2021 Top Rated Full Size SUVs

Nowadays big SUVs aren’t just spacious vehicles with impressive interior room and ample cargo area. Every automaker wants to deliver a perfect balance between luxury, performance, and price. Some of the models in the full-size SUV segment are doing exactly that. You can find everything you need, from an affordable model to a very premium and luxurious SUV.

These three-row machines are using a conventional ladder-style frame and are offering superb ride quality. Whatsoever, full-size models are more refined than ever before. They are perfect family vehicles or if you prefer, we can call them modern station wagons. Here’s our list of the five top-rated full-size SUVs you can buy in 2021.

2021 Cadillac Escalade

The first model on our list is the upcoming 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The arriving Escalade should be a new-gen model so you can expect various changes in terms of styling and performance. So far, not all details are available. Whatsoever, renderings are available, along with the latest rumors. No doubt, Escalade will remain an attractive full-size SUV after a complete redesign.

For a start, Escalade will ride on a new T1XX body-on-frame architecture. The very same platform will underpin models such as Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Dimensions will remain and Escalade will be 222.3 inches long. The front fascia will deliver amazing look with new grille and LED headlights. Moreover, Cadillac will deliver new 20-inch chrome wheels and much more.

The interior can accommodate up to eight passengers and the cabin is very luxurious. You can expect new optional features and more standard equipment. You shouldn’t worry about comfort, especially on the range-topping Platinum trim level.

As for the performance, this full-size SUV will use a 6.2-liter V8. This powerful unit generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The power goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The rumors are also writing about the hybrid powertrain and an optional 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8. As for the price, this luxury full-size SUV will cost around $75,000. New Escalade will go on sale later this year and it will rival Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX80.

Read ours 2021 Cadillac Escalade review HERE

2021 Cadillac Escalade front

2021 Ford Expedition

In 2018, the Blue Oval manufacturer completely redesigned its Expedition SUV. This full-size SUV left its biggest rivals in the dust with its flexibility and luxury. The 2020 model finally got iconic King Ranch trim level, besides a couple of other novelties. Now, the 2021 Ford Expedition will once again deliver improvements. However, we are talking about mid-cycle refreshments so don’t expect major changes.

The exterior will gain small visual modifications while the current platform will remain. Expedition SUV is 210 inches long and Expedition MAX adds 12 more inches. Moreover, the MAX variant also offers a 9 inches longer wheelbase. Slightly different styling and more upscale appearance are what you can expect from the 2021 model. On top of that, King Ranch trim level will add 22-inch wheels and new adaptive suspension.

On the inside, this SUV will offer a room for either seven or eight passengers. It is one of the roomiest cabins in the full-size segment and even the cargo capacity is impressive. Expedition is a very well-equipped model, even in its entry-level version. Logically, upper trim levels will add more luxury. For that reason, real luxury is available on the range-topping trim levels.

As for the performance, Expedition will use a well-known 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine. This unit provides 380 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a Platinum trim level can produce up to 400 hp. A 10-speed automatic transmission is available, along with the standard rear-wheel-drive system. Expedition can tow almost 9,500 pounds and even the diesel powertrain will be in the offer. The 2021 Expedition will go on sale later this year and it will cost around $55,000.

Learn More About 2021 Ford Expedition HERE

2021 Ford Expedition facelift

2021 Chevy Tahoe

Here’s our personal favorite. The all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe delivers it all and it perfectly reflects its price. Chevrolet will redesign the interior and the Suburban model will get the same treatment. Interestingly, but Tahoe will also slightly grow in size and it will use the Ford Expedition’s platform. This move will result in better legroom and larger cargo capacity. Design-wise, nothing drastic will happen. Whatsoever, we only expect a few minor cosmetic upgrades. Still, 2021 Tahoe will be 6.7-inches longer than its predecessor. Overall, Tahoe will arrive as a 210.7 inches long and 81 inches wide full-size SUV.

The interior will bring more updates and some of them are significant. Just like the Suburban, Tahoe SUV will get the brand-new 10.25-inch touchscreen. Moreover, a pair of 12.6-inch LCD rear screens will be in the offer from now on. Chevrolet clearly plans to make a perfect family hauler and the latest additions are the finest possible example.

New architecture means a new powertrain option. The 2021 Tahoe will feature a diesel engine, its first diesel ever. It is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder that powers the current Silverado pickup truck. This is a good thing as the rest of the competitors are not offering diesels. Tahoe will also get improved fuel efficiency which will be rated at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. A 3.0-liter Duramax will generate 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, Tahoe SUV will tow up to 9,300 pounds. The price will start at $50,000 or slightly above that. This three-row full-size SUV will be made in Texas and it will arrive this Summer.

Read 2021 Chevy Tahoe Review HERE

2021 Chevy Tahoe exterior

2021 GMC Yukon

The forthcoming 2021 GMC Yukon will be the new-generation model. Thanks to that, you can expect various changes and upgrades. More details will become available closer to the release date. So far, spy shots are the only source of information. General Motors will provide the same changes to its XL version. For a start, this full-size SUV will provide new sheet metal, along with the new headlights and taillights. The C-shaped taillamps are now horizontally oriented. On top of that, the rear sections come with new quad exhaust tips. New windows and modified grille are also visible on the spy shots.

The interior will get an overhaul. Yukon will get new materials, more standard equipment and much more. The different interior color scheme is a possibility, along with the new infotainment system. General Motors plans to provide new interior lighting and new graphics on the displays. Next-gen Yukon SUV should introduce a new dashboard and a redesign of the center console. The standard model delivers a room for eight while Yukon XL offers nine seats.

There will be no changes under the bonnet. That means a 5.3-liter V8 remains. This reliable powertrain is producing 355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission and two-wheel-drive configuration are offered as standard. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Yukon Denali is one of the most luxurious variants in the full-size SUV segment. This version will deploy a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of twisting power. The price of the new Yukon starts at $53,000 and this model will hit the markets in the last quarter of 2020.

HERE is 2021 GMC Yukon Review

2021 GMC Yukon design

2021 Lincoln Navigator

The all-new 2021 Lincoln Navigator will ger mid-cycle refreshments. Honestly, since 2017 and the new-gen model, we didn’t see so many changes. However, some upgrades will happen. Navigator is the most luxurious full-size SUV on the list. It comes with three trim levels and its Black Label is the synonym for luxury. First of all, the Navigator SUV will get a minor facelift. The mesh grille will gain more chrome accents and LED headlights will look more stylish. Lincoln will also provide more standard equipment and that includes roof rails and new power running boards.

Navigator looks premium on the outside, but it’s the inside that makes this model so great. The interior is very premium and it comes with a strong reputation. A three-row seating layout is available once again. Furthermore, third-row seats are providing best-in-class legroom and comfort. PowerFold system is available in the second row. Lincoln also offers Ebony and Cappuccino upholstery on its entry-level model. The Reserve trim level provides Dark Slate and Ebony/Russet options. The Black Edition provides three of them, Chalet, Destination and Yacht interior schemes. Navigator will also gain more driver-assistance features.

In terms of performances, Navigator will use the same 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. The full-size SUV offers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is the 10-speed automatic. There will be five different modes and fuel efficiency is rated at 21 mpg on the highway. Hybrid is not available, but it looks like Lincoln will provide one in the next two years. The price of the luxury SUV starts at $75,000 while the Black Label variant costs $100,000. Longer Navigator L version is also available and Lincoln will launch its new full-size SUV in the second half of 2020.

Learn More About 2021 Lincoln Navigator HERE

2021 Lincoln Navigator refreshments