Full size SUV with best off road chops?

T

TFin04

Adventurer
Family needs a 3 row, V8 SUV with 6500-7000lb (or more) towing capacity. I would like to be able to still do some mild off roading without significant modifications.

I'm a Toyota fan mostly, and the 2nd Gen Sequoia is what we're looking at now, but I wonder if a Tahoe (or something else) with a solid rear axle is going to be significantly better off road, and is it worth dealing with GM gremlins? I've owned a Silverado in the past and I'm not super excited about owning another.

My inclination is that all of these road barges are going to be pretty close in what type of terrain they can tackle, but I've never pushed one to it's limits. Thoughts?
 
nater

nater

Adventurer
Not to point out the obvious choice (toyota fan, need 3 rows, would like a solid rear axle), but what about a 4runner or landcruiser? Used Cruisers with great history and relatively low mileage are getting reasonable
 
T

TFin04

Adventurer
buellconvert said:
Silverado gremlins?

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk
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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.

Regarding 4R and LC- the 4R is too small and a 100 series would probably still be tight. My budget still puts me in 200k mile cruisers, not that the right one is off the table, just that a 5.7 Sequoia will be easier for the primary job of tow pig.
 
C

calicamper

Expedition Leader
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.
 
B

Bayou Boy

Adventurer
Budget? Three row necessity traveling family means a real third row with storage behind. That means Suburban, XL Expedition, or Excursion. Excursion is the top pick there.

Honestly, short wheel base SUVs with third rows are for occasional use. Not traveling with the family. You end up with zero space in the car with the third row up.
 
E

ExplorerTom

Explorer
TFin04 said:
I would like to be able to still do some mild off roading without significant modifications.
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I’ve done the Alpine Loop and Black Bear Pass in my 1st gen Expedition.
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And several other trails around Colorado.
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1569983392520.jpeg

It’s towed 7500 lbs when needed.
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Plus it’s taken me and my family of 4 (one trip from CO to SC also with 2 dogs) to both coasts and handles all the weekend family hauling duties around town.

Solid rear axle, minor lift, 33” tires......

Plus it doesn’t have any of those “GM gremlins”.
 
C

calicamper

Expedition Leader
Bayou Boy said:
Budget? Three row necessity traveling family means a real third row with storage behind. That means Suburban, XL Expedition, or Excursion. Excursion is the top pick there.

Honestly, short wheel base SUVs with third rows are for occasional use. Not traveling with the family. You end up with zero space in the car with the third row up.
Click to expand...

Thats why we used a trailer to carry 8 bikes and camping gear for 8 in my Gen1 Sequoia on Labor Day weekend.
 
E

ExplorerTom

Explorer
Shovel said:
GM catches, and deserves a lot of crap but I can't ignore the number of 300k+ mile Suburbans and Tahoes out there.
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According to this, probably about as many Expeditions.

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.
 
phsycle

phsycle

Adventurer
What’s considered “mild off-roading”?

Hard to go wrong with either a Suburban or Expedition. I have fond memories of road trips and outings in a ‘88 Suburban so I’m biased towards them. But as long as it’s 4x4 with 4lo, you should be good.
 
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