11 Best Old-School SUVs

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban/GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Base-price range: $45,890 – $69,375

This quartet of large SUVs from General Motors is redesigned for 2015, sporting freshened exterior and interior styling, updated engines, and new features. We’ve grouped these vehicles together because, aside from trim and detailing, they’re largely similar. Tahoe and Yukon have a “standard” wheelbase of 116 inches; Suburban and Yukon XL are extended versions with a 130-inch wheelbase. All models can seat up to nine passengers. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Most have available full-time four-wheel drive while others offer all-wheel drive. Standard on most trim levels is a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Unique to the Yukon line is the high-end Denali spec, which uses a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings are 16-18 mpg city/highway combined, and maximum towing capacities range from 8,000-8,600 pounds. These big rigs score big points for their refined drivetrains, good-for-the-class fuel economy, high-end cabin appointments, and intuitive infotainment systems. Less likable are third-row seats that aren’t as comfortable as those in the rival Ford Expedition and prices that enter luxury SUV territory when you add costly packaged and standalone options. Despite these flaws, there’s enough to like about the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon that they should have no trouble retaining their majority market share among full-size SUVs.