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Best Used Large SUVs: Summary Points
The Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia are among the best used large SUVs in 2024.
We looked at data from NHTSA, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book for this list.
Each Large SUV here includes a rundown of its essential details, like the powertrain, fuel economy, safety ratings, and cargo space.
Best Used Large SUVs: Quick Overview
Despite a higher cost of ownership, large SUVs have taken over sedans and minivans as the “family car” of choice for many Americans.
If you need the space and practicality a large SUV affords but cannot justify spending the money on something brand new, we compiled this quick list to help you while browsing the pre-owned market.
Here are a few other helpful points to consider when reading through this list.
Terminology
You might see several “industry terms” when researching a vehicle purchase. Those terms and phrases can include but are not limited to segment, class, compact, subcompact, subcompact SUVs, midsize crossover, crossover SUVs (a blended term), and so on.
Although there are large luxury SUVs and hybrid SUVs, nothing on this list fits that designation (although the 2010 Chevy Tahoe and 2011 Cadillac Escalade had hybrid versions).
Generally speaking, the bigger an SUV, the closer its association to a pickup truck, which is why you won’t see the term “crossover” when looking for a used large SUV. This association comes from how large SUVs today (and the ones on this list) are typically manufactured.
Body-On-Frame SUVs
Conventional full-size SUVs have truck-based body-on-frame architectures. These are sometimes called “ladder frames” because the connecting cross members would make the vehicle’s frame look like a ladder if it stood upright.
On the assembly line, the body and frame as two separate pieces are eventually “married,” meaning the body resides on top of the frame from that point onward.
The body-on-frame construction enables these SUVs to tow more than their unibody counterparts since the trailer is attached to the frame, not the body itself.
Max Towing Capacity
Even though some of the numbers might look high, they are relative. The more cargo, gear, and occupants you have in the vehicle (GVWR), the more the max towing capacity decreases.
You may also see certain terms abbreviated while researching your next vehicle, most commonly front-wheel drive as FWD and all-wheel drive as AWD. When shopping for a pre-owned large SUV, you may be more apt to see the term 4WD (short for four-wheel drive).
Asking Price
We came up with an average range for each large SUV here. Mileage and condition, as a general rule of thumb, will have the most significant impact on the asking price. Remember to look for potential red flags and only purchase a pre-owned vehicle after taking it for a test drive.
Further down, we offer insight into extended warranty providers for used SUVs and a helpful auto loan comparison tool with average interest rates for each lender.
Essential Info
Sometimes, when you look at a used vehicle at the dealership, there isn’t much info on the one-sheet window sticker. That said, each large SUV below includes a summary of its essential details, like the powertrain, gas mileage, cargo space, safety features, and other options.
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
2010 Chevy Tahoe LTZ. Photo: Chevrolet.
2010 Chevy Tahoe Overview
The Chevy Tahoe has been a persistent bestseller since replacing the Blazer in 1995, and the 2010 Tahoe is a great “bang-for-the-buck” option on this list of best used large SUVs.
While the third row may not be the most comfortable or accessible, Chevy’s Active Fuel Management system (i.e., cylinder deactivation) at the time helped the big Tahoe save on fuel.
Although a GMC Yukon is comparable to the Chevy Tahoe, we still prefer the bowtie for these older model years.
Why We Chose The 2010 Chevy Tahoe
The 2010 Chevy Tahoe has good consumer-verified scores all these years later from both Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power.
In 2010, Chevy made some changes to the Tahoe lineup, discontinuing the range-topping 6.2-liter V8 and the base 4.8-liter V8. However, the 5.3-liter V8 with E85 (flex fuel) remained and was a powerhouse that delivered 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft. of torque.
For 2010, the Tahoe was standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in rear or four-wheel drive (4WD), and offered a choice between a single or two-speed transfer case.
