7 Fantastic Full-Size SUVs to Buy Used

SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most popular models out there are compact or even subcompact. These smaller models work great for a lot of drivers, but others can’t get by with something that can only fit five people total, doesn’t have a massive interior cargo hold, and isn’t particularly great at towing. If you’re looking for something that can carry seven or eight people plus all their cargo, all while pulling a heavy trailer, then you’ll want to opt for a full-size SUV.

Because full-size models are bigger and more capable than compact and midsize alternatives, they also tend to be more expensive. Drivers looking to stay under budget would do well to look at used SUVs for sale. Here at Lincoln Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have all kinds of makes and models in our used inventory, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Our inventory is always in flux, so it can be a good idea to have multiple options in mind while you browse so you’re open to all of the models that might work for you. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of seven full-size models that are great choices for drivers buying used.

1 – Jeep Wagoneer

When Jeep revived the Wagoneer nameplate for the 2022 model year, it pulled out all the stops. The result is a large SUV that’s both incredibly powerful and luxuriously comfortable. The 2022 model can tow up to 10,000 lbs thanks to its standard V8 engine. You can also use that power to conquer off-road trails if you opt for a model with four-wheel drive—the Wagoneer has plenty of ground clearance, a drive mode selector to help you adjust the settings for various surfaces (like sand, mud, snow, and rock), and an available adjustable air suspension that can raise and lower the body by several inches to give you the best ride possible on any terrain. While the Grand Wagoneer is a better choice if you want the absolute height of luxury, the Wagoneer itself is nothing to sneeze at, with plenty of creature comforts standard throughout the lineup.

2 – Chevy Suburban

The Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the country, with a history that stretches all the way back to 1935. That means you have the potential to run into some very old Suburbans when shopping used, though we recommend you stick to the 2015 model year and newer. The Suburban got a full redesign for 2015, giving it a quieter cabin that’s much more pleasant when driving with several passengers, a modern lineup of driver assistance tech, and power-folding second and third-row seats that make it easier to switch between passenger space and cargo space. If you’re looking at newer models, the Suburban got a more recent redesign for 2021, where it gained an independent rear suspension and available air suspension for a smoother ride, a more efficient diesel powertrain, and a longer body providing even more interior space. If you want to get something that’s a little shorter but still full-size, there’s always the Chevy Tahoe, which is a very similar model with a similar redesign history and a slightly more affordable price point.

3 – Ford Expedition

Ford is well known for building reliable trucks that last for years, so you can trust that a used Expedition has plenty of life left in it. Still, it’s best to stick to the latest generation if you want a modern look and a state-of-the-art suite of features. For the 2018 model year, the Expedition and longer Expedition Max got updated engines, power-folding second and third-row seating, and a more comfortable third row. The 2020 model year saw driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard fare across all trims. If you’re looking for something rugged enough to handle off-road driving, you’ll have to limit your search to 2022 models and newer since those are the years where you’ll find the Timberline trim, which has a wider stance, more ground clearance, a two-speed transfer case, and protective underbody cladding.

4 – Nissan Armada

While the Armada received its latest generational refresh for the 2017 model year around the same time as the Expedition, it has maintained more of an old-school look and feel. That might be a dealbreaker if you want a used model that doesn’t feel too out of touch or a plus if you appreciate the retro feel and rounded edges of SUVs past but don’t want to take a chance on an older vehicle that’s racked up too many miles. Unless you really want to keep things old school, we recommend sticking to the 2021 model year or newer—older Armadas won’t give you Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity and use a touchscreen that’s both small and frustratingly slow. While it might have been slow to update its infotainment, the Armada does have plenty of strengths to offer, including an impressively smooth ride, a competitive towing capacity, and a luxurious interior, particularly on upper trim levels like the Platinum.

5 – GMC Yukon

If you like the bones of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban but wish that they had a more upscale look and feel, you’re in luck. The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are built on the same platforms as their Chevy siblings but with more chrome on the exterior, more quality materials on the interior, and some exclusive features. For example, comparing the off-road trims on the 2021 models (the AT4 for the Yukon and Z71 for the Chevy Tahoe), you’ll find that the GMC offers a more advanced four-wheel drive system that automatically manages traction and distributes power among the wheels based on changing driving dynamics. So, if you’re thinking of heading off-road and are deciding between the Chevy and the GMC, you’ll want to consider that the Yukon will offer better performance in tricky situations where it’s hard to get a grip on the ground.

6 – Lincoln Navigator

Just like how the GMC Yukon is a more upscale variant of the Chevy Tahoe, the Lincoln Navigator is a more luxurious version of the Ford Expedition. Like the Ford, it has both short and long-wheelbase variants, received a major redesign, giving it a more modern style for the 2018 model year, and benefited from a suite of standard safety features a few years later for the 2020 model. When it comes to differences, expect higher prices, better technology, and a more comfortable and convenient interior from the Navigator. Unlike the Expedition, the Navigator also didn’t get an off-road variant for the 2022 model year, but that’s because it’s focused on providing the maximum level of on-road comfort possible. Buying a used model can help make the Navigator more affordable, potentially bringing it down into your price range.

7 – Toyota Sequoia

We’ve saved the Toyota Sequoia for last because there is a wide swath of recent models that aren’t worth recommending, making it a tricky one to look for when shopping used. The Sequoia had a long stagnant period after getting a redesign way back in the 2008 model year. It stayed in its second generation all the way up to the 2022 model year. It did get some significant updates in that time (driver assistance features became standard for the 2018 model, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added to the infotainment system for the 2020 model, for example). Still, the 2022 Sequoia feels older than it is, with a harsh ride, poor fuel economy even for a full-size SUV, and an old-fashioned look. However, that all changed for the 2023 model year, which features an efficient hybrid powertrain, a 9,500 lb towing capacity (up from 7,400 lbs on the 2022 model), a large 14-inch touchscreen, and an updated exterior design. If you can find a newer model in our used inventory (which certainly isn’t impossible), it may well be worth considering.

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