There are not too many body-on-frame SUVs available in the market anymore. But, fans of those rigid vehicles will find a few options. Here is the list of the 2023 Truck-Based SUVs in the US.
Have in mind that those constructions are more expensive, while buyers are always looking to save some money in the budget. On the other hand, safety is better on SUVs using unibody platforms.
There are only six companies still sticking to the BoF. Nevertheless, most of them are delivering both standard and luxury SUVs built on the same platform.
2023 Truck-Based SUVs by General Motors
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
Let’s start with the best-sellers in the full-size SUV class. Chevrolet is still a leader in this segment, thanks to popular models – Tahoe and Suburban. The main difference between the two vehicles is in the size. Suburban is a long-wheelbase SUV with enormous cargo space. The most recent updates made 2023 truck-based SUVs even more capable. Tahoe and Suburban are now available with independent rear suspension.
Under the hood of these SUVs is a V8 engine. Buyers will choose between 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter displacements. Optionally, a diesel drivetrain is also available. Both big rigs are offering the same trim levels. High Country is the top of the range version. After a debut on the Silverado truck, we expect to see the ZR2 package in the SUV class as well.
2023 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
Yukon and Yukon XL are mechanical twins of Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. A 5.3-liter V8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, while a larger 6.2-liter mill is good for 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A turbodiesel can match torque outputs, while the power outputs is 277 horsepower. Besides the different styling, both GMC SUVs are going to be packed with upscale materials and features, meaning Yukon and Yukon XL cost more than Tahoe and Suburban.
Highlights of the lineup are high-end trim levels. The Denali package is a premium offer with leather, advanced technology, and smarter features. On the other hand, if you want to enhance the off-road ride, there is the Yukon AT4. In the combination with a diesel engine and ladder frame, such an SUV seems to be unstoppable. Still, the price might be a stumbling block. Denali package is not under $75,000.
2023 Cadillac Escalade
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV with excellent off-road skills. The company finally added the missing piece, IRS, to catch up with the competition in this segment. The Escalade is also the best-seller in its segment. Plus, the company offers the extended ESV model.
Rumors about the upcoming changes are drawing even more attention. First, we can hear that the Escalade-V performance model is joining the lineup. An enhanced 6.2-liter V8 engine should be available for the Chevy Silverado truck. Definitely, the company will look to exploit the mighty configuration elsewhere. Also, the comeback of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT truck is in the mix. The platform is there, and General Motors needs radical cuts to catch up with Ram and Ford.
2023 Truck-Based SUVs by Ford Motor Company
2023 Ford Bronco
The legendary SUV is back. The company is going to restore the image of the cool off-road vehicle. And there is no better way to do it besides delivering the ladder frame. The 2023 Ford Bronco is using a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine, but don’t let it trick you. The four-banger can produce 310 horsepower, more than many V6 engines. Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a small vehicle built on the unibody architecture.
Bronco can’t miss any 2023 truck-based SUVs list, but one missing ingredient can make it untouchable #1. Yup, that is the 2023 Bronco Raptor. There are no details about the high-performance edition. Experts believe a 3.5-liter V6 would perfectly fit the off-road SUV. Engineers will maximize outputs to 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. If something can be better than the regular Bronco, that is the Bronco Raptor.
2023 Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition stays the best hauler among 2023 truck-based SUVs. The maximum towing capacity is 9,300 lbs. The Expedition Max is the LWB model, the main rival of the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. Here, the towing capacity is dropping to 9,000 pounds. The SUV is also available with a diesel engine. The Powerstroke unit is delivering 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
If you are a fan of the off-road drive, we recommend upgrading the 2023 Ford Expedition with the FX4 package. Tremor is just a rumor for now, and it seems Ford is not taking this move any time soon. The base price of the full-size SUV starts at $50,000. The high-end Platinum edition builds up the offer with features worth $25,000 more.
2023 Ford Excursion
This is the new model for the 2023 truck-based SUVs list. The company plans to bring back the largest SUV even built in the US. The Excursion was larger than long-wheelbase models currently available at dealerships. The new version should be 230 inches long, or even larger. It is based on the heavy-duty class, and that is what would make the 2023 Excursion different from all other models.