Max Towing Capacity
With plenty of torque on tap, the 2010 Tahoe with 4WD could tow up to 8,200 lbs. when properly equipped with the heavy-duty towing package. 2WD models had a max towing capacity of 8,500 lbs.
Fuel Economy
The 2010 Tahoe 4WD returns an EPA-estimated 15 in the city, 21 on the highway, and a combined 17 mpg. With E85, the numbers drop to 11/16 city/highway and 13 combined.
Cargo Space
The 2010 Chevy Tahoe has about 17 cubic feet behind the third row. A minor caveat is that the third-row seats require manual removal to free up more rear cargo space (109 cubic feet in total). If equipped with a front bench seat, the 2010 Tahoe can seat up to nine adults.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe has a five-star rating from NHTSA in the frontal crash category. At the time, the Tahoe was standard with ABS brakes, front seat-mounted airbags, side curtain airbags, and stability control.
2010 Chevy Tahoe Average Price
Depending on miles and condition, a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe may land, on average, between $7,500 and $14,500.
New for the 2010 Tahoe was a USB connection in the center console, allowing stored files to play through the audio system. The USB input also offered charging for some handheld devices.
The Interior Plus Package added Bluetooth connectivity, tri-zone climate control, front bucket seats with premium cloth, and rear audio system controls. The Exterior Plus Package added front fog lamps and luggage rack cross bars, while the Z71 off-road suspension was available for the 1LT.
Depending on what you find on the used market, a 2010 Chevy Tahoe may have a Bose stereo, power-adjustable pedals, and a six-disc CD changer.
2015 Ford Expedition
2015 Ford Expedition Overview
As a total package, the 2015 Ford Expedition is one of the best used SUVs available today. The 2015 model can seat up to eight and has maintained above-average consumer ratings on Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power.
Why We Chose The 2015 Ford Expedition
In 2015, the long standard 5.4 V8 was replaced by Ford’s EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. While some buyers may have initially missed the Expedition’s V8, the twin-turbo V6 delivered the goods with 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.
All 2015 Expeditions have a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift capabilities. A rear-wheel drivetrain was standard, but an optional four-wheel drivetrain with low-range gearing was available.
While it’s probably foolish to talk about speed when discussing the merits of a three-row SUV, the 2015 Expedition isn’t a couch potato with a zero to 60 mph time of under seven seconds. And with all the pep, the ride was smoother too, as the 2015 Expedition gained a four-wheel independent suspension with optional three-way adaptive dampers.
Max Towing Capacity
The 2015 Expedition can tow up to 9,200 lbs. when properly equipped, nice for those with boats, snowmobiles, or other toys.
Fuel Economy
A rear-wheel drive 2015 Expedition achieved an EPA-estimated 16 in the city, 22 on the highway, and up to 18 combined. Meanwhile, opting for a 4WD variant delivers 15/20 city/highway and a combined of 17 mpg.
Cargo Space
The 2015 Ford Expedition has 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55 cubic feet behind the second, and 108 cubic feet behind the first.
If you can find an EL model (the extended wheelbase Expedition) on the used market, those cargo capacity numbers jump significantly. EL models offer 42.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, 85.5 behind the second row, and 130 cubic feet behind the first row.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2015 Ford Expedition has a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
The standard safety features included ABS brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and trailer sway control.
2015 Ford Expedition Average Price
Depending on what you find on the pre-owned market, a 2015 Ford Expedition may have an asking price between $10,000 and $22,000.
At the time, the Limited and King Ranch would have given the Expedition a Lincoln level of refinement. Although trim levels like the Limited and King Ranch will command a higher price, their feature set makes them luxury SUVs.
2015 Toyota Land Cruiser
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Overview
The Land Cruiser is not for everyone, and you could probably get two used Chevy Tahoes or Ford Expeditions for just one Land Cruiser. The 5.7-liter V8 offers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque, but it also eats gas like nobody’s business!
