Large SUVs

Our Assessment Each year, the editors of Edmunds.com extensively test and list their recommended cars and trucks in a variety of categories and price classes. One large SUV is among the Recommended: the Mercedes GL-Class.

Our Assessment Truck Trend editors select annual best-in-class vehicles from 11 market segments of pickup trucks and SUVs. Winning vehicles are those that emphasize value, off-road capability, and cargo-carrying and towing ratings, among other criteria.

Our Assessment While dated, this article compares four large four-wheel-drive SUVs priced around or under $50,000, and none have significant changes for 2009. The Toyota Sequoia is the winner of this test, and is praised for its excellent performance and comfortable interior. (Note that the 2010 Sequoia has some cosmetic updates and a new base engine.) Second place goes to the Nissan Armada.

Our Assessment Edmunds compares two high-fuel-economy, full-size SUVs -- the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and a diesel-powered Mercedes GL320 CDI. Both SUVs perform admirably, editors say, but first place goes to the Mercedes for its superior driving dynamics, better interior layout and higher fuel economy during the test. While the Tahoe Hybrid has no changes for 2009, the 2009 GL320 has a revised diesel engine.

Our Assessment In ConsumerGuide.com's buyer's guide to large SUVs, writer Ed Piotrowski discusses the range of large SUVs and their place in today's market. The guide links to in-depth evaluations, and several large SUVs earn Best Buy ratings.

Our Assessment AutoPacific's industry benchmark Vehicle Satisfaction Awards measure which cars and light trucks score highest in overall satisfaction among owners. Researchers rate 48 categories of the ownership experience to choose the highest-ranking vehicles. Among large SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Tahoe win in their respective market niches.

Our Assessment In the most recent installment of Motor Trend's annual torture test of 13 new models, SUVs are thoroughly tested for their off-road ability, comfort and value. While the winner, the Subaru Forester, does not fall in the large SUV category, several of the other finalists do.

Our Assessment Kiplinger.com focuses on value, including long-term costs, insurance and other practical measures. The Mercedes GL320 BlueTec is named Best in Class and Best Resale Value among large and midsize crossovers. Among truck-based SUVs for 2009, the Kia Borrego is Best New Model and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid are recognized as Most Fuel-Efficient.

Our Assessment U.S. News and World Report ratings are based on the testing of third parties. Editors boil down their research in a one-page report that culminates in a numerical rating. Top-scoring large SUVs are the Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Our Assessment This in-depth industry study is conducted by Vincentric, an independent automotive-analysis firm. Vehicles that are named Best Values in America exhibit superior cost of ownership in categories such as depreciation, fuel economy, maintenance, insurance and initial cost as compiled in a detailed nationwide survey.