Big vehicles, big questions. Gas prices still sting, parking spots seem smaller every day, and your garage might not fit that massive new Tahoe. Yet Americans are buying more full-size SUVs than ever. What gives?
- Sales are surging with the Ford Expedition jumping 44% in Q2 2025, while the Lincoln Navigator saw gains of 115%
- Fuel efficiency has improved as the Lexus TX 550h+ hybrid now hits 76 MPGe, and even the Toyota Sequoia delivers 22 mpg combined
- They’re still challenging to live with because parking, maneuverability, and higher costs remain real drawbacks
The Numbers Tell an Interesting Story
Sales data from Q2 2025 shows that retail customers and fleet buyers have taken so much to the Ford Expedition, in fact, that it actually pulled ahead of the Chevy Tahoe as the best-selling big SUV this past quarter. The redesigned Expedition saw sales jump 44%, while the Lincoln Navigator posted an impressive 115% increase.
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is a leader in the full-size SUV class and continues to dominate overall sales numbers. GM’s strategy of offering multiple versions – Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade – gives them a commanding presence in the segment.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The large luxury SUV segment is also growing because of all the tech packed into these vehicles. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are now standard on most models. All this tech makes large SUVs safer and more convenient than ever.
The Fuel Economy Game Has Changed
Remember when full-size SUVs were automatic gas guzzlers? Those days are fading. The winner for most fuel-efficient full-size SUV in America for 2025 is the Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. This luxury hauler delivers 76 MPGe and can run 33 miles on pure electric power.
Even traditional gas-powered models are getting better. With a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is the most fuel-efficient vehicle on KBB.com’s list of the best fullsize SUVs. The Sequoia achieves this through its standard hybrid powertrain that pairs a V6 engine with electric motors.
There aren’t many diesel options left on the market, with the optional inline-six in the Suburban being one of the last of its kind. For 2025, it has been uprated and makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, potentially delivering even better fuel economy than previous years.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest about the downsides. The Suburban gets updated styling and a 17.7-inch touch screen for the 2025 model year. Every engine in the lineup provides robust power. The ride quality is comfortable, but the Suburban’s mammoth dimensions make it tricky to maneuver.
SUVs often require more space to park and can be less nimble in urban environments. This can be especially frustrating for city dwellers or those who face limited parking options. If you live in a city with tight streets or limited parking, a full-size SUV might cause daily headaches.
The costs add up beyond the sticker price. SUVs have larger tires and more complex four-wheel-drive systems, so maintenance costs more. You’ll pay extra for tire replacement, brake service, and fluid changes compared to smaller vehicles.
The high price point can also be a barrier for many buyers. Full-size SUVs aren’t cheap, and the nicest models can easily hit six figures.
Performance and Capability Still Matter
Despite the challenges, these vehicles deliver what families need. The full-size, 3-row Ford Expedition is the blue oval’s biggest, most family-friendly SUV, and it’s all-new for 2025. It earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars from experts and offers genuine capability for towing and cargo hauling.
GM’s mid-cycle updates seem to be doing the trick, with every one of its SUVs up by double-digit percentages. The Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade all received refreshes that buyers are responding to positively.
The towing capacity alone justifies these vehicles for many buyers. Most full-size SUVs can tow 8,000+ pounds, making them perfect for boat owners, RV enthusiasts, or anyone who regularly hauls heavy trailers.
Who Should Still Buy One?
Full-size SUVs make sense if you regularly need to transport seven or eight people, tow heavy loads, or want the commanding driving position and perceived safety benefits. They’re also practical for families who take long road trips with lots of gear.
The Yukon has adult-friendly seating in all three rows. There’s also an exceptional amount of cargo room. It provides 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with the standard wheelbase and 144.7 cubic feet with the extended-wheelbase variant.
But if you primarily drive alone or with one passenger, rarely tow anything heavy, and live in a dense urban area, you might be happier with a smaller SUV or crossover.
The Bottom Line
Full-size SUVs in 2025 are better than ever: more efficient, safer, and loaded with technology. Sales numbers prove that plenty of Americans still find value in these big rigs. But they’re not for everyone.
Before you sign on the dotted line, honestly assess your needs. Do you really need to tow that boat, or do you just like the idea of being able to? Will you use all three rows regularly, or will the third row mostly hold groceries? Can your garage actually fit a Suburban, and will you be comfortable parking it at the grocery store?
The math works for many buyers, especially those who value capability over pure efficiency. But if you’re buying a full-size SUV just for the image, you might want to reconsider. There are plenty of impressive midsize options that could meet your needs without the extra hassle.
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