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The large SUV segment doesn’t have a long list of models. But that doesn’t mean the class doesn’t have a lot to offer. In fact, all of these large SUV models earned the Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ badge

a white Ford Expedition parked near the sea
2021 Ford Expedition | Ford Motor Company

While that doesn’t mean they are the only great large SUVs on the market, it does point shoppers in a good direction. For buyers with large SUV models on their radar, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition all earned Consumer Guide‘s badge of honor. Let’s take a look at how they took the title. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

reveal of the all-new Suburban and Tahoe on stage
2021 Chevrolet Suburban (left) and 2021 Tahoe (right) | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

The Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe have long been staples when it comes to the family SUV. Each model boasts a spacious interior and a sturdy truck platform with body-on-frame construction. What’s the difference between the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the Suburban? 

Consumer Guide describes the differences between them as something similar to the difference between the Expedition and the Expedition Max. The 2021 Chevy Suburban is just a longer version of the Tahoe with an extended wheelbase. That means the Suburban is a bit more spacious than the Tahoe. That means the Suburban will be the better choice for those with more people or stuff to accommodate. 

The reason Chevrolet’s large SUV models earned the best buy badge is because they are better than ever coming fresh off a redesign for 2021. They are nicer, with updated features and new exterior styling. Both the Chevy Suburban and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe are worth checking out for buyers who want a large SUV. 

The 2021 GMC Yukon means GM SUV models dominate the ‘Best Buys’ list

a 2021 Yukon AT4 driving off road on scenic trails
2021 GMC Yukon AT4 | General Motors

To add to the GM SUV models on the list, Consumer Guide also gave the 2021 GMC Yukon the title. This model shares a platform with other GM SUV models. That means the Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade are all relatively the same underneath. 

In fact, the 2021 GMC Yukon offers all the same powertrain options as the Tahoe/Suburban SUV. These include a 5.4 liter V8 (355 hp), a 6.2 liter V8 (420 hp), and a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder diesel engine (277hp). Consumer Guide does mention that none of these powertrains are particularly fuel efficient. 

However, that’s not typically a concern for buyers that know they are going to end up in one of these massive people haulers. Consumer Guide also notes that the 2021 GMC Yukon also offers a longer model. The Yukon XL is on a larger wheelbase and offers more spacious accommodations. 

The 2021 Ford Expedition makes for an easy ‘Best Buy’ pick

Joining the large SUV with two wheelbase options club are the 2021 Ford Expedition and Expedition Max. Consumer Guide reports that the 2021 Ford Expedition stands out as a premium people mover. In fact, most critics agree that the 2021 Ford Expedition is one of the best large SUV models you can buy. 

“The Expedition offers a cavernous cabin, a strong powertrain, a long list of high-tech available comfort and safety features, and excellent road manners for a full-size SUV.”

One powertrain option is offered on all Expedition trim levels. Ford’s 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned a bit differently for various price points. The standard tuning gets 375 hp, seen on the XLT, King Ranch, and Limited models. A version tuned for 400 hp comes under the hood of the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum. 

Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ large SUV models

Shopping for a large SUV can be almost as much of a chore as parking one. However, ratings like these can help narrow down the options. Buyers looking for large SUV models should have the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Ford Expedition on their shortlist.

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