Large SUVs: Reviews

Updated March 2012
While the midsize SUV segment has grown to include a number of roomy, three-row family haulers, traditional truck-based large SUVs remain uniquely qualified to carry families and gear while towing bigger loads more suited to pickup trucks. Here, we talk about the best large SUVs based on what pro reviewers are saying.
 

Best large SUV

2012 Toyota Sequoia Base MSRP: $40,930 to $61,805 Learn More

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com reviews the 2012 Sequoia and summarizes that its "class-leading refinement, versatility and user-friendly features" make it "one of the top picks among full-size SUVs." The flat-folding third-row seats are seen as a nice touch.

ConsumerReports.org: In addition to a full road test of the 2012 Toyota Sequoia, ConsumerReports.org also offers reliability data, depreciation forecasts and ownership satisfaction reports.

ConsumerGuide.com: ConsumerGuide.com editors give the 2012 Sequoia their Recommended rating (but not the highest Best Buy rating) after testing it.

FuelEconomy.gov: FuelEconomy.gov is run by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, which is the government body that assesses every new vehicle's fuel economy.

Motor Trend: This is a Motor Trend review of the 2011 Toyota Sequoia, which is nearly identical to the 2012 model.

Cars.com: This review on Cars.com was originally published by MotherProof.com, which provided reviews with a focus on family friendliness.

Kelley Blue Book: The editors of Kelley Blue Book provide a quick overview of the Sequoia, including details about trim levels and their favorite aspects of the car.

Truck Trend: While this review is from 2008, the models sampled here are, for the most part, very similar to their 2012 counterparts as the large SUV segment has received less attention from automakers.

Autoblog.com: This Autoblog.com review is from 2008, but the Sequoia is still largely the same as the model reviewer Dan Roth sampled, aside from a bit more power and trim changes.

TheTruthAboutCars.com: TheTruthAboutCars.com's review of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia ends with the statement that the Sequoia is "a bland-looking, gargantuan, comfortable SUV with a five-star engine, a two-star interior and lousy handling dynamics." Many other reviewers would disagree on a few of these points though.

Edmunds Inside Line: The Sequoia impresses all-around, as the editors "didn't expect that this 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 would ride so comfortably and handle so delicately, or that it would prove so quick." This reviewer says that with few exceptions the Sequoia "appears to be the best all-around eight-passenger SUV available."

About.com: Reviewer Jason Fogelson likes the Toyota Sequoia for the same reasons that most others do: plenty of power, towing capabilities, seating for eight and top-notch ergonomics.

Best large luxury SUV

2012 Infiniti QX56 Base MSRP: $59,200 to $62,300 Learn More

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com is one of the most reliable sources for automotive reviews and news.

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org reviews are packed with information and analysis, and also include the publication's exclusive and valuable reliability data.

ConsumerGuide.com: ConsumerGuide.com reviews the 2012 Infiniti QX56 in its traditional format in which it provides brief descriptions and numeric ratings around 11 performance criteria.

FuelEconomy.gov: The Infiniti QX56 has a thirsty but powerful V8.

Automobile Magazine: Joe DeMatio from Automobile Magazine reviews the 2011 QX56 (basically identical to the 2012) and finds the updates to be pleasing inside and out, though this particular review doesn't offer a lot on what the driving experience is like.

Automobile Magazine: This Automobile Magazine review also written by Joe DeMatio is longer and offers more information on the driving experience.

Autoblog.com: This reviewer appreciates the updates to the 2011 QX56, which is nearly the same as the current 2012 model.

AutoWeek: This article is an update to AutoWeek.com's long-term test of the 2011 Infiniti QX56.

Truck Trend: Truck Trend performed a full, long-term test on the Infiniti QX56, and these types of reviews are often the most insightful.

TheTruthAboutCars.com: This review provides a lot of details about the QX56 and explains some of the unique technological features that it packs.

PopularMechanics.com: Like nearly all other reviewers, Kevin Wilson finds the redesigned QX56 to be unique on the outside, stylish on the inside and full of the features that would be on any luxury shopper's wishlist.

Cars.com: Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek likes the ride quality, power and interior of the QX56, noting that it's not the easiest SUV to get into but that third-row seating access is one of the best he's tested.

The New York Times: Ezra Dyer at The New York Times reviews the 2011 QX56, which is nearly the same as the 2012 model.

Car and Driver: Refinement is the word that pops up again and again in this Car and Driver review about the 2011 Infiniti QX56.

Automobile Magazine: Automobile Magazine performs the only true comparison test of the 2011 QX56, pitting it against the 2011 Lexus LX 570.

Large SUVs Runners Up:

2012 Chevrolet Suburban (Base MSRP: $41,995 to $57,890)

5 picks including: About.com, FuelEconomy.gov…

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (Base MSRP: $38,530 to $55,850)

4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (Base MSRP: $61,570 to $85,300)

3 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…

2012 GMC Yukon Base MSRP: $39,860 to $57,780

3 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2012 Ford Expedition Base MSRP: $36,530 to $52,330

2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

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