Most of the Biggest 2023 SUVs Are Luxury Vehicles
Those needing to haul plenty of people and cargo should expect to pay a premium at the dealership. While the SUV market is flooded with options, those requiring the ultimate family haulers have far more choices among luxury automakers. However, large luxury SUVs aren’t the most practical for moving the maximum amount of stuff.
Most of the biggest 2023 SUVs are from luxury brands
Most of the 12 most spacious SUVs for cargo come from luxury automakers, according to a list from U.S News. The 2023 BMW X7, Land Rover Range Rover, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade are all among the largest SUVs for cargo space. Also included in the list are the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. While Jeep may not traditionally be viewed as a luxury brand, its two largest SUVs carry the price points, features, and appointments that adhere with the luxury designation.
Spending more on one of these luxury models nets buyers a more refined and upscale way to haul their brood, but they aren’t as practical as the mainstream options. Of the largest SUVs for cargo capacity, only the Escalade and Wagoneer are in the top half for overall space offered.
Much of this comes down to their overall size. Most mainstream large SUVs are offered in long-wheelbase iterations, with serious returns on cargo-hauling capabilities. Most of the biggest luxury SUVs of 2023 either don’t offer long-wheelbase iterations, or their larger versions are still smaller than what’s available from mainstream automakers. An exception is the Cadillac Escalade, which can haul more cargo than any other 2023 luxury SUV, up to 142.8 cubic feet. Of course, that is in the Escalade’s extended version, the ESV.
Mainstream SUVs are best for the ultimate in cargo capacity
Among the six roomiest SUVs for cargo capacity, four are from American, mainstream automakers. They include the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban, effectively the long-wheelbase version of the Tahoe, is the cargo-hauling champ with a max capacity of 144.7 cubic feet. Its slightly more upscale corporate cousin, the GMC Yukon, ties that figure. The Tahoe can accommodate up to 126 cubic feet, while the long-wheelbase Ford Expedition maxes out at 121.4 cubic feet.
For comparison, the luxury, long-wheelbase Range Rover can accommodate 93 cubic feet of cargo. So, while large luxury SUVs may hold more top spots for the best cargo haulers among 2023 models, mainstream models generally offer more capacity.
Which 2023 large SUV is best?
The ability to transport plenty of people and/or cargo is vital for larger families or those who need their SUVs to double as quasi-work vehicles. Which is the best option for doing so is open to interpretation and specific needs.
U.S. News gives the Chevy Suburban the distinction of being the Best Large SUV for Families for 2023, while Car and Driver ranks the Tahoe as its top choice among non-luxury, full-size SUVs. MotorTrend gives the nod for the best full-size SUV to the Ford Expedition.
There’s also no consensus among the best luxury SUV. Car and Driver gives the X7, which has the least cargo-carrying capability among the 12 largest SUVs of 2023, its top ranking. Meanwhile, U.S. News names the Navigator to its top spot.
The Nissan Armada stands out as the bargain hunter’s choice. A base Armada commands $52,495 with a destination charge, making it several thousand dollars less expensive than the Tahoe, Suburban, and Expedition. Then again, those savings equate to less overall space. The Armada has a maximum cargo capacity of 95 cubic feet, while the Suburban can swallow a massive 144.7 cubic feet of stuff.
Ultimately, if hauling capabilities rise above all else, the Suburban/Yukon are the top choices. Both models start at around $60,000.
