If you are in the market for a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), you’re in good company! Global sales data reveals that SUVs accounted for more than 40% of all vehicles sold in 2021. Perhaps you’re a first time buyer looking for a vehicle that can accommodate your growing family or business. Maybe you’re updating from a previous year model and looking for modern performance and features that will help you move your gear, colleagues, or kids’ soccer team from place to place in comfort and safety. Regardless, we have a model to suit your needs and budget.
For a crossover SUV, the 3-row Enclave is notable for its generous space and ultra-comfortable ride. If you’re looking for an upgrade to your budget SUV that won’t break the bank, the Enclave is a great option. Nice fit and finish and features such as multiple (6) charging ports ensure a quiet and comfortable ride for all passengers. Don’t call it a luxury vehicle, but you’re headed in the right direction.
At a Glance
- MSRP: From $40,300
- Seating capacity: 7
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 26 highway
- Dimensions: 204″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H
- Cargo volume: 23.6 ft³, 97.4 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 310 hp
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The Traverse is a great, budget-friendly 3-row for families who might prioritize cost and cargo space over features and styling. While the ride and handling are adequate, the base trim is stingy on features by comparison to other makes/models. However, kids will be too preoccupied to notice with a standard 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required).
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $29,800
- Seating capacity: 7, 8
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 27 highway
- Dimensions: 204″ L x 79″ W x 71″ H
- Cargo volume: 23 ft³, 98.2 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 1,500 to 5,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 310 hp
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Compared to most other vehicles on our list, the Escalade leans the furthest towards luxury. Highly regarded and lauded by critics and reviewers, the 2021 model is a complete redesign and rethinking of the Escalade that modernizes and improves the vehicle’s style and functionality. Cadillac enters the decade with a complete technology facelift that includes a fully digital dashboard and Super Cruise feature that adds partially automated driver’s assistance to keep the Escalade within lane lines and distanced from forward traffic. Outstanding handling, interior design, and cargo space are, as good, if not better than any luxury model in its class.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $76,195
- Seating capacity: 7
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 27 highway
- Dimensions: 212″ L x 81″ W x 77″ H
- Cargo volume: 25.5 ft³, 109.1 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 7,500 to 7,700 lbs
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
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Ford Expedition
A mainstay SUV for generations, the 2021 Expedition is pedigreed, reliable, and loved by owners who appreciate its size and comfort. Powered by a twin-turbo V-6, the Expedition has confident power and responsive handling that will surprise drivers whose SUV expectations have been tempered by years riding weaker, or larger, but clunky and rumbling, engine types. And while it is the largest SUV in the Ford family, the Expedition proves to be a capable off-road vehicle with clearance, torque, and sophisticated independent rear suspension. New for 2021 is an XL base trim and Co-Pilot360 driver assist safety features on limited trims.
When it comes to passenger space and comfort, the Expedition wins again with a liberal 3rd row and all the creature comfort cupholders, USB ports, and vents users would hope for in a vehicle this gigantic.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $50,595
- Seating capacity: 8
- MPG: Up to 17 city / 23 highway
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 76.6″ W
- Cargo volume: 20.9 ft³, 104.6 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 9,300 lbs
- Horsepower: 375 hp
Like its GM cousin the Cadillac Escalade, the 2021 year model of the Yukon is a redesign that features significant improvements and upgrades. More interior space, a brand new independent rear suspension system, lower load-in threshold, and a thoughtful interior design overhaul help get the Yukon to a well-deserved spot in our top 10. On the downside, drivers truly feel the bulk of this vehicle in its handling and when trying to maneuver the confined spaces of the urban or suburban jungles. Also, the finely recrafted interior design doesn’t extend to the vehicle’s odd exterior looks. That said, the Yukon perfectly marries power and proportion to make it a top choice for full-size SUV shoppers.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $51,000
- Seating capacity: 7, 8
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 27 highway
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 81″ W x 77″ H
- Cargo volume: 25.5 ft³, 122.9 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 7,500 to 7,900 lbs
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
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Hyundai Palisade
For the money, the Hyundai Palisade may be the best value on our list. Even with a 3d row that’s more accommodating for kids than adults, the Palisade is still plenty spacious and boasts standard safety (e.g. automatic advanced braking, LED headlights) and tech features that would appeal to anyone shopping for a family transport. While most test drivers consider the Palisade’s ride mediocre, it gets points across the board for a handsome cabin interior, clever and functional storage spaces, and overall reliability.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $32,675
- Seating capacity: 7, 8
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 26 highway
- Dimensions: 196″ L x 78″ W x 69″ H
- Cargo volume: 18 ft³, 86.4 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 291 hp
A luxury SUV priced under $40K, the Infiniti QX50 is a unicorn in a pasture full of horses. Its classy, sleek exterior wins raves from car reviewers, but even the base Pure trim has a upscale interior with features such as wi-fi, advance collision warning, and Pro-Pilot driver assist that allows partially autonomous driving.
