Saying that Americans love big vehicles isn’t a ground-breaking observation. All you have to do is observe what’s parked in driveways and parking lots and what’s driven on roadways and highways. It’s clear many motorists believe that bigger is better.
Underscoring the love affair Americans have with bigger vehicles, the Ford F-Series was the best-selling vehicle last year. Even so, the Toyota RAV4 actually trumped the Ford F-150 in terms of overall sales. People like cars — but they love trucks and SUVs.
When it comes to SUVs, it’s clear that Americans have a soft spot for the product category. Whether they want to keep up with the Joneses, take the family to and from the cottage, or enjoy a high-up position on the road, SUVs are part of car culture.
If you look into which cars Americans love, you’ll see that SUVs feature prominently on such lists. SUVs of all sizes are popular in the country.
With that said, keep reading to learn about the top five large SUVs that Americans can’t seem to get enough of.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is the big daddy of them all. It debuted in the 1935 model year and is the longest-lasting continuous nameplate in automotive history. Known for its cavernous interior space, various engine options, and bulletproof dependability, the Suburban has been a giant success with big families, police departments, and celebrities. Whether newer or older models, Suburbans attract attention on the road.
Suburbans today build upon what has made the brand great — with luxury-level trims like the High Country and innovative technology like Super Cruise offering hands-free functionality. But don’t let the bells and whistles fool you. The SUVs maintain their ruggedness, spaciousness, and other qualities that appeal to American motorists.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition debuted in 1997 as a response to the Chevy Suburban and quickly developed a huge fan base. Constructed on the F-150 platform, it had massive towing power, three rows of seats, and a smoother-than-expected ride.
It has evolved into a more technologically advanced and efficient motor vehicle without losing its functionality. The stretched Expedition Max offers extra cargo space for those who need it. With features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and independent rear suspension, the SUV brings together functionality and comfort.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser remains one of America’s most-loved SUVs. Because of its off-road prowess and bulletproof reliability, the SUV became a cult classic among overlanders and explorers. You might be surprised at how much even well-used models cost on the used vehicle market these days. 1990s and 2000s models like the 80 Series and 100 Series are sought after in the used vehicle lot.
If you take care of them, these SUVs can reach 250,000 or more miles without facing any serious issues. The Land Cruiser wasn’t the flashiest of SUVs, but its functionality and reliability made it worth its weight in gold.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Years before luxury SUVs hit it big, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was leading the way. It debuted early in the 1960s and continued to be made through the early 1990s, melding the rugged 4×4 ability with high-end amenities such as leather upholstery and air conditioning. The woodgrain paneling along the sides, while perhaps tacky by today’s standards, was also a trademark styling element that Wagoneer fans appreciated.
Cadillac Escalade
Since its introduction in 1999, the Cadillac Escalade has been the symbol of luxury full-size SUVs. People from all walks of life — from parents taking their kids to and from soccer practice to celebrities cruising and enjoying nightlife — gravitated to the SUV. The love affair, as it were, still exists as the Escalade still has a large cult following.
Originally a rebadged GMC Yukon, the Escalade soon evolved to become a status symbol, especially in popular culture. Its in-your-face styling, huge V8 engines, and unapologetic aggressive presence provided it with widespread popularity.
Large SUVs have always represented American ideals of freedom, independence, and road-trip readiness. And the SUVs listed above are the benchmarks by which Americans gauge what they require in large SUVs.
