The automotive landscape is currently dominated by SUVs and crossovers, and for good reason. They offer the space, versatility, and commanding presence that today’s drivers crave. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate a large family, haul significant cargo, and potentially tow your weekend toys, then a large SUV is likely at the top of your list. Looking ahead to 2025, the options are more compelling than ever. This guide, crafted by the experts at CARDIAGXPERT, breaks down the best large SUVs arriving in 2025, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Top Midsize SUVs Stepping Up to Large SUV Status
While technically classified as midsize, these SUVs offer near-large SUV space and features, making them excellent considerations for those needing extra room without the full bulk of a traditional large SUV.
2025 Kia Telluride: The Benchmark for Spacious Comfort
The 2025 Kia Telluride, a perennial favorite in the midsize SUV category, continues to impress with its expansive interior and user-friendly design. Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has consistently topped rankings, and for good reason. It provides seating for up to eight passengers, generous cargo capacity, and appealing aesthetics. Driving.ca has recognized it as a top pick for two consecutive years, highlighting its enduring appeal and value.
Under the hood, the Telluride boasts a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provides ample power for daily driving and enables a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a capable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the Telluride delivers confident performance in various conditions. The Active On-Demand AWD system intelligently distributes torque to enhance traction, improving handling on corners and providing stability in less-than-ideal weather. Furthermore, the Telluride’s ground clearance and available AWD Lock feature, which optimizes low-speed traction for challenging terrains like mud and sand, along with favorable approach and departure angles, grant it surprising off-road capabilities. The X-Pro trim level further enhances this with all-terrain tires. Fuel economy is rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined, resulting in an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,627.
Inside, the Telluride’s cabin is both spacious and refined. Access to all three rows is easy, and both the second and third rows offer above-average roominess. The third row provides 798-mm of legroom and 961-mm of headroom, making it genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips. The middle row expands these dimensions to 1,077-mm and 985-mm, respectively. The airy feel of the cabin is enhanced by a large greenhouse and an available double moonroof on higher trims. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the front integrates navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (though not wirelessly). The controls are intuitively laid out and clearly marked, contributing to a user-friendly experience.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grown-Up Highlander with Large SUV Space
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is rapidly establishing itself as a strong contender in the large SUV space. Introduced just last year, it builds upon the reputation of the standard Highlander but with significantly enhanced space, particularly in the third row. With a wheelbase 99-mm longer than the regular Highlander, the Grand Highlander prioritizes passenger comfort, especially for those in the rearmost seats, making it a superb choice for growing families who need the extra capacity of a large SUV. The generous cargo area further solidifies its practicality.
Engine options for the Grand Highlander are diverse and efficient. The base engine is a lively 2.4L turbo-four producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For enhanced fuel economy, the Hybrid model combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, managed by an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The top-tier Grand Highlander Max elevates performance with a 2.4L turbo-four and an electric motor, resulting in 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. All Grand Highlander models feature all-wheel-drive for confident all-weather capability. Towing capacity ranges from 1,588-kg for the Hybrid to 2,268-kg for the gas-powered and Max models.
The interior of the Grand Highlander is technologically advanced. While the base XLE trim features a 7-inch instrumentation screen, higher trims boast a fully digital 12.3-inch screen. All trims include a 12.3-inch multimedia screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is praised for its sharp graphics, quick responsiveness, and excellent voice control functionality.
Best Full-Size SUVs: True Large SUV Power and Capability
For those who need maximum space and capability, these full-size SUVs are the top contenders in the 2025 market.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe: The Classic American Large SUV, Refined
The Chevrolet Tahoe and its sibling, the GMC Yukon, remain iconic figures in the full-size SUV segment. These SUVs are renowned for their immense size, seating for up to eight, and cavernous cargo space. This proven formula has made them enduringly popular choices for buyers needing a true large SUV. While we are focusing on the Tahoe, it’s important to note that the Yukon shares nearly identical features and specifications.
The 2025 Tahoe offers a trio of engine options to suit various needs and preferences. The standard engine, found on all trims except the High Country, is Chevrolet’s 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It powers the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive available as an option on the LS trim and standard on all higher trims. For increased power, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, standard on the High Country and available on RST, Z71, and Premier trims, delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the Duramax 3.0L diesel engine is available on all trims except the base LS. This updated diesel engine now generates 305 hp and a substantial 495 lb-ft of torque, representing a 10% and 7.6% increase, respectively, giving it impressive towing muscle up to 3,720-kg. The Z71 package enhances the Tahoe’s off-road prowess with a two-speed transfer case (optional on other trims), improved approach and departure angles, and available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive suspension (optional on Z71, standard on High Country), which improves both ride comfort and body control.
Inside the updated Tahoe, the driver is greeted by a modern and tech-forward cockpit. An 11-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with a massive 17.7-inch multimedia screen, featuring integrated Google maps and Google voice assistant for hands-free control of calls and vehicle functions. The top-of-the-line High Country trim also includes a large 15-inch head-up display. The Tahoe prioritizes passenger comfort with generous space in all three rows. The third row offers 970-mm of headroom and 886 mm of legroom, while the middle row provides 980-mm and 1,067-mm, respectively. Cargo capacity is substantial, with 722L behind the third row, expanding to 2,053L with the third row folded, and a massive 3,475L with both the second and third rows folded.
2025 Ford Expedition: Rugged Redesign for the Modern Large SUV Buyer
The 2025 Ford Expedition receives a comprehensive redesign, sporting a newly rugged and handsome front-end. Available in both standard and Max wheelbase configurations, the Expedition offers a redesigned suspension and a potent 3.5L turbo-V6 engine producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. When properly equipped with trailer brakes, the Expedition boasts a significant towing capacity of up to 4,355-kg. For off-road enthusiasts, the Tremor trim elevates capability with 270-mm of ground clearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and an even more powerful version of the 3.5L turbo-V6, delivering 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque (also optional on the Platinum trim). The Tremor also includes a retuned suspension, underbody protection, and a Rock Crawl Mode.
The Expedition’s interior is highlighted by an oversized 24-inch display screen that sits higher on the dashboard, allowing the driver to view it over the steering wheel. This expansive screen integrates the instrument cluster on the left side and allows for navigation display and customizable widgets on the right. Complementing this is a 13.2-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both standard and Max wheelbase Expeditions offer 1,044-mm of legroom in the middle row and 927-mm in the third row. Cargo space for the standard-length Expedition is 612L with the third row up, 1,960L with the third row folded, and 3,072L with both the second and third rows folded. The Max version increases these figures to 1,022L, 2,135L, and a substantial 3,486L, respectively.
Best Large Luxury SUVs: Premium Comfort and Refinement in a Large Package
For buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury and space, these large luxury SUVs represent the pinnacle of the 2025 offerings.
2025 Lexus TX: The Epitome of Lexus Luxury in a Large SUV Form
The 2025 Lexus TX lives up to expectations as a family-oriented, three-row crossover that embodies Lexus’s renowned luxury and refinement. It provides ample space for passengers and cargo, delivers the signature smooth and comfortable Lexus ride, and features an upscale design. The TX is available in two main models, the TX 350 and TX 500h, with a total of 10 available packages (six for the TX 350 and four for the TX 500h). Notably, the plug-in hybrid TX 500h+ is not offered in Canada.
The primary distinction between the TX 350 and TX 500h lies in their powertrains. The TX 350 utilizes a 2.4L turbo-four engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The TX 500h hybrid combines the same turbo-four with an electric motor, resulting in a net output of 366 hp and 409 lb-ft of torque. It features a six-speed automatic transmission and Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, which intelligently distributes power between the front and rear axles based on driving conditions. This system enhances handling, particularly during spirited driving. The TX 500h offers superior fuel economy, averaging 8.6 L/100 km with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,182, compared to the TX 350’s 10.3 L/100 km and $3,811 annual cost. Both models share a towing capacity of 2,268-kg.
The TX’s cabin offers seating for six or seven passengers across three rows. Third-row access is facilitated by captain’s chairs in the 500h and a convenient release lever in the 350 that slides the middle row forward. The third row provides 945-mm of headroom and 851-mm of legroom, while the middle row offers 981-mm and 1,003-mm, respectively. Cargo capacity is 572L behind the third row, 1,625L with the third row folded, and 2,747L with both the second and third rows folded.
The dashboard is dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring crisp graphics, responsive touch input, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is available after a trial period. The TX also comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features.
2025 Porsche Cayenne: Performance Luxury for the Large SUV Segment
The Porsche Cayenne revolutionized the luxury SUV market when it was first introduced, and the 2025 model continues to blend performance and luxury in a large SUV package. This third-generation Cayenne sees the return of the sporty GTS trim.
The Cayenne powertrain lineup is extensive, starting with a base 3.0L turbo-V6 producing 348 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne E-Hybrid combines this engine with a 174 hp electric motor for a combined output of 453 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S upgrades to a 4.0L turbo-V8 with 468 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid uses the 3.0L turbo-V6 and electric motor but boosts output to 512 hp and 553 lb-ft. The new GTS features a 4.0L turbo-V8 with 493 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Turbo E-Hybrid combines the 4.0L turbo-V8 and the 174 hp electric motor for a staggering 729 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne Coupe versions offer similar powertrains with slightly enhanced performance, culminating in the Turbo GT Coupe with a 650 hp and 627 lb-ft version of the 4.0L turbo-V8, achieving 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest in the Cayenne lineup. All Cayenne models utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The Cayenne SUV and Coupe have a maximum towing capacity of 3,493-kg when properly equipped.
The Cayenne’s interior emphasizes a driver-centric cockpit with the Porsche Driver Experience, including a curved digital instrument cluster and an optional passenger screen. Gas-powered Cayenne models offer 772L of cargo space with the rear seats upright and 1,708L with them folded. Hybrid models offer slightly less at 627L and 1,563L, respectively. The Cayenne Coupe offers reduced rear headroom and cargo space due to its sloping roofline, with 592L/1,502L for gas models and 434L/1,344L for hybrids.
Best Large Electric SUVs: The Future of Spacious and Sustainable Driving
For those looking to embrace electric mobility without sacrificing space, these large electric SUVs are leading the charge in 2025.
2025 Kia EV9: The Revolutionary Electric Large SUV for the Modern Family
The Kia EV9 represents a bold step into the electric large SUV segment, offering a diverse range of models and powertrain configurations. The lineup includes the Light model with a standard-range battery and the Wind model with a long-range battery, both featuring a single motor and rear-wheel-drive (RWD). All other EV9 models utilize the long-range battery and a dual-motor setup for all-wheel-drive and enhanced performance.
The base RWD Light model features a 76.1 kWh battery and a rear-mounted motor producing 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 370-km. All other EV9 models use a larger 99.8 kWh battery. The Wind RWD model delivers 201 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque, and a range of 489-kilometres. RWD models have a limited towing capacity of 907-kg.
Stepping up to the dual-motor Land model and above provides all-wheel-drive and significantly increased power, with 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Land and Land Premium models offer a range of 451-km, while the GT-Line package slightly reduces range to 435-km. Dual-motor models significantly increase towing capacity to 2,268-kg. Energy consumption ranges from 2.6 to 2.9 Le/100 km, with estimated annual charging costs between $850 and $940.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT promises even greater performance with an estimated 501 hp from its dual electric motors, accelerating to 96 km/h in a projected 4.3 seconds, making it Kia’s fastest three-row crossover to date.
The EV9’s 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging. The 76.1 kWh battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, or 6 hours and 45 minutes using a Level 2 charger. The larger 99.8 kWh battery takes around 24 minutes for a 10% to 80% charge on a DC fast charger and 8 hours and 45 minutes on a Level 2 charger.
The EV9’s interior is luxurious and spacious, featuring a combined instrumentation and infotainment screen with dual 12.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass. The system is praised for its accurate range display. Both six- and seven-seat configurations offer ample space in the front and middle rows, with the third row providing 783-mm of legroom. Cargo space is 573 liters with the third row up, 1,233L with it folded, and 2,314L with both the second and middle rows folded.
2026 BMW iX: Luxury and Innovation in a Large Electric SUV
The BMW iX continues to push boundaries in the electric large SUV segment, despite its polarizing styling. For those who appreciate its design, the iX offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and technology. BMW has announced updates for the 2026 iX, expected mid-year. Similar in size to the BMW X5, the iX provides seating for five and generous cargo capacity. The 2026 iX lineup includes three models: the iX xDrive45, iX xDrive60 (formerly xDrive50), and the new iX M70 xDrive (replacing the M60 xDrive).
The iX xDrive45 delivers 402 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The iX xDrive60 increases output to 536 hp (up 20 hp from the previous xDrive50) and 765 lb-ft of torque. The new top-performance iX M70 xDrive boasts 650 horsepower (up 40 hp) and a massive 811 lb-ft of torque with launch control engaged.
New battery technology enhances energy density in the iX. The iX xDrive45 battery offers 94.8 kWh of usable energy, providing an estimated range of up to 502 kilometers, a significant increase of approximately 150-km over the outgoing xDrive40. The iX xDrive60 features a 109.1 kWh battery with an estimated range of up to 547 km, while the iX M70 xDrive uses a 108.9 kWh battery with an estimated range of 486 km and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. Charging speeds have also been improved, with DC fast charging up to 175 kW for the iX xDrive45 and 195 kW for the xDrive60 and M70.
The iX interior is unmistakably BMW, with new available M multifunction seats, a panoramic sunroof with electrochromic glass, heated rear seats and armrests, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Advanced technology features include Highway Assistant for hands-free driving on limited-access highways and Parking Assistant Professional for remote parking via smartphone.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Large SUV 2025 for Your Needs
The 2025 automotive market presents a compelling array of large SUV options, each with its own strengths. Whether you prioritize spacious comfort, rugged capability, premium luxury, or cutting-edge electric powertrains, there’s a large SUV on this list to meet your needs. From the family-friendly Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander, to the powerful Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition, the luxurious Lexus TX and Porsche Cayenne, and the innovative Kia EV9 and BMW iX electric SUVs, the “Best Large Suv 2025” is truly dependent on your individual requirements and preferences. Use this guide from CARDIAGXPERT to inform your research and find the perfect large SUV to elevate your driving experience in 2025 and beyond.
