Small and midsize sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have become even more popular recently. They possess most of the features and capabilities expected from an SUV at an affordable price and operating cost. After all, why splurge on a massive vehicle that will take up considerable space, guzzle lots of expensive fuel, and go with a mostly empty interior on typical drives?
However, that doesn’t mean larger SUVs have fallen by the wayside. Full-size SUVs remain popular because they can do things that smaller vehicles cannot. Learn more about these large vehicles and find out if they suit your needs better than compact or midsize SUVs.
What Is a Full-Size SUV?
A full-size SUV must meet several requirements–a large size, 3-row seating, voluminous cargo space, and the ability to tow heavy loads.
Size
Full-size SUVs are the biggest examples of their vehicle type. They need enough volume to accommodate requirements like a powerful engine, multiple passengers, and more cargo than what can fit inside smaller vehicles.
Knowing the size of a full-size SUV helps in many ways, such as determining the minimum size of the parking lot required for the vehicle. Generally, a full-size SUV is at least 201 inches long. Some models, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, started as smaller SUVs but were built bigger over the years.
The longest production model of a full-size SUV is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. It measures 227 inches –almost 19 feet– in length.
Seating Arrangement
A full-size SUV features three rows of seats. These seats follow one of two basic seating arrangements. The first arrangement seats the driver and one passenger in the front row, two passengers in the middle row, and three more passengers in the last row.
The alternative seating arrangement also fits two people in the front row and three in the back row. However, the middle row can accommodate three passengers, increasing the number of people to eight.
Some manufacturers offer the option of front-row bench seats on some of their full-size SUVs. This optional seating arrangement increases the number of people who can fit in the SUV to nine.
Cargo Space
Aside from carrying more passengers, a full-size SUV can fit larger numbers of smaller items or bigger, heavier individual objects in its rear cargo space. The back and middle rows of seats are usually foldable, allowing you to significantly expand the already considerable storage space.
Towing Capacity
A full-size SUV is rated for towing heavy loads, such as other vehicles or trailers carrying large objects like motorboats. It usually comes with a hitch to make attaching a trailer quick and easy.
Other Features of Full-Size SUVs
Similar to many of their smaller brethren, full-size SUVs possess at least some ability to cross rough terrain. Their off-road capability varies between models, but the large SUVs usually have the ground clearance, powertrain, and suspension for minor off-roading at the minimum.
Spot the Difference Between Compact, Midsize, and Full-Size SUV
There are three types of SUVs according to their size: Compact, midsize, and full-size. While they sometimes resemble each other because of the manufacturer’s overall design philosophy, these vehicles are distinctly different from each other.
It’s easy to tell full-size SUVs apart from compact or midsize vehicles. For one thing, the former are visibly larger. A good rule of thumb is that any SUV longer than 201 inches is considered a full-size SUV.
Second, a full-size SUV has three rows of seats and can comfortably seat eight or nine people. In comparison, compact and most midsize SUVs only have two rows and can only seat five people at the maximum.
Advantages of a Full-Size SUV
Even if you’re not looking for a full-size SUV, its benefits make it tempting. Here some advantages of full-size SUVs:
Adaptability
Full-size SUVs are versatile vehicles. They can operate on uneven terrain and paved road surfaces alike. Some models have extensive off-road performance; look no further than the Jeep Wagoneer, the full-size SUV entry in Jeep’s lineup.
Heavy-Duty Towing
While many vehicles can tow loads, only two types can tow heavy-duty loads: Trucks and full-size SUVs.
A full-size SUV has the engine power, transmission performance, and frame strength to tow a heavily laden trailer over long distances without strain. It can pull this feat of strength off while carrying passengers and hauling cargo.
Cargo Space
Full-size SUVs can haul the largest loads among the different SUV types. You can make more room by folding the middle and third rows of seats. If you do this, the full-size SUV can come close to the internal volume of vans or the open space of truck beds.
Comfort and Roominess
The interior of the typical full-size SUV is spacious and has lots of headroom and legroom available. Adults and tall people will appreciate the roominess of a full-size SUV. Even if all three rows end up occupied, they will be more comfortable than the smaller seats in compact and midsize SUVs.
Disadvantages of a Full-Size SUV
Nothing is perfect, so it’s unsurprising that full-size SUVs have drawbacks. You must consider weaknesses alongside their strengths and decide whether or not it’s worthwhile to get a large SUV.
Here are some of the disadvantages of a full-size SUV:
Price Tag
The asking price of a full-size SUV usually exceeds those of compact and midsize SUVs. After all, it costs more to build a large vehicle with a powerful engine.
Higher Fuel Bills
Between its size and engine, a full-size SUV consumes more fuel than smaller vehicles. Be prepared to stop by gas stations more often and brace yourself for the fuel bill.
Inferior Handling
Full-size SUVs aren’t the nimblest vehicles on the road. They can go surprisingly fast in a straight light on level ground, but their size and weight preclude them from responding like a sports car.
Best Full-Size SUV Models
Car manufacturers offer many large SUVs that are still produced to this day. The best full-size SUV models are the following:
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Yukon
- Jeep Wagoneer
- Nissan Armada
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Sequoia
Vehicles are big investments, and a full-size SUV is even bigger. However, you get what you pay for. If you can afford the higher upfront cost and accept the operating expenses, you get a capable vehicle that can go almost anywhere.
Where to Get Replacement Parts for Your Full-size SUV
If you’re shopping for replacement parts for your full-size SUV, look no further than CarParts.com. Here, you can discover top-notch parts for your vehicle with just a few clicks. We have the parts you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
To start shopping, simply input your SUV’s specific details into our vehicle selection tool. This will allow our system to narrow down your search to the parts that are compatible with your ride, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.
Our replacement parts have passed strict quality checks to ensure they comply with industry standards and specifications. Our team of industry experts handpicks all our products, so you can be sure they’re durable.
Need to get back on the road as soon as possible? We’ve got you covered! Our warehouses are strategically located across the country, so you can expect your orders to arrive quickly.
Get back behind the wheel with confidence. Check out our selection of replacement parts for your full-size SUV today!
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