They are tough and durable thanks to the body-on-frame platform. Well, there are some disadvantages. But, if you are going off the road, then truck-based SUVs are the best option. Crossovers ride smoother, like cars. On the other hand, old-school vehicles keep the body separated from the frame and its parts – engine, suspension, wheels.
Well, crossovers are more versatile, and it is the main reason for their popularity. Still, some companies are still in the game with truck-based SUVs. In this review, we will analyze the best options each truckmaker is offering.
Ford Bronco, Expedition, Excursion, Lincoln Navigator
Ford Motor Company is the No1 carmaker in the US. Their vehicles are at the top of the charts in every segment. So, it is not a surprise to see so many truck-based SUVs for the 2024 season. The revival of the Bronco drew a lot of attention and made some other companies change their minds about the BoF platforms. The legendary SUV belongs to the mid-size class, it is a rival to Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. But, Ford has bigger SUVs to offer.
Expedition is the full-size SUV with a long body. It can be even more extended. The Expedition Max is 222 inches long and offers exceptional cargo capacity. Also, it can do many duties off the road. If you are looking for a premium SUV with a 4×4 upgrade, then the Lincoln Navigator is the premium version of the Expedition.
Still, Ford is yet to bring the truck-based SUVs game to the next level with the comeback of the Excursion model. This one is based on the F-250 Super Duty truck. When it was available last time, Excursion was the biggest model in the market. The new one could be 230 inches long. The company has excellent engine options for the heavy-duty SUV – a 7.3-liter V8 petrol mill perfectly fits the nature of the vehicle.
General Motors: Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade
Of course, this is another field where the biggest Ford’s rival is GM. Well, the company is not offering a mid-size body-on-frame SUV, since they are focused on electrification. Still, all across the lineup, you can find numerous choices and options.
If you go with Chevrolet models, there are Tahoe and Suburban, the long-wheelbase version. GMC Yukon is also a truck-based SUV, and the premium model is Cadillac Escalade. All of them have in common V8 engines. Some models will use a 5.3-liter displacement, while a 6.2-liter mill is there for high-end versions. Also, General Motors is finally using an independent rear suspension setup, making their vehicles more competitive.
Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will offer the most options. Also, the LWB SUV is the model with the highest cargo capacity in the market. On the other hand, Yukon and Yukon XL can be tuned to be tough off-road SUVs if you pick the AT4 model or luxurious vehicle with the Denali equipment. The latest update from this lineup is the arrival of the Cadillac Escalade V, a performance truck-based SUV. After all the upgrades, the super-ute can deliver 682 horsepower and sprint 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
FCA: Jeep Wrangler and Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
The lineup was not wide, but the Jeep Wrangler is the king of the off-road segment. The vehicle sits on the BoF platform and it is the favorite choice for 4×4 adventures. There are two versions of the SUV – a two-door model and the Wrangler Unlimited with a 4-door layout. Either way, you won’t regret buying this SUV.
A turbo-four and a V6 are the main sources of power. But, the company is upgrading the lineup with a V8 for the Wrangler 392 version. Now, the 4xe is the newest member of the lineup. It uses the plug-in hybrid configuration. That is not the end, since the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is getting an all-electric Magneto version.
The company also brought back the Wagoneer. We knew it will be the biggest model in the lineup. But, the company made it a luxury SUV. The price is pretty high, but both Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are combining luxury and performance elements in the best possible way.
Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, GX
This is the most versatile lineup on this list. The Japanese company is one of the most recognized builders of truck-based SUVs. The 4Runner is the smallest one in the lineup and everyone is expecting the new version. The next-gen SUV is coming with a lot of changes, and many fans assume that Toyota is about to replace the engine. How it is going to affect off-road capabilities, we’ll see.
Its larger sibling was recently updated, and Sequoia is one of the rare models with an old 5.7-liter V8 engine. It was tough and reliable, but it was time for something more efficient. After Tundra, the first truck-based SUV that uses a new I Force technology is the Lexus LX. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine is even more powerful. Still, its off-road potential is yet to be proven.
The Lexus GX is another model that should be redesigned very soon. And it is also a mystery. The vehicle belongs to the mid-size luxury segment. There is no too much competition here. Still, the GX needs to find the way to legitimate the price difference compared to the 4Runner.
Unfortunately, the legendary 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is not available in the US anymore. The company finally brought the 300 Series and discontinued the SUV that closed the gap between luxury and utility. This move makes more room for the all-new Lexus LX 600.
2024 Nissan Armada
The 2024 Nissan Armada should be redesigned. It is one of the oldest SUVs currently on the market. Besides the styling changes, engineers will also think about the next powertrain options. We are also following the news about the Titan, the truck Sequoia is based on.
Experts believe Nissan needs to follow the footsteps of its rivals. A 5.6-liter V8 engine is big. Its durability and reliability are not in doubt. But, nowadays, carmakers tend to make their rides more efficient, even if we speak of truck-based SUVs. So, the 2024 Armada should be all-new, but there are no details about its redesign and engine modifications. A turbo-six is the best replacement for a V8.
2024 Infiniti QX80
Infiniti is Nissan’s premium branch, but we analyze the QX80 separately from the Armada. The reason is the Monograph concept that will underpin future big rigs of the luxury SUV lineup. The first vehicle to use it is the QX60. But, the unibody platform doesn’t allow the mid-size model to bring the best of the new platform. That is why the expectations from the 2024 Infiniti QX80 are huge.
One thing will be in common with the Nissan Armada – the new engine. We doubt the company is keeping a thirsty V8, although it can deliver 400 hp. Infiniti needs to catch up with the competition. A smaller block, but with turbochargers seems to be one of the solutions. If engineers decide to cut two cylinders and go with a V6, then a twin-turbo system should maximize the potential of the new unit.
The Monograph platform is very promising. The company introduced it a few years ago, and the new truck-based QX80 would be out already if there was no pandemic. The Japanese company made the first step by introducing the QX60, and now it is turn for the A-League.
2024 Mercedes G-Wagon
The most luxurious nameplate on the list is the 2024 Mercedes G-Class. The legendary vehicle keeps both utility and luxury at high levels. We can say it for the price as well, but that is expected. The G-Wagon is using a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine with 415 hp and the pricing starts from $130,000. If you want to spice it up, the AMG G 63 package upgrades the performance with extra power and torque – 577 hp and 627 lb-ft. Well, Mercedes fans are not worried about the gas mileage, since they pay $170,000 for the ride. The annoying thing is that they have to visit gas stations more frequently.
Besides the price, it is really hard to find any other downside of this truck-based SUV. It is the only Mercedes with the BoF platform. We can say that the performance might be better if the design is more aerodynamic and aesthetic. But, the boxy look gives the G-Class an eye-catching moment and unique appearance.
2024 BMW X7
Another German carmaker decided to test its potential in the truck-based SUVs world. As expected, BMW decided to challenge their archrivals Mercedes in the full-size SUV market. But, the X7 is using the body-on-frame platform, while the GLS is on the unibody architecture. That gives leverage to the Bavarian company.
The base model of the X7 is not so important, since it is using a weak inline-six engine. But, when upgraded to the M60i package, the full-size premium SUV is delivering what its buyers expect. However, for 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, you need to pay $100,000. The xDrive AWD is standard. There is no M package available, but the Alpina XB7 is the replacement. This version upgrades both the luxury and performance. The 4.4-l V8 can burst 612 hp and 0-60 mph time is 3.7-seconds. There is no vehicle on this list that can do it better.