In terms of affordability, almost any Toyota SUV is better, but if you can’t be talked into a Highlander or 4Runner, then the Land Cruiser awaits.
Why We Chose The Toyota Land Cruiser
With Lexus levels of luxury, the Land Cruiser delivers a smooth ride across all its rows of seating and feels nearly unstoppable off-road. The demerits include a somewhat clunky infotainment system, styling that could be considered bland, and the fact it’s nearly impossible to park in a city.
Despite that, the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser had no shortage of mechanical muscle. Standard features included a full-time 4WD system with active traction control, a Torsen limited-slip and locking center differential, crawl control with off-road turn assist, multi-terrain select, and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
On the inside, the HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite and JBL Synthesis audio system made for quite the combo. The system included an eight-inch touchscreen with spilt-screen capability, a reverse camera display, an AM/FM radio, a CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, and 14 JBL speakers (including a subwoofer).
Max Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the 2015 Land Cruiser has a max towing capacity of 8,200 lbs.
Fuel Economy
There’s no getting around the Land Cruiser being a thirsty beast. The EPA rated it at 13 in the city and 18 on the highway, with a combined of 15 mpg.
Although the 2024 Land Cruiser has a much more fuel-efficient i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, there were no other engine options in 2015.
Cargo Space
While the 2015 Land Cruiser isn’t exactly the Toyota RAV4 in terms of fuel economy, the cargo space is perhaps more conducive for long weekend trips.
The 2015 Land Cruiser offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43 cubic feet when folded. With the middle row folded and the third row removed, the total cargo space expands to 82 cubic feet.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser did not receive a crash test rating from NHTSA.
At the time, the big SUV was standard with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, parking sensors, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, full-length side curtain airbags, knee airbags, and a rearview camera.
2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Average Price
The 2015 Land Cruiser was available in a single trim with a boatload of features. Prepare to spend $40,000 to $45,000, possibly more, for one in decent condition.
2010 Toyota Sequoia
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2010 Toyota Sequoia Overview
If the Land Cruiser is too rich for your blood, the 2010 Sequoia is the next best thing if you want a large Toyota SUV.
Updates for the 2010 Sequoia included a new 4.6-liter V8, an optional 5.7-liter V8, a roomier interior with adult-sized third-row seating, and a “Cold Kit” with heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer.
The 2010 Sequoia has 4.7 out of 5 stars (consumer rankings) from Kelley Blue Book, getting high marks in performance, build quality, ride comfort, reliability, and practicality.
Why We Chose The 2010 Toyota Sequoia
From school runs to weekend outings, the Sequoia was designed to meet the demands of a busy family. It can ferry up to eight without the high asking price of the Land Cruiser (although it can be harder to park like the Land Cruiser).
For longer road trips, a standard rear DVD system for Platinum models combined a seven-inch LCD screen with a separate rear-seat audio system and dual wireless headphones.
The standard 4.6-liter V8 has 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft. of torque, about 34 more horsepower than the 4.7-liter it replaced. If you can find one, the optional 5.7-liter V8 would have come standard in the Limited and Platinum. It has 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque.
At the time, the 2010 Sequia’s ride quality benefited from an all-new platform with a four-wheel independent suspension. Platinum models were equipped with an adaptive suspension to enhance on-road comfort and the overall driving experience, even when towing.
Max Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the 2010 Toyota Sequoia has a max towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.
Fuel Economy
The 2010 Toyota Sequoia 4WD with either the 4.6 or 5.7-liter V8 has an EPA rating of 13 in the city, 18 on the highway, and 15 combined.
Opting for E85 for the 5.7-liter V8 returns an EPA rating of nine in the city, 12 on the highway, and 10 combined.
Cargo Space
The 2010 Toyota Sequoia has a second-row bench (split 40:20:40) with a slider mechanism that allows for an adjustment range of nearly six inches. Similarly, the third row is split 60:40 and has a seatback reclining mechanism that folds flat.
