Chevrolet Suburban

Ford Expedition

Nissan Armada

Toyota Sequoia

     This comparison looks at a segment of the market that has been going through hard times recently. It's logical that with rising gas prices, sales would sag in a market class in which all six major competitors get between 15 and 16 miles per gallon according to the EPA. Nonetheless, the largest SUVs remain common choices for suburban families who want minivan interior space without minivan's negative image, and consumers who aren't turned off by the vehicle's gas mileage stand to pay between $4,500 and $10,900 less than the sticker prices of the vehicles in this group.

     To be included in this comparison, each of the six vehicles listed in the above chart had to meet the following criteria: have a CarsDirect target price of between $35,000 and $40,000, three rows of seats, a V8, and 4WD or AWD, and be at least 195 inches long and 76 inches wide. The Ford Excursion would fit in here, but its production ends within a few months, and the Durango-based Jeep Commander is not yet on sale (this comparison will be revisited to include its evaluation).

Editor's Note:

Unlike some publications, IFCAR lacks the means of conducting off-road testing, so off-road capability was not a factor in these ratings. However, bear in mind that none of these vehicles should have a problem with the needs of most consumers.