its game, it's the lack of a hybrid powertrain or a more powerful version.

2024 Kia Telluride

Why it stands out: More third-row and cargo space; well-executed tech; well-made interior; doesn't look like a family hauler
Could be better: No hybrid or performance version available; X-Pro's firm ride

Read our full 2024 Kia Telluride Review

If you've already read the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you've been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the same fundamental strong points: space, technology, quality and value. They also do so to an extent that outpaces their competitors. Of the two, the Kia Telluride has received the greater share of accolades, largely because its styling seems to resonate with more people. Basically, style is the tiebreaker. There's more than a whiff of Range Rover to its blocky proportions and restrained detailing. Heck, "Telluride" is even written across the hood, much like a Range Rover would be. Basically, the Kia Telluride doesn't look like a three-row family hauler despite being one of the best three-row family haulers. Win-win.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids

Why it stands out: Exceptional fuel economy for a three-row SUV or big-time power for a three-row SUV; tons of space behind the third row
Could be better: Some infotainment irritations; expensive

Read our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Review

While the Toyota Highlander has previously been on this list, it was almost entirely because of its hybrid model that provides exceptional fuel economy none of its competitors could match. We always included the caveat that you'd be sacrificing third-row and cargo space for that fuel economy. That is not the case with the new Toyota Grand Highlander, a separate model despite its name, that's substantially larger where it counts: in the third row and behind it.

It is available with a traditional, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row family vehicle) 33-36 mpg combined, but also offers the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that gets above-average fuel economy while also boasting 362 horsepower — an amount few rivals approach. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is an easy replacement here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price tag does give us pause, but you're at least getting an awful lot of family hauler.

Best Traditional Large SUV

2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon

Why it stands out: Fuel-efficient diesel engine; more third-row space than large crossovers; luxurious interiors
Could be better: Many driver assistance features not available on lower trims

Read our full Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Review and our GMC Yukon Review

The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have long been best-selling full-size SUVs, but those sales didn't reflect their strength relative competitors. A switch to an independent rear suspension for the all-new generation for 2021 has radically transformed it, however. The third-row in the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from nearly uninhabitable to one of the biggest in any vehicle. Cargo space has ballooned, including in the extended-length Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo floor is lower. The ride and handling have also been dramatically improved.

Besides the suspension-related improvements, there's a unique diesel engine option that gets you crossover-like fuel economy, and a fully competitive interior. The GMC Yukon even gets its own interior design for the first time, but it's exclusive to the Denali trim level. Add it all up, and you get a full-size SUV family that we can now recommend.

2024 Ford Expedition

Why it stands out: Silky smooth V6 with class-leading torque and fuel economy; bigger third-row than GM SUVs (barely)
Could be better: Less attractive and luxurious interior than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon

Read our most recent Ford Expedition Review and read about the significant updates made for last year's Expedition

Until the Tahoe/Yukon were redesigned, recommending the Expedition was an easy choice. Now, the playing field has largely been leveled between the two, with the scales tilting toward the GM SUVs in terms of interior design and quality, infotainment features, and the available diesel engine. While it can't do much about the latter, at least the Expedition got an updated interior for 2022. Ford also still has the bigger, more comfortable third-row seat, though, plus the piece de resistance: its silky smooth 3.5-liter turbocharged V6.

That engine produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (and it goes up to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft in the Expedition Timberline pictured above left). Besides that being class-leading torque, its horsepower also blows away most competitors, including GM's 5.3-liter V8 found in most trim levels. Better yet, its fuel economy is better than the GM V8s and significantly better than the Jeep Wagoneer's gas-guzzlers (although those are replaced with a far-more competitive engine in the extended-length Wagoneer L). In other words, just because the Expedition's been around awhile doesn't mean you should ignore it.