Ford even has a solution for the powertrain room. That is a new 7.3-liter V8 Godzilla engine. Capable to produce 430 hp and 480 lb-ft, it seems like a perfect fit for the SUV based on the F-250 truck. The big question is if the 2023 Ford Excursion will be available with a diesel unit. The Super Duty class is using a 6.7-liter turbodiesel with 450 hp and 1,050 lb-ft, which is a bit too much for the SUV.
2023 Lincoln Navigator
Like the GM, Ford also delivers a premium SUV under different badge. The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is going to be out of reach for most fans, but there are still about 20k buyers that can afford a new vehicle every year. For the SUV that costs just under $80,000. Higher trim levels are in the six-digit price realm, making the Navigator one of the most expensive 2023 truck-based SUVs.
The Black Label might be worthy of additional investment. A unique interior theme and other upgrades are available only with this trim. Under the hood of the SUV is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with its highest outputs – 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
2023 Truck-Based SUVs by FCA
2023 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
Wrangler is the best SUV for off-road adventures. The company sells more than 200k units per annum, and that tells everything about the expectations from the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. There are various configurations that will deliver an ultimate 4×4 performance. But, one thing is in common – all setups are built on the ladder frame.
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is a two-door small SUV. Its body is significantly shorter, making the vehicle more agile. On the other hand, the Wrangler Unlimited 4-door SUV is more spacious and versatile. Some of the highlights that boost off-road performance are Selec-Speed control, all-terrain tires, front sway bar disconnect, skid plates. Under the hood of the SUV is either a turbo-four or a six-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, the Wrangler is not going to offer the Hellcat unit or any other V8 engine.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer is finally coming back after years of speculations. Still, fans are disappointed that the new SUV is not bringing back the trademark feature – the wooden exterior trim. On the other hand, the company is going to make it up with superb off-road abilities. The latest technologies and modern materials will get the job done.
A hybrid setup also makes two new SUVs very interesting. We are not seeing such configurations in the full-size segment. A 5.7-liter V8 is enhanced and delivers 392 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The price starts at $68,000, which positions 2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer into the premium class. FCA didn’t unveil further details about optional drivetrains, and the carmaker has a few interesting potential upgrades to offer.
2023 Dodge Durango
A surprising model in this list. The 2023 Dodge Durango is walking on a thin line. Experts believe that the vehicle can either be discontinued or redesigned. The second option will deliver the next-gen model with radical changes. One of them is switching to the body-on-frame architecture, making Durango different from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a unibody SUV.
The 2023 truck-based SUVs class is becoming bigger with moves by the FCA. The new Dodge Durango also features the Hellcat engine. With 710 hp, this is the most powerful factory-built SUV in the market. That will mean a lot if the speculations come true and Durango becomes the SUV using a ladder frame. Plus, there is a variety of other engines, including the base V6 with around 300 hp, and upscale models using a 5.7 and a 6.4-liter displacement.
2023 Truck-Based SUVs by Toyota
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota is the carmaker with the most models in the 2023 truck-based SUVs list. The TNGA architecture is reliable and durable, so the company exploits it as much as possible. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner will be the key rival to the Jeep Wrangler, and one of the rare models that don’t belong to the full-size segment. That means the base price is lower, starting at $35,000.
Ladder frame, mighty V6 engine, and off-road capabilities make the 4Runner so special. After the update of the TRD Pro package, we expect a huge interest in this version. After 2015, the 4×4-oriented bundle is going to boost the features. Still, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will be a good option for long trips and city rides, since it is available with two- and three-row layouts.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Most full-size SUVs are using body-on-frame architecture. So, it would be a huge surprise to see the 2023 Toyota Sequoia with anything else. It is not confirmed yet, but the upcoming SUV could feature a twin-turbo V6 engine, instead of a robust V8. Fuel savings are the main reason for this switch, confirmed for other big rigs in Toyota family.
