Full size SUV with best off road chops?

[Mericas_Meuth]

I just spent months looking at the options.
Full sized SUV rigs aren’t trail rigs thats for sure.
If your shopping used the Sequoia is basically the only one with OK trail capability and more or less top trouble free reliability.

But lack of rear locker means you want the newer 2generation version with the ability to brake spinning tires. My Gen 1 was great but any crossed up opposite corner wheel spin would stop it in its tracks.

I had a Landcruiser too small!!! For butts in seats and gear.

I just bought new little over a week ago. Bought a 2019 Expedition Platinum. One of few last Full sized rigs with a 2spd transfer case and locking rear electric diff. The GMC Yukon Denali I almost bought it has the G80 self locking rear end some like it some hate it. Great engine ok transmission. Old design so buying new its not a great choice. Buying used its nearly as good as the Sequoia.

Interior quality Sequoia has all the GM products beat.

The older last generation Ford Expedition can be had for screaming deals its a pretty decent rig also.

Buying used Mileage and condition matter probably more than brand. A crashed repaired Sequoia vs lower mileage one owner all records GM or Ford I’d go GM or Ford.

One owner all records lowish miles Sequoia? Yeah thats hard to pass up.

1st Gen Sequoia definitely doesn't beat interior of a Tahoe or Yukon, I love Sequoia's but the interior layout on gen 1 is much less appealing IMO then the gmt800 vehicles. Neither are good, basically all plastic, but the simplicity and ergonomics of Tahoe and Yukon SUVs are a win to me. Layout in Sequoia is odd.

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[XJLI]

Oil burning, trans issues, OEM hubs are junk, electrical problems left and right with display and headlights. I've been around a bunch and they have not inspired confidence.

Oil burning? Well, that's everything with high miles. Add a quart every oil change big whoop.
Stock trans at 160k here, plenty running around with more. 3/4 ton trucks have the 4L80 if you plan on beating on the truck when its low on fluid.
Junk hubs are only 2wd trucks
05-06 clusters are all LED
Never had any headlight issues, in fact just replaced some 6 year old headlights for the first time a couple days ago. A couple dash lights here and there are out but what 15 year old truck doesn't have that issue?

Can't beat the GMT800s for the price, period. I like the Gen1 Expeditions for the 5.3 is a better motor than the 4.6/5.4 no question there.

 

[calicamper]

1st Gen Sequoia definitely doesn't beat interior of a Tahoe or Yukon, I love Sequoia's but the interior layout on gen 1 is much less appealing IMO then the gmt800 vehicles. Neither are good, basically all plastic, but the simplicity and ergonomics of Tahoe and Yukon SUVs are a win to me. Layout in Sequoia is odd.

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Never said that “quality ie materials” Toyota interior is superior to the GM. I nearly bought a 2019 denali two weeks ago the materials were still not that great. The GM twins also all have old school 60/40 split benches non sliding seats just like the Sequoia. The only difference the GM twins added a stupid raised tray in the back to hide the 3rd row vs have it removable.

The only thing more modern than the Toyota in the GM twins is the Engine/ transmission

 

[nater]

Or, if you really want something with size, an excursion is always on the list!

 

[lilkia]

According to this, probably about as many Expeditions.

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Mine is lagging behind with only 257k miles. But it’s still running strong. And I’ve owned it for 4.5 years and have put 82k miles on it. Shouldn’t be long before I cross the 300k mark.

There are always a few of each with that many miles but neither toyota or ford has nearly as many full size SUVs still on the road with around 300k as GM. Says something for all of these supposed gremlins.

OP in my personal experience offroad isnt the biggest reason for a solid rear axle. Your more likely to see the benefit of a SA when towing upwards of 6k lb. The stability is much better with a SA over IRS. IRS vehicles tend to feel mushy and wallow around when towing heavy. Theres a reason you wont ever find a 3/4ton or bigger with IRS.

 

[Martinjmpr]

If you have the money I'd recommend a Suburban 2500 with the 6.0. Checks all your boxes and much, much more usable space than any Sequoia.

A 1500 Suburban is decent but the transmission is a known weak point (ask me how I know.) Other than the transmission they are good for 200k miles easily.

If your budget is only going to get you a 200k Sequoia, then you might consider that you could likely get a Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon with much lower miles for the same price or less.

I stopped drinking the Toyota kool aid years ago and don't miss it a bit.

WRT oil burning, the 5.3 in my '04 Burb doesn't burn any oil at 187k.

Having said that, I would not recommend a 1500 Suburban for towing unless you get a newer one with the 6 speed auto and/or a lower gear ratio (4.10 or lower.) My 1500 struggled to pull a 3500lbs travel trailer through the Colorado Rockies (granted, that's a tough slog for any tow vehicle) which is why I would go for a 2500 if you an find one.

 

[Todd780]

I'm going to throw a wrench in the cogs here and suggest the Nissan Armada...

 

[XJLI]

The Y62s are cool, but get worse fuel mileage and feel slower than the old GM stuff. They're 2nd get Sequoia sized on the inside.

