The Best Full-Size SUVs for 2023

While automakers have been busy cramming plug-in-hybrid powertrains into more models—and planning for an electric future—the full-size SUV class continues on with largely traditional powertrains. The segment's most progressive engine offerings for 2022 are a twin-turbo V-6 and a turbo-diesel, though the redesigned Toyota Sequoia will add a hybrid powertrain later this year. These heavy beasts need the power because all that weight requires some serious grunt. And you have to consider towing capacity, too. Change for these big brutes comes in the form of new independent rear suspensions, improved infotainment displays, and more standard driver-assistance features. These machines excel at hauling a great number of people, and their things, over a wide variety of terrain.

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A few new color options are all that's new with the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, but a completely redesigned 2023 Sequoia will go on sale in the summer of 2022. Until then, thrust comes from a 5.7-liter V-8 making 381 horsepower paired with an archaic but proven six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard while four-wheel drive is our recommended option. The Sequoia is available in six different trim levels, ranging in price from $51,995 for the SR5 all the way up to $68,045 for the tricked-out Platinum model. We think a well-optioned SR5 is the smartest buy. Towing is rated at 7400 pounds, and a third row of seats allows the Sequoia to carry up to eight passengers. The interior is relatively sparse and does nothing to hide the truck’s 16-year-old design. Still, basic amenities, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Wi-Fi hotspot capability are available.

• Base Price: $51,995
• Powertrain: 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 67 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 19 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 7000 pounds

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If the spacious 2022 Ford Expedition Max (along with the standard Expedition) wants to succeed at dethroning GM from its title as king of the full-size SUV heap, it needs to up its game. The Fords are certainly big—and drive like it. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 boasts better EPA number than most here, but fuel economy was disappointing in our real-world testing. That engine makes 380 or 400 horsepower, depending on trim. The Timberline and Limited can be upgraded with the Stealth performance package that pushes output to 440 horsepower with 510 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 9000 or 9300 pounds, depending on configuration. New for 2022 is a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen or an optional 15.5-inch unit. The base-model Expedition XL, which comes with only two rows of seating and standard rear-wheel drive, starts at $53,775. At the top end, the long-wheelbase Expedition Max Platinum rings in at $82,105, a price that would have us looking instead at some of the European luxury competition.

• Base Price: $53,775 (Expedition) $60,480 (Expedition Max)
• Powertrain: 380-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, 440-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 58-80 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 19-34 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 9300 (Expedition) 9000 (Expedition Max) pounds

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Reshaped sheetmetal and a spruced-up interior carry the aging but still impressive Nissan Armada into 2022. Power is supplied by a tried-and-true 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8, which can tow up to 8500 pounds. Inside, a new 12.3-inch infotainment display is standard and offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also a new entry-level S trim that has a base price of $50,745. Additionally, every 2022 Armada comes with a slew of safety features including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and driver attention alert.

• Base Price: $50,745
• Powertrain: 390-hp 5.6-liter V-8 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 49 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 8500 pounds

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Old names like Bronco, Integra, and Jeep's Wagoneer have been resurrected lately. Keeping true to its roots, the Wagoneer is a body-on-frame SUV, using the same underpinnings as the Ram 1500 pickup. A 5.7-liter 392-hp V-8 is the sole engine choice. The Grand Wagoneer (reviewed separately in the large luxury SUV segment) gets a larger 6.4-liter V-8 with 471 hp. The Wagoneer comes standard with a load-leveling rear suspension, and four-corner air springs are optional for maximum comfort. Its boxy shape gives the Wagoneer best-in-class overall passenger volume, second-and third-row legroom, and cargo volume behind the third row. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive models offer 10,000 pounds of towing, making the Wagoneer a giant capable of pulling the biggest toys.

• Base Price: $60,995
• Powertrain: 392-hp 5.7-liter V-8 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 70 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 27 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 10,000 pounds

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Chevrolet’s Suburban was born in 1934, and the current version is longer and more stylish than ever. The 2022 model sees a redesign for the big bruiser, and while its aesthetics have changed, its aura has not. Though the new Suburban is still available with one of two V-8 gas engines, making either 355 or 420 horsepower, there’s now a torquey turbo-diesel option that can be fitted as well. Chevy replaced the old solid rear axle with an independent suspension setup to improve on-road handling and increase the size of its third-row seat and cargo area. Pricing starts at $54,795 for an LS model, although our favorite is the mid-pack RST trim, which can be fitted with the diesel engine as well as four-wheel drive.

• Base Price: $54,795
• Powertrain: 277-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-six engine, 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 engine, 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 94 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 42 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 8300 pounds

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If the Tahoe or Suburban is too déclassé for you, take a look at the Yukon or Yukon XL. Functionally the same, the GMCs offer a ritzier design along with attractive option packages. Our favorite is the SLT which includes 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power rear liftgate. The blingy Denali trims come standard with a power-sliding center console. As with the Chevrolets, the Yukon and extended-wheelbase Yukon XL have three different engine options available including a 5.3-liter V-8, a 6.2-liter V-8, or a torque-tastic 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. All models are equipped with a 10.2-inch infotainment display, while a head-up display is available on the AT4 trim and standard on the Denali. All models offer a variety of standard driver-assistance features such as park assist, automatic high-beam control, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision alert.

• Base Price: $54,095 (Yukon) $56,795 (Yukon XL)
• Powertrain: 277-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-six engine, 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 engine, 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 73-94 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 26-42 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 8400 (Yukon) 8300 (Yukon XL) pounds

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Like the Suburban, the Tahoe was recently redesigned to offer fresh looks and a range of new features. Chief among them is a turbo-diesel engine, which makes 460 lb-ft of torque, and a new independent rear suspension. There are six different trim levels to be had with pricing ranging from $52,095 for an LS to $72,645 for the plush High Country model. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard and, while four-wheel drive is optional, rear-wheel drive is standard. Interior space has also increased all around, including in the cargo area and in the third row. Those looking to wander off paved roads may be interested in the Z71 model, which comes out of the box with four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and a front skid plate.

• Base Price: $52,095
• Powertrain: 277-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-six engine, 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 engine, 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission
• Cargo space behind second row: 73 cubic feet
• Cargo space behind third row: 26 cubic feet
• Maximum conventional towing capacity: 8400 pounds

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