With everything folded, the 2010 Sequoia has 120 cubic feet of cargo space and will carry an item up to 11 feet long.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2010 Toyota Sequoia did not receive a crash test rating from NHTSA.
At the time, standard safety features included stability control, antilock brakes, curtain airbags, front knee airbags, and front-seat side airbags. In addition, Sequoia Platinum and Limited had a rear camera and parking sensors for the front and rear.
2010 Toyota Sequoia Average Price
Depending on miles and condition, a 2010 Sequoia may list between $10,000 and $20,000.
2011 Cadillac Escalade
2011 Cadillac Escalade Overview
Although related to its GM stablemates, the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, the Escalade’s interior was as elegant as any Cadillac at the time, with plenty of bespoke equipment to fortify its posh countenance against the Tahoe and Yukon.
The Escalade is still one of the best large SUVs on the market today, although pre-owned models maintain above-average consumer rankings on Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power.
Why We Chose The 2011 Cadillac Escalade
The primary reason we like the 2011 Escalade is what’s under the hood: a stout 6.2-liter V8 with 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft. of torque. Power goes to the rear or all wheels via a six-speed automatic. Like many large SUVs at the time, the 2011 Escalade could run on E85.
New features for 2011 included a laminated front windshield to help reduce road and wind noise. OnStar’s voice recognition software improved, ESV models offered more cargo space, and Platinum models were standard with Magnetic Ride Control. Although not reflected on this list, the Escalade EXT was considered a more luxurious Chevy Avalanche at the time.
Interior features included heated and cooled 14-way Nuance leather seats, olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays, an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, an optional DVD system, and an optional heated steering wheel.
Although the new car smell has long faded, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade still offers some nice features if you need an older used SUV.
Max Towing Capacity
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade with 2WD could tow a maximum of 8,300 lbs. when properly equipped (8,100 lbs. for AWD models).
Fuel Economy
The 2011 Escalade with 2WD has an EPA rating of 14 in the city, 18 on the highway, and 16 combined. By contrast, AWD models return an EPA rating of 13 in the city, 18 on the highway, and 15 combined.
Running E85 (2WD or AWD) results in a combined 12 mpg.
Cargo Space
ESV models, or the extended-wheelbase Escalade, offered the most cargo space (up to 137.4 cubic feet with the second row folded and the third row removed).
Standard wheelbase models offered nearly 17 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 60.3 cubic feet with the third row removed, and 108.9 cubic feet behind the first row.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Every 2011 Escalade came standard with head-side curtain airbags for all rows, front-row thorax airbags, and front-row seat belt pretensioners.
2011 Cadillac Escalade Average Price
Depending on miles and condition, the asking price of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may land between $10,000 and $22,000.
Best Warranty Options for Pre-Owned SUVs
The likelihood is high that any pre-owned SUV will have run out of its factory warranty. While dealers may provide a brief in-house warranty following the sale, it’s not the same as having factory-level coverage. Even the best cars, trucks, and SUVs will need maintenance at some point in the future.
An extended warranty can protect you from unforeseen repair bills, especially those that may be associated with higher-mileage premium or luxury SUVs (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Buick, and Lincoln, for example). Top extended warranty providers have customizable plans, from full bumper-to-bumper to powertrain only. Likewise, reputable providers will offer additional benefits like roadside assistance.
After conducting thorough market research and competitive comparisons, our team picked the providers listed above, along with a handful of others, as the top warranty companies for pre-owned vehicles today.
If you are considering an extended warranty, ask for sample contracts upfront and look for the area where the claims process is explained in detail. Avoid contracts that are not transferable or cannot be canceled easily. To help get the most out of any extended warranty, see these insider tips from a repair shop owner.
Auto Loan Rate Comparision Tool
It’s a good idea to secure your own financing before you visit the dealership. The calculator below will help get you started.
Original article: Best Used Large SUVs (2024 Buyer’s Guide)