Recently, the SUV received treatment and now it is the fourth model in the lineup to use the TRD Pro package. This is going to be fun, seeing an off-road oriented 2023 Toyota Sequoia. Its premium siblings, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 600 are heading to the new generation. The Sequoia might go the same way already in 2023. Toyota planned big updates for 2025, but the situation in the market makes the Japanese carmaker speed up development.
2023 Toyota Land Cruiser
Like said, the new generation is on the horizon. The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is finally here, replacing the Series 200 after more than 15 years. Exterior and interior updates will make the luxury SUV as eye-catching as always. The new grille and headlights changed the complete front fascia. Inside, the SUV remains a three-row super-premium vehicle.
But, the main updates are happening under the hood. Instead of a 5.7-liter V8, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser will use a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. For the Tundra truck, it is tuned to 390 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, or 415 ponies in the upper scale. We assume that Land Cruiser will take the more potent configuration. The bad thing is that Toyota could discontinue the LC in the US.
2023 Lexus LX600
The main reason why there won’t be new Land Cruisers in the United States is the all-new 2023 Lexus LX600. The first info about the new engine leaked when the LX600 badge was registered. Now, it is clear that alphanumeric nomenclature doesn’t have anything with the outputs or engine displacements. One thing is sure – the new LX600 will be ready to conquer the premium SUV market with its utility and luxury.
The base price of the LX will go up. We believe that the luxury SUV is going to offer both setups of the new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Of course, more power requires more money for the purchase. We are looking forward to seeing a fresh styling and interior. The 2023 Lexus LX600 will offer both two- and three-row layouts.
2023 Lexus GX460
We already mentioned that the 2023 truck-based SUVs list will be dominated by Toyota vehicles. Lexus is its premium branch and the GX is a luxury version of the 4Runner, in the simplest way. Still, those who don’t know the relation between two automotive brands, won’t get it so easily. Like the rest of the abovementioned models, the 2023 Lexus GX 460 should be redesigned.
A big V6 stays under the hood. It is making the SUV pretty capable of off-roading. Add a cool styling and advanced technology inside the cockpit, and you will see why the GX is going to be one of the favorite 2023 truck-based SUVs. The price is a stumbling block since the MSRP is going to start at $55,000, which is higher than most full-size models.
2023 Truck-Based SUVs by Nissan
2023 Nissan Armada
It’s been a while since Nissan updated Armada. There are no details about the redesign, but the company might be forced to do so. Anyway, they planned changes for the entire lineup and the truck-based SUV is not a top priority. Electrification comes first.
What kind of changes the 2023 Nissan Armada could bring? First, the styling is becoming old. The current generation dates back from 2017 and the 2021 refresh didn’t cause a stunning effect. Still, the Armada is a spacious and comfortable vehicle, with a mighty V8 engine under the hood. Here we are looking for more changes since the competition is working on efficiency. With 16 mpg combined, the 2023 Nissan Armada won’t be the top priority to buyers.
2023 Infiniti QX80
While there are no details about the Armada, the 2023 Infiniti QX80 should go through a big redesign. This body-on-frame SUV will use the Monograph concept, which is already presented on the QX60 mid-size model. This could make the QX80 one of the toughest and most interesting 2023 truck-based SUVs in the market.
Attractive styling is eye-catching and there is no way you will miss this SUV on the road. The interior is futuristic, but the 2023 Infiniti QX80 won’t be the same as the concept. Big touchscreens and a lot of upscale equipment are other things why we believe the SUV could be a surprise of the year. Still, the biggest downside will be the same as for the Nissan Armada – the efficiency of a V8 engine. There are several possibilities available for upgrades, but Nissan is still quiet about them.
Last, But Not the Least: 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The most expensive model on this list. Besides the incredible off-road skills and stunning equipment, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is also the vehicle that will be used as the statement. All the versions bring something unique. But, the best configuration wears the AMG badge. The G-Class SUV is using a handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 577 horsepower and speeds up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The price hits a shocking $165,000.
This is the only Mercedes to use the body-on-frame platform. It is one of the special configurations since the company installed three fully locking differentials. You can save a bit by purchasing a regular model with 415 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The base version starts at $132,000.
