TOP 10 MOST POWERFUL FULL-FRAME SUVS YOU CAN BUY TODAY

There are not too many full-frame SUVs left on the market today. The era of downsizing has made the truck-based SUV a rarity. However, if you’re looking for capability and adventure, they remain the best choice. Luckily, there are still a few good options out there to choose from, from mid-size SUVs to full-sized behemoths.

Regardless of size, the body-on-frame layout is best suited for tackling obstacles. To best achieve this task, these SUVs not only require the best equipment, but they also need powerful engines. Whether you’re looking to take on massive rocks or you simply want to tow as much as possible, these SUVs are up to the task.

Scouring the few truck-based SUVs still out there in 2024, we have found the ten most powerful options available. We’ve ranked them based on how powerful they are, from lowest to highest horsepower output. We take a look at what makes them so great and just what kind of capability they offer.

2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Horsepower: 420

Chevy's Tahoe , and the extended wheelbase Suburban, are nameplates that have been around forever. These massive SUVs prioritize space and capability above all else. These SUVs can seat up to eight passengers and have one of the largest cargo areas of any SUV on the market.

Performance Specifications

The Tahoe and Suburban both feature a trio of powertrains, with the most powerful being a 6.2-liter V-8. This SUV packs a punch and comes with a standard ten-speed automatic and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It's also surprisingly engaging to drive for its size.

Pros

• Unbeatable cargo space
• A trio of excellent powertrains
• One of the only new cars to feature a diesel engine

Cons

• Interior is pretty low-quality for the price you pay
• Useful options are pretty pricey
• Most powerful engine is a costly extra

GMC Yukon

Horsepower: 420

Based on the same underpinnings as the Tahoe and the Suburban, the Yukon and the Yukon XL share the same trio of powertrains. Everything on the inside is essentially the same as well, from massive amounts of cargo space to seating for a large family, just with a GMC twist on things.

Performance Specifications

Same as the Chevy full-size SUVs, the Yukon and Yukon XL's most powerful powertrain comes in the form of a roaring 6.2-liter V-8. A ten-speed automatic and a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is also available. TopSpeed's Garret Donahue has driven the Yukon Denali and was thoroughly impressed.

Pros

• The largest cargo area in the category
• Third-row seating that is more than spacious enough
• A trio of fantastic powertrain options

Cons

• More expensive than its Chevrolet sibling
• The most efficient powertrain lacks horsepower
• A little too large for some

2024 Toyota Sequoia

Horsepower: 437 HP

As one of the largest automakers in the world, it makes sense that Toyota has a vehicle that suits just about everyone. The Sequoia shares its underpinnings with the popular Tundra pickup truck, including its efficient yet powerful powertrain. It may not be the biggest or the most capable, but Toyota has always had its own approach to things.

Performance Specifications

The Sequoia puts efficiency above most things. In a class full of big V-8s, the Toyota features a hybrid V-6. While this may annoy some purists, the iForce MAX actually outputs more power than a large portion of its competition. The only thing that lets it down is its rough on-road demeanor.

Pros

• Fantastic aggressive styling
• Brilliant off-road-ready model in the form of the Capstone
• More efficient than most rivals

Cons

• Third row of seating is a little snug for this segment
• Not as refined or agile as competitors
• Cargo area is a little on the small side for a full-size SUV

2024 Ford Expedition

Horsepower: 440

Ford's Expedition is among the most affordable full-size SUVs in the segment, but its trim ladder does go pretty high. There is a massive gap between the most stark, entry-level models and the most expensive, near-luxury models. In any case, it's capable of hauling a ton of people and cargo alike.

Performance Specifications

Ford's Expedition comes with a twin-turbo V-6 regardless of which model you opt for. This engine comes in three different outputs, though, with the 440 horsepower version being unique to the Timberline trim and Limited models equipped with the Stealth Performance package.

Pros

• One of the highest towing capacities in class
• On-road manners are quite good
• Even the entry-level V-6 is fairly brisk

Cons

• Steering is fairly unresponsive
• Highest trim levels don't feel worth their price tags
• Some interior bits and bobs feel a little low-quality

2024 Lincoln Navigator

Horsepower: 440

If the Ford Expedition is a little too plebeian for your tastes, the Lincoln Navigator offers a more refined and upscale experience. With seats that are 30-way power-adjustable, heated, and equipped with massagers, the Lincoln obviously aims for a different clientele to the likes of the Expedition.

