What Is The Best Used Full-Size SUV To Buy?

If you are in the market for a large SUV, you need to know which model is your best option. Full-size SUVs are sturdy picks that are moderately reliable; however, some can be gas guzzlers.

The best full-size SUVs to buy are the Chevrolet Suburban and the Ford Expedition. These cars are the most reliable large SUVs while also being customer favorites. The Nissan Armada and the GMC Yukon are excellent choices for drivers looking for a full-size SUV as well.

Here’s a look at what makes these models so popular.

Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevy Suburban has been one of the most popular full-size SUVs for decades. One of the main appeals of this car is its size. Compared to other SUVs in the class, the Suburban has much more space in the trunk and along the rows of seats.

The windows are large, and the engine is powerful. In fact, Chevrolet has updated the older 5.3L V8 engine with new options, including the 6.2L V8 and a turbo-diesel engine.

Chevy’s Suburban is one of the most reliable full-size SUVs. The most recent model released in 2022 has scored an 83 out of 100 on predicted reliability, making it a close contender with the GMC Yukon and the Toyota Sequoia for the most reliable full-size SUV.

The Chevy Suburban also gets excellent gas mileage for its size, with most models getting as many as 27 miles to the gallon when driving on the highway. For comparison, the Ford Expedition gets 23 miles to the gallon on the highway.

If you don’t want to buy a brand new Chevy Suburban, perhaps a used model will satisfy you. The best years for this SUV are 2010 through 2013 and any models made after 2017. The older Suburbans from before 2010 have problems with transmission and oil consumption, but there are problems present in most full-size SUVs from those years.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a very popular pick among full-size SUVs. It is one of the larger and more spacious SUVs in the full-size class, and it has a lot of power underneath the hood. The towing capabilities are top-notch, and the aluminum frame on the car produces a smooth ride.

When it comes to reliability, the newest Ford Expedition scores a 75 out of 100. Though this isn’t as high as some competing full-size SUVs, it makes up for it in safety.

This vehicle has earned a five-star safety rating, as it is full of features that protect the car and the passengers. Kelly Blue Book has awarded this SUV with the Best Buy award for its overall reliability, safety, and power.

The best years for the Ford Expedition are the most recent years, starting in 2017. These newer models have the reliability, safety, and power that has brought the Ford Expedition to the front of the full-size SUV market. If you don’t want one of these newer models, models made after 2007 are the best choice. T

hese models aren’t perfect, but there have been very few recalls of the Ford Expedition models made between 2007 and 2017, which speaks to the car’s reliability. Overall, the Ford Expedition is an excellent pick for an SUV.

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada isn’t as popular as options like the Chevy Suburban or the Ford Expedition. However, this SUV still has a lot to offer. This car is a reliable option for people who value comfort and capability.

The Nissan Armada has a 5.6L V8 engine capable of towing 8,500 pounds without much trouble. This is more than the Ford Expedition.

The Nissan Armada tends to be more affordable than the Expedition or the Suburban too. While the 2022 Nissan Armada has a starting MSRP of $48,900, the 2022 For Expedition has a starting MSRP of $68,150.

The Nissan Armada lands in the middle of the pack in terms of reliability. The 2022 model hasn’t received a predicted reliability score yet, but prospective buyers can expect a score similar to the Ford Expeditions. This model also has not received a safety rating.

Overall, the Nissan Armada is a good pick for someone who doesn’t want to spend as much money on a large SUV while still getting a lot of power and comfort. The best years for the Nissan Armada are 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014. These are the most reliable years for the model, with the 2013 Nissan Armada being the favorite.

In many ways, the Nissan Armada is a better SUV than the Ford Expedition.

GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon is a fantastic pick for someone shopping for a full-size SUV. As can be expected of any GMC vehicle, it bears a close resemblance to the Chevrolet equivalent, the Suburban. Because of this, the GMC Yukon is reliable, spacious, and a favorite of consumers.

The main difference between these cars is that the GMC Yukon is a more luxurious option. There is more legroom, and the vehicle uses higher-quality materials.

The GMC Yukon is a reliable option, as it is often ranked above the Suburban when it comes to longevity. Generally, the GMC Yukon will cost less to maintain every year than the Suburban. Regardless, consumers tend to prefer the Suburban over the GMC because of the new technological features and the history that Chevrolet has with the Suburban.

Drivers of the GMC Yukon recommend the 2014 model highly, with the 2010-2013 models also doing very well. These years have the fewest cases of engine failure while also holding their value well. Some of the more recent years (starting with the 2015 model) have serious issues.

Ten recalls have been reported by the NHTSA for safety issues on the 2015 GMC Yukon model, making that year, in particular, a bad choice.

Overall, full-size SUVs offer the space and seating capacity that a larger family will need. There are some great options, with each company offering its features. As long as you carefully research whatever car you are buying, you should have a positive experience as you get onto the road.