Nothing stands out about them here, all the cool stuff they get overseas we don't get here. Even the front and rear diffs are undersized compared to there ROW ones.

 

[Todd780]

The Y62s are cool, but get worse fuel mileage and feel slower than the old GM stuff. They're 2nd get Sequoia sized on the inside.

Nothing stands out about them here, all the cool stuff they get overseas we don't get here. Even the front and rear diffs are undersized compared to there ROW ones.

Agreed. But having owned 2 Suburbans, a Tahoe and a Yukon Denali, I think if it were me it would be between a Sequoia or an Armada. Driven a few Expeditions but not enough to have any valid input. I'd love a Land Cruiser but...well.....$$$

 

[Halligan]

Bought a Z71 Tahoe brand new in 2003. My wife drove in until 2015 and now my father has it. Mileage is in the 160,000 range and it's never towed or been off-road. The engine doesn't burn a drop of oil. Transmission had one fluid/filter change in it's life probably around 50,000 miles and is still shifting fine. That said, I do most of the maintenance/repairs and it's had its fair share of issues such as.....

1. Every window regulator has been replaced.
2. Sent the instrument cluster out for a rebuild because the stepper motors for the gauges were failing.
3. Replaced one front hub/unit bearing.
4. Replaced rear drive shaft u-joints.
5. Replaced engine knock sensors under intake manifold.
6. Replaced blend door actuator and module for rear HVAC
7. The DRL bulb sockets are burnt/brittle and can't accept bulbs any more.
8. Replaced interior ambient air temp fan/sensor in ceiling.
9. Replaced both idler pulleys.
10. Replaced water pump.

This list doesn't include general maintenance like brakes, shocks, tires, belts, hose, light bulbs and so on. Also, the last time I was under it I noticed the cancer is really taking hold on the rocker panels which isn't visible when looking at the vehicle from the side profile because the Z71 plastic cladding hides it.

 

[Todd780]

Bought a Z71 Tahoe brand new in 2003. My wife drove in until 2015 and now my father has it. Mileage is in the 160,000 range and it's never towed or been off-road. The engine doesn't burn a drop of oil. Transmission had one fluid/filter change in it's life probably around 50,000 miles and is still shifting fine. That said, I do most of the maintenance/repairs and it's had its fair share of issues such as.....

1. Every window regulator has been replaced.
2. Sent the instrument cluster out for a rebuild because the stepper motors for the gauges were failing.
3. Replaced one front hub/unit bearing.
4. Replaced rear drive shaft u-joints.
5. Replaced engine knock sensors under intake manifold.
6. Replaced blend door actuator and module for rear HVAC
7. The DRL bulb sockets are burnt/brittle and can't accept bulbs any more.
8. Replaced interior ambient air temp fan/sensor in ceiling.
9. Replaced both idler pulleys.
10. Replaced water pump.

This list doesn't include general maintenance like brakes, shocks, tires, belts, hose, light bulbs and so on. Also, the last time I was under it I noticed the cancer is really taking hold on the rocker panels which isn't visible when looking at the vehicle from the side profile because the Z71 plastic cladding hides it.

I actually found my GMT-800 Yukon Denali and Suburban nickle and dimed me less than my GMT-900 Suburban.

 

[XJLI]

Bought a Z71 Tahoe brand new in 2003. My wife drove in until 2015 and now my father has it. Mileage is in the 160,000 range and it's never towed or been off-road. The engine doesn't burn a drop of oil. Transmission had one fluid/filter change in it's life probably around 50,000 miles and is still shifting fine. That said, I do most of the maintenance/repairs and it's had its fair share of issues such as.....

1. Every window regulator has been replaced.
2. Sent the instrument cluster out for a rebuild because the stepper motors for the gauges were failing.
3. Replaced one front hub/unit bearing.
4. Replaced rear drive shaft u-joints.
5. Replaced engine knock sensors under intake manifold.
6. Replaced blend door actuator and module for rear HVAC
7. The DRL bulb sockets are burnt/brittle and can't accept bulbs any more.
8. Replaced interior ambient air temp fan/sensor in ceiling.
9. Replaced both idler pulleys.
10. Replaced water pump.

This list doesn't include general maintenance like brakes, shocks, tires, belts, hose, light bulbs and so on. Also, the last time I was under it I noticed the cancer is really taking hold on the rocker panels which isn't visible when looking at the vehicle from the side profile because the Z71 plastic cladding hides it.

Similar on my '05 Silverado with the same miles, minus a couple things. To me, that sounds pretty reasonable but my trucks before this one were two heavily modified XJs, a very brief stint with a rusty T100, and a Discovery.

 

[calicamper]

Budget seems to be a big factor which case the GM options far far more possibilities for finding a clean lower mileage deal vs the Toyota which will be expensive either way. The Expedition lower numbers so harder to find a super clean well cared for one but still possible vs Sequoia no way. Youll get a high mileage rig with a high price still

 

[Dirt Rider]

FS Bronco

 

[Todd780]

FS Bronco

Needs to have 3rd row seats.