15 of the Best Large SUVs on the Market for 2020

Sometimes big SUVs require big compromises when it comes to fuel economy, ride quality, or price. But some of the largest SUVs on the market strike a good balance between these key buying criteria, while providing plenty of room for the whole family and their gear. Keep reading to learn about some of the best large SUVs on the market for 2020.

The Ford Expedition is the benchmark among mainstream full-size SUVs. It was the unanimous winner of our recent big SUV comparison test thanks to its impressive efficiency, roomy and comfortable cabin, and quick acceleration. It has the best second-row legroom of all the three-row SUVs on this list, coming in at 41.5 inches. And with its generous towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, it hauls better than its competitors. It benefits from Ford‘s learnings from the F-150, adopting the truck’s smart cabin layout, aluminum sheetmetal, and solid platform.

The Kia Telluride seems to break the newcomer curse, making a big impression in its first year on the market. This unibody SUV is quirky, fun to drive, and offers lots of features for the money, including available heated and ventilated second-row seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and six USB ports. It recently won a three-way crossover comparison test for its stable ride, responsive handling, and great value. Kia has more than redeemed itself from its misstep with its previous large SUV, the Borrego.

Among the largest SUVs on the market, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is definitely one of the most luxurious. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, complementing Mercedes‘ new voice control system with natural language processing. You’ll also find illuminated running boards, massaging seats with heating and ventilation, a cabin air fragrance system, and a separate tablet for the second row among the many available amenities.

The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the biggest SUVs you can buy today. In fact, it dwarfs most of the competition at 224.4 inches long. As an extended version of the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Suburban seats up to nine people in comfort. It boasts the highest overall cargo volume of any SUV on this list, with up to 121.7 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. It also has the best cargo space behind the third row (39.3 cubic feet) compared to Expedition Max and Navigator L. Fun fact: The Suburban is the oldest surviving nameplate in the U.S. The first Suburban arrived in 1935 as a two-door, eight-passenger station wagon sitting on a truck frame.

Step aside, Escalade, there’s a new luxury barge on top. The Lincoln Navigator boasts a solid powertrain and exceptionally quiet road manners, but where it really excels is the interior. Third-row legroom is a stellar 36.1 inches. Genuine wood trim, plush seats with 30-way power adjustability, and seat massaging capability bring this SUV to another level. This is anything but a gussied-up Ford Expedition, so it’s worth the extra coin.

The mechanical twin of the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade is a well-rounded large SUV. Its Mercedes-like widescreen infotainment system, dual sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, and height adjustable tailgate make it seem like a more premium offering than its price tag suggests, even on the top trim. Drivers and passengers will enjoy a smooth ride from this SUV.

Audi‘s large SUV has been refreshed for 2020, adopting a minimalist yet high-tech interior. Based on what we learned from the Euro-spec version, Audi’s Google Earth-dominated instrument display will remain, and there are now two separate touchscreens in the center of the cockpit, one for infotainment functions and the other for climate controls. With an updated suspension, the Q7 is about to become even more refined than it was before.

Among the large SUVs on the list, the Durango is definitely not the newest. But it offers buyers a variety of options, from a 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 hp to an insane 6.4-liter V-8 with 475 hp. Two rows are standard, with a third row optional, and the seats can be configured in 50 different ways. The Durango’s brawny appearance makes it stand out from the Toyota Highlanders and Honda Pilots of the world.

The Traverse is a well-rounded but often overlooked competitor, excelling in ride and handling as well as acceleration. Its optional V-6 is potent: a 3.6-liter unit rated at 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. This model was a finalist in our 2018 SUV of the Year award cycle, when we praised its superbly calibrated nine-speed automatic transmission. One downside: The third row is on the small side.

This reliable 4×4 is more expensive than it looks, but the price tag is worth it for many adventurers. Toyota’s storied Land Cruiser boasts a smooth ride on the pavement as well as superb off-road capability. It seats up to eight people, making it one of the best large SUVs on the market for drivers who like to venture off pavement with family and friends. As it nears its 70th birthday, the Land Cruiser offers a special Heritage Edition with bronze accents for the 2020 model year.

BMW may be late to the game introducing a full-size SUV, but the automaker has made up for lost time with the competent X7. Our testing revealed the standard 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine provides plenty of juice to get this 5,300-pound SUV rolling, and we are also impressed with its sharp braking performance. If 335 hp isn’t enough, opt for the 4.4-liter V-8 with 456 hp under the hood.

One of the most popular large crossovers on the market is getting a complete makeover for the 2020 model year. The new Toyota Highlander sits on a new platform that promises a better ride and sharper handling, and it also receives a sharper look. The previous four-cylinder Highlander is gone, leaving a 295-hp V-6 as the standard engine for the gas model. A Highlander Hybrid is expected to hit 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

The biggest SUVs on the market are often the ones that go the longest without an update. After offering the first-generation Armada for more than a decade, Nissan finally brought out the second-gen version for the 2017 model year. Although handling is a bit loose, the 5.6-liter V-8 is eager to go with 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates perfectly to a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission.

Need 19 cupholders? Probably not, but the Subaru Ascent has them anyway, and they’re standard equipment. Subaru‘s EyeSight driver assist system is also standard, bringing together pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure and sway warning. Buyers can get up to eight USB ports on this spacious SUV depending on the trim.

The second-generation XC90 began a new era for Volvo. This 2016 SUV of the Year winner brought a new corporate design language to the brand, and it was the first vehicle to sit on Volvo’s flexible new SPA architecture. Its fresh, high-quality interior, long list of safety features, and smooth ride make this vehicle one of our favorite large SUVs.