Power tracked a 91/100 reliability rating for the GX. And despite its rough-and-ready reputation for heavy lifting on road and trail, the GX 460 is also a true luxury vehicle with all of the technology, interior amenities, and safety features one would expect from Lexus, especially in its premium packages.Īs the luxury brand for Toyota, Lexus carries the same sterling reputation for quality that has earned Toyota top marks for reliability for decades. What this four-wheel-drive drivetrain sacrifices in ride and handling, especially in comparison to its all-wheel drive competition, it more than makes up for with outstanding towing capacity and off-road capability. This outstanding seven-seat SUV has a suite of the latest safety features, including collision warning with active braking, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, brake assist, and blind-spot monitoring.Ĭargo capacity: 64.7 cubic feet (seats folded down)Ī bit of an anomaly among midsize luxury SUVs, the 2018 Lexus stands out in its class due to its stout, truck-like body-on-frame construction. The cabin space on Grand Cherokee is typically well-appointed, and the package for the 2021 L rivals that of its luxury competitors. The 2021 L comes with two different engine options, three different drivetrains, and optional air ride suspension. And the staggering 6,200-pound tow rating rivals most of the titanics in the large SUV class. On the other hand, those that are out there will have state of the art technology, relatively low miles, and will have absorbed the hefty first-year depreciation that all new cars experience.īecause it’s still a Jeep and has an optional V8 engine, this longer wheelbase Grand Cherokee is the king of this class for eating up off-road terrain. Chevrolet’s excellent all-wheel drive drivetrain was an option on these model years – buyers searching for better traction in ice and snow should narrow their focus toward a Traverse with AWD.Ĭargo capacity: 84.6 cubic feet (seats folded down)īecause the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was the first Jeep ever with three rows of seats and has only existed for two model years, there are a limited number of them available on the used car market. The 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 281 horsepower and all trim levels have a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse earned high marks for safety features, including six air bags (four side-impact airbags) and the StabiliTrak stability control with rollover mitigation technology as standard. As with most “seven-seat” SUVs, actual seats may total six if the middle row has two captain’s chairs instead of a bench seat. A true seven-passenger SUV, the Traverse offered a roomy interior, midlevel towing capability, and inspired styling that competed with some luxury SUVs of the time – all at a very Chevrolet price. The first-generation models of the Chevrolet Traverse were greeted warmly by reviewers and consumers alike. For this article we will focus on the true seven-seat SUVs on the market, as opposed to the really large SUVs, such as the Nissan Armada and Lincoln Navigator, which can be far bigger, far less fuel efficient, and more expensive.Ĭargo capacity (all seats in place): 24.1 cubic feet The first seven-seater SUV of the modern era was probably the 1990 Ford Explorer. The DNA for today’s large SUVs can be traced back to the 1930s Chevrolet Carryall Suburban, and in such vehicles as the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer and the 1969 Chevy K5 Blazer. While minivans are still popular today, especially for families with very young children, the vehicle of choice for families with somewhat older, active children is the large SUV. Soon, most car companies began producing competitive models. In 1984 the Chrysler Corporation introduced the real competitor to the station wagon, the Dodge Caravan, which would come to be known as the first “minivan.” With its taller roofline, versatile interior, three rows of seats, sliding side entrance door, and rear cargo space, the minivan was an immediate hit for families. The best of them, though not all, did it in wood-paneled style. With its long wheelbase, low roofline, massive middle seat, and long rear cargo area, the station wagon moved parents, kids, dogs, and gear to the lake house or picnics. But in the 1960s and ‘70s the station wagon was the vehicle of choice for families that could afford a larger vehicle. To look at the evolution of the family car in America is to take a nostalgic tour through some of the most iconic vehicles in history.
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