Performance Specifications

Unlike the Expedition, the Navigator comes fitted with the highest output version of the twin-turbo V-6 as standard. As well as this, all models come with four-wheel drive. The Navigator is just as powerful and capable as its mainstream sibling, it just has some finer sensibilities on the inside. The 2025 model also promises to be even more opulent.

Pros

• Much quicker than you would expect
• An interior that can take on the European rivals
• Hands-free driving is standard

Cons

• No rear-wheel drive pushes up the base price
• Is nearing the need for an update
• Not as capable towing-wise as the Expedition

2025 Infiniti QX80

Horsepower: 450

The Infiniti QX80 is essentially the luxury version of the Nissan Armada. The last generation had been on the market for some time and was certainly beginning to show its age. The 2025 model year has hit the streets just in time and promises to usher Infiniti into a new and more competitive age.

Performance Specifications

Infiniti has successfully transformed its outdated full-size SUV into something modern but still capable. The twin-turbo V-6 puts out 50 more horsepower than the outgoing V-8.

Pros

• Great curb appeal
• Super quiet interior
• Tons of tech on the inside

Cons

• Ride is slightly too stiff
• You have to pay large amounts to get the best features
• The new engine isn't that much more efficient than the V-8

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Horsepower: 470

When it comes to SUVs, there are few quite as capable as the Wrangler. In fact, until the Bronco came along, the Wrangler was pretty much unchallenged. Most models may come with a V-6, but if you opt for the Rubicon 392 model, you'll get access to what we believe will be one of the last V-8-powered Wranglers ever.

Performance Specifications

While most people looking to buy a Wrangler will be more than happy with the trims on the lower side, maniacal off-roaders will want to opt for the limited availability of Rubicon 392 models. These models are the only Wranglers still sporting eight-cylinders, while the rest make use of either a V-6 or an inline-four.

Pros

• Classic looks
• Tons of customizability
• Unbeatable off-road performance

Cons

• Interior is fairly cramped
• On-road manners are downright poor
• Cabin is extremely loud, especially with the V-8

2024 Mercedes-AMG G63

Horsepower: 577

If you're looking for off-road capability, but you aren't willing to compromise on interior comfort and luxury, not even a little bit, then the G63 is likely to tickle your fancy. The G63 is essentially a G-Class SUV that has been touched by the engineering gods over at AMG to create one of the most entertaining vehicles ever made.

Performance Specifications

Part race car, part mountain goat, the G63 is the perfect mix of on-road and off-road performance. Its twin-turbocharged V-8 pushes out an absurd amount of power, especially for this car's relatively light frame. In fact, the G63 can rocket from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in an absurd 3.9 seconds.

Pros

• Mind-blowing acceleration
• Interior that is fit for a king
• It has no business being this capable off-road

Cons

• The cabin can get quite noisy
• Still drives like a body-on-frame SUV on the road
• Absurdly expensive, even for a G-Class

2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Horsepower: 510

While the regular Wagoneer only matches the output of our lowest-rated SUVs on this list, the Grand Wagoneer now comes standard with the Hurricane inline-six, pushing out a ridiculous amount of power. Jeep also abandons any idea of targeting mainstream buyers with the Grand Wagoneer, rather aiming for luxury buyers.

Performance Specifications

Some might be sad to see that the 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 has been dropped from the lineup for the 2024 Grand Wagoneer. However, the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six is an absolute beast and offers smooth performance. Jeep has clearly learned from its rivals in Europe and aims to take on the most luxurious offerings in the large SUV segment. It has had to sacrifice some of its off-road capabilities in the process of becoming so posh, though.

Pros

• Super quiet cabin
• Much more luxurious than you would expect from a Jeep
• The inline-six is fantastically smooth

Cons

• Is not the most gracious of vehicles in a parking lot
• No economical engine options
• Not exactly a looker from the outside

2024 Cadillac Escalade V

Horsepower: 682

The Escalade has rather humble beginnings, but it has evolved over time into one of the largest status symbols in the world. This massive SUV is more than just transportation, it is a message to everyone who looks at it. The V-Series takes its performance a step further, making it a force to be reckoned with in terms of speed as well.

Performance Specifications

While the regular Hemi V-8 and the Duramax diesel inline-six will be more than enough for most, the supercharged Escalade V will appeal to those wanting to push limits. It may not be as nimble as some of its unibody rivals, but the Escalade V still feels more agile than the average SUV.

Pros

• Absurd acceleration for something so big
• Brilliant on-road feel
• Unbeatable interior luxury

Cons

• Some interior materials borrowed from lesser GM products
• Other GM cars come close to the Escalade for much less money
• Not as capable as other full-frame SUVs

2024-08-05T11:14:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd