Best Body-On-Frame SUVs. 2022 SUVs With Body-On-Frame Rated

What Does It Take To Earn a Spot On Our List of The Best Body-On-Frame SUV Models?

Here are the characteristics of the best body-on-frame SUV models:

Design: What really defines body-on-frame SUVs is how they are designed. Much like pickup trucks, the body is built on top of the frame, instead of a combined structure like you would find in cars or crossovers. They tend to be more rugged-looking, which is a huge selling factor in the USA.
Capability: The engineering of body-on-frame vehicles gives them better height and ground clearance, which makes them far more capable of handling rough terrain. As such, these are often the best vehicles for off-roading.
Customization: The separation of body from frame makes it easier to make changes or install mods, and the platform can be used for various models.
Economy: These vehicles are much heavier than standard unibody options, so they are far less efficient when it comes to fuel economy.
Safety: The lack of separate zones as you would find in a unibody negatively impact the safety ratings of these cars. They also run a higher risk of rolling over when taking corners at high speed due to their height.

What To Consider Before Buying Body-On-Frame SUVs

What makes an SUV a body-of-frame model is not simply about how large it is. A Jeep Wrangler, for example, fits the bill despite its small size. No, what matters here is the manner of construction. Unlike unibody SUVs (also known as full-frame SUVs) which share their foundations with normal cars, these true SUVs are built upon a truck’s platform. This does normally make them larger, but the real difference is that the chassis and suspension are separate from the body.

Pros

Better ground clearance for off-roading
Ability to handle heavier loads
More imposing styling
Easier to modify with lifting kits
Flexes over uneven terrain to keep wheels on the ground
Rubber-mounted body filters out vibrations for a comfortable ride

Cons

Much heavier than unibody
Not as safe, with a higher risk of rolling
Less fuel-efficient

FAQs

What does body-on-frame SUV mean?

This refers to the method of construction used when building the SUV. These vehicles use a truck frame to increase their ruggedness, off-road abilities, and hauling capacities. Basically, a ladder frame sits underneath a separately constructed body. Smaller SUVs and crossovers are built with a unitary body instead.

Is body-on-frame better than unibody?

This depends on what you want in a car. Truck-based SUVs are hardier, so they handle rugged terrain more easily. They can also tow and haul heavier loads when properly powered. However, they suffer from poor fuel economy, compromised maneuverability, and lower overall safety ratings.

Which SUV is most like a truck?

While all body-on-frame SUVs are based upon truck-like designs, the Ford Expedition probably most closely resembles its forbears. It shares similarly huge towing capacities to the F-150 pickup and can go off-road when need be.

Which SUV is the best for off-roading?

Body-on-frame SUVs are among the best off-roaders, so it makes sense that the top of the list is flush with such models. These include the Land Rover Defender, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Which SUV has the highest towing rating?

Ford is known for topping the towing charts with its F-Series pickups, so it is unsurprising that the automaker has extended this expertise to its SUV range. The Expedition, the largest SUV from the American brand, is able to tow an impressive 9,300 lbs.

Best Body-On-Frame SUVs of 2022

List of The Best Body-On-Frame SUV Models