2019 SUVs

SUVs are tough, all-wheel-drive vehicles that can drive you and your family (and toys) through any terrain. Although true body-on-frame SUVs are very rare these days, there are still many full-sized offerings on the table. A popular choice for families that don’t want minivans, SUVs have room for more people, all their stuff, and can tow a boat to boot. Although most people use the terms crossover (CUV) and SUV (sport utility vehicle) interchangeably, in this buyer’s guide, we will focus on truck-like body-on-frame SUVs that excel off-road. If you’re looking for car-based CUVs, make sure to check out our Buyer’s Guide for Crossovers.

ALSO SEE: What's the Difference Between 4WD and AWD?

Pros and Cons of SUVs

Pros: SUVs are the most capable vehicles you can buy in terms of going off-road. Their tough underpinnings and permanent four-wheel-drive make them able to drive through nearly any terrain you can throw at them. Many have three rows of seating and an array of driving modes (along with locking differentials) that adjust the car’s settings based on what kind of terrain you’re driving on. Being so large, drivers also find it better from a visibility standpoint.

Cons: Being huge and having all four wheels driven at all times, SUVs are not very fuel efficient. Some are so big and tall that they might not fit in all parking garages or carparks and might be more difficult to park and maneuver. The