This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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Not everyone is aware of the difference between unibody and body-on-frame SUVs. Most modern crossovers have unibody construction, which means lighter weight and better fuel consumption. But, if you want something a little more rugged, with proper off-road performance capabilities, then a body-on-frame SUV is the way to go. Of course, some people prefer them simply because they are more imposing and look more like the trucks on which they are based.

2024 Cadillac Escalade
Base MSRP
$81,895
Fuel Economy
14/19 MPG
Horsepower
420 hp
2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Base MSRP
$84,895
Fuel Economy
14/19 MPG
Horsepower
420 hp
2024 Lincoln Navigator L
Base MSRP
$85,760
Fuel Economy
16/22 MPG
Horsepower
440 hp
2024 Lincoln Navigator
Base MSRP
$82,765
Fuel Economy
16/22 MPG
Horsepower
440 hp
2024 Chevrolet Suburban
Base MSRP
$57,600
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 GMC Yukon XL
Base MSRP
$61,200
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Base MSRP
$52,600
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 GMC Yukon
Base MSRP
$58,200
Fuel Economy
15/20 MPG
Horsepower
355 hp
2024 Lexus LX
Base MSRP
$92,565
Fuel Economy
17/22 MPG
Horsepower
409 hp
2024 Ford Expedition
Base MSRP
$54,555
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
380 hp
2024 Ford Expedition Max
Base MSRP
$58,555
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
380 hp
2024 Toyota Sequoia
Base MSRP
$61,275
Fuel Economy
21/24 MPG
Horsepower
437 hp
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Base MSRP
$31,995
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2024 Nissan Armada
Base MSRP
$55,720
Fuel Economy
14/19 MPG
Horsepower
400 hp
2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Base MSRP
$139,900
Fuel Economy
13/16 MPG
Horsepower
416 hp
2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Base MSRP
$35,195
Fuel Economy
17/23 MPG
Horsepower
285 hp
2024 Toyota 4Runner
Base MSRP
$40,705
Fuel Economy
16/19 MPG
Horsepower
270 hp
2024 Infiniti QX80
Base MSRP
$74,150
Fuel Economy
14/20 MPG
Horsepower
400 hp
2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared
Base MSRP
$227,300
Fuel Economy
11/11 MPG
Horsepower
416 hp
2024 Lexus GX
Base MSRP
$62,900
Fuel Economy
15/21 MPG
Horsepower
349 hp
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Base MSRP
$55,950
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
326 hp

What Does It Take To Earn a Spot On Our List of The Best Body-On-Frame SUV Models?

Here are the characteristics of the best body-on-frame SUV models:

What To Consider Before Buying Body-On-Frame SUVs

What makes an SUV a body-of-frame model is not simply about how large it is. A Jeep Wrangler, for example, fits the bill despite its small size. No, what matters here is the manner of construction. Unlike unibody SUVs (also known as full-frame SUVs) which share their foundations with normal cars, these true SUVs are built upon a truck’s platform. This does normally make them larger, but the real difference is that the chassis and suspension are separate from the body.

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What does body-on-frame SUV mean?

This refers to the method of construction used when building the SUV. These vehicles use a truck frame to increase their ruggedness, off-road abilities, and hauling capacities. Basically, a ladder frame sits underneath a separately constructed body. Smaller SUVs and crossovers are built with a unitary body instead.

Is body-on-frame better than unibody?

This depends on what you want in a car. Truck-based SUVs are hardier, so they handle rugged terrain more easily. They can also tow and haul heavier loads when properly powered. However, they suffer from poor fuel economy, compromised maneuverability, and lower overall safety ratings.

Which SUV is most like a truck?

While all body-on-frame SUVs are based upon truck-like designs, the Ford Expedition probably most closely resembles its forbears. It shares similarly huge towing capacities to the F-150 pickup and can go off-road when need be.

Which SUV is the best for off-roading?

Body-on-frame SUVs are among the best off-roaders, so it makes sense that the top of the list is flush with such models. These include the Land Rover Defender, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Which SUV has the highest towing rating?

Ford is known for topping the towing charts with its F-Series pickups, so it is unsurprising that the automaker has extended this expertise to its SUV range. The Expedition, the largest SUV from the American brand, is able to tow an impressive 9,300 lbs.