The QX50 is categorized as a compact SUV based on exterior dimensions, but passenger and cargo volume are proportioned to allow ample leg and head room. It also earns top safety ratings thanks in part to standard rear side airbags, advance collision warning, and an emergency calling feature.
On the road, a turbo four-cylinder and standard all wheel drive make for good handling and responsiveness in routine street conditions. The engine can whine during taxing hill climbs or rapid acceleration. Still, the overall value of the QX50 is impressive. A combined package of advanced safety features, luxury interior appointments, and just plain gorgeous looks make this Infiniti a triple-threat titan in the SUV class.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $38,050
- Dimensions: 185″ L x 75″ W x 66″ H
- Horsepower: 268 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 29 highway
- Cargo volume: 31.1 to 31.4 ft³, 64.4 to 65.1 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs
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Lincoln Navigator
While it is basically a repeat of the 2020 model, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator still holds its own in the full-size SUV category, especially amongst more luxurious and sophisticated competitors. As an upscale counterpart to the Ford Expedition, the Navigator is remarkable in its beautiful and feature-full interior/exterior design. Like most 3rd row SUVs, the Navigator provides plenty of power to move that much metal, glass, and rubber down the freeway, but it does it with a sweetly cushioned and comfortable ride. Have even more to move? With 8,300 lbs of towing capacity, the Navigator is also near the top of the heap for talking along tools or toys on your next road trip.
Even at the base-level, Lincoln packs the Navigator with impressive features, including heated/ventilated/10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, a Revel 14-speaker audio system, hands-free tailgate operation, ambient cabin lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 driver aids.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $76,705
- Seating capacity: 7
- MPG: Up to 16 city / 22 highway
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 80″ W x 76″ H
- Cargo volume: 20.9 ft³, 103.4 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 6,200 to 8,300 lbs
- Horsepower: 450 hp
Land Rover Range Rover
Of all the luxury large SUVs on our list, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover is the one most comfortable and capable off-road, though we get the feeling most drivers would be loath to get mud on the tires of this beauty. Smaller in size than a lot of XL competitors, the Range Rover is still at the upper end of the pricing spectrum. What you get for your investment is a powerful engine, elite standard features such as air suspension, classic and tasteful Land Rover lines, and truly posh interior styling. At heart, the Range Rover is such a creature of the outdoors that some people find its handling feels too loose. We know that just means it’s more at home in dirt than drive-throughs.
With six available powertrains — ranging from a turbo diesel to a supercharged V8, with a plug-in hybrid somewhere in between — the Range Rover can be outfitted to serve a slew of duties.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $92,000
- Seating capacity: 4, 5
- MPG: Up to 22 city / 28 highway
- Dimensions: 197-207″ L x 78″ W x 73-74″ H
- Cargo volume: 62.6 to 68.6 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 5,511 to 7,716 lbs
- Horsepower: 254 to 557 hp
Nissan’s largest SUV makes our list primarily for its well-appointed cabin and for the luxe feel it smartly borrows from the company’s Infiniti brand. The redesigned and minimalist interior feels clean and intuitive and a large, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, as well as a new 7-inch driver display, effectively anchor the dashboard.
Performance-wise, the Armada is serious about towing and includes a standard tow package made up of trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. Its V8 engine is muscular and responsive even when towing those heavy loads, but also produces the worst gas mileage of any vehicle on our list, and that includes SUVs with significantly more size and cargo space. While the Armada’s body-on-frame design, shared by many other full-size SUVs, means diminished performance and handling, it is somewhat redeemed by Nissan’s quality machining and assembly.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $48,900
- Seating capacity: 8
- MPG: Up to 14 city / 19 highway
- Dimensions: 209″ L x 80″ W x 76″ H
- Cargo volume: 16.5 ft³, 95.4 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 8,500 lbs
- Horsepower: 400 hp
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Last, but definitely not least, is the midsize miracle that is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Though it doesn’t share the generous cargo volume of the full-size vehicles on this list, it still includes a very comfortable 3rd row and has plenty of other features that could inspire SUV shoppers to go smaller.
Standard in the 2021 model is safety equipment and driver aids that will appeal to parents and cautious drivers alike. These include a forward-collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert. Avoid danger, and tickets, when the Atlas scans traffic signs and posts speed limits in the display.
The redesigned front and rear ends are minor, but still appealing tweaks, and the interior is all German practicality and function. Perhaps its biggest drawback is its lackluster power. Still, the Atlas deserves a first–and second–look from consumers willing to sacrifice on speed and luxury features in exchange for a practical, all-around family car.
At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $31,545
- Seating capacity: 7
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 25 highway
- Dimensions: 198″ L x 78″ W x 70″ H
- Cargo volume: 20.6 ft³, 96.8 ft³ with seat area
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 235 to 276 hp
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About our ratings methodology: GetCarDeals ranks vehicles within categories based on a multipoint evaluation score covering both qualifiable data (e.g. mileage, horsepower, features available), driver feel (e.g. handling, comfort) and aesthetic considerations (e.g. interior/exterior design). Each score is weighted by an overall aggregate ranking based on our algorithmic survey of product reviews across the internet.