Best Large SUVs of 2022

For many Americans, a full-size SUV is an answer to all their needs. If you’re looking for a vehicle with car-like comfort, space for five or more occupants, lots of cargo capacity, and better ground clearance than a sedan, you’ll find everything you want among the big SUVs. Available in a variety of configurations, most offer all-wheel-drive, while others challenge luxury sedans with the opulence of their cabins. If you’re not sure where to start looking, our reviews of large SUVs on sale right now is a good entry point.

How do we arrive at our final rankings? What separates the segment leaders from everything else? Well, our experienced team analyzes virtually every aspect of each automobile and awards it a score. Those that rate highly in terms of performance may be saddled with dated technology, and each of these aspects factor into the final ranking. This means that by the time we’ve inspected every inch of metal and crunched every number, you’ll be able to make the smartest decision. 

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2021 Cadillac Escalade
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#2
2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2021 Lincoln Navigator
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#4
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2022 Lincoln Navigator L
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#6
2022 BMW Alpina XB7
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#7
2022 Jeep Wagoneer
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#8
2020 Tesla Model X Performance
8.8
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#9
2022 Land Rover New Range Rover
8.6
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#10
2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
10
Performance
6
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#11
2022 Chevrolet Suburban
8.5
BuzzScore
7
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#12
2021 Ford Expedition Max
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#13
2022 GMC Yukon XL
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#14
2022 Land Rover Range Rover
8.5
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
6
Reliability
8
Safety
7
Value
#15
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid
8.5
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
6
Reliability
8
Safety
7
Value
#16
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
8.4
BuzzScore
7
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#17
2022 GMC Yukon
#17
GMC Yukon
8.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
7
Value
#18
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
8.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
5
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#19
2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
8.3
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#20
2021 Bentley Bentayga
8
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value

Top-rated Full-Size SUV for 2020

In terms of the overall ranking, also known as our BuzzScore, the best full-sized SUV is the extravagant Cadillac Escalade. With a starting MSRP upwards of $76,000, it definitely is not for everyone. For that cost, though, you get an enormous cruiser with a formidable V8 engine developing 420 horsepower. The interior is wrapped in high-grade materials, and only the most up-to-date tech adorns the dashboard. Up to eight passengers are able to be accommodated, depending on the seating configuration, but the trunk only supplies 15.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Most Reliable Large SUV

Looking just at the reliability rating, the Escalade once again earns top marks, but the Chevrolet Tahoe is widely considered the most reliable. This is probably because more buyers can actually afford one, thanks to the lower cost of $49,000. It also receives a V8, but the power outputs are lower, meaning it is not quite as quick as the Caddy. Able to seat up to nine passengers, the trunk is, once again, unimpressive at 15.3 cubic feet.

The Rest of the Best Full-Size SUVs

There are certainly more than just two good models out there. Other entrants on our list of the best large SUVs are the:

  • BMW X7 - A German luxury vehicle powered by a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine and equipped with a high-tech iDrive 7 infotainment suite. The trunk is sub-par at 12.8 cubic feet, but the cabin is spacious enough to seat seven in comfort.
  • Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class - Another German premium crossover, the Merc has its own turbocharged six-cylinder powertrain and standard all-wheel-drive. Its 17.4-cubic-foot trunk dwarfs the competition without eating into passenger space.
  • Lincoln Navigator - Similarly priced to its European rivals, the American machine stands up well to the competition. The interior is just as cavernous, and the trunk is even more commodious, but the styling is not as luxurious. It comes with plenty of standard features, though, such as Lincoln Co-Pilot360 and an intuitive Sync 3 infotainment suite.

Cheapest Full-Size SUV

So far, we have spoken about the more luxurious brands, but not everyone who wants an enormous crossover can afford such high price tags. The Nissan Armada is among the most affordable automobiles, starting at $47,100, but the Ford Expedition is a good State-side alternative at $48,990. The reliable Chevy Tahoe we have already mentioned asks for $49,000, while the GMC Yukon breaks the $50k mark by just $700.

Is it worth it?

Even the cheapest offerings still ask for a hefty investment akin to that of a small business enterprise. So, you have to ask yourself, is this actually the right choice for you? Let us help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • More than enough room for the whole family, including the grandparents and the family dog
  • Plenty of cargo space in those that focus on practicality
  • Sedan-like levels of luxury if you’re willing to pay for it
  • Excellent ride comfort
  • Easy access to all-wheel-drive

Cons

  • Generally high cost
  • Expensive to run due to poor fuel economy
  • Many premium configurations do not have the greatest cargo capacity
  • Not the easiest to maneuver around town

FAQs

What is the best large SUV?

The Cadillac Escalade gets the highest score in our rankings, but only by a small margin. It does not lack power thanks to its potent V6 powertrain, but it certainly is not among the fastest crossovers, with the BMW X7 handily beating it in the 0-60 mph sprint.

Are there any affordable large crossovers?

Cheap is a relative term when it comes to these juggernauts. You won’t find one anywhere near the price of an economical mid-size alternative, or even a jumbo sedan, but there are a few for under $50,000, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada. Alternatively, many agencies offer these opulent cruisers as rentals if you just want to impress the extended family for the day. If you really want to own, though, you could look at used models from 2019 or 2018. Going back any further than 2017 is not advisable, as you will lose out on many modern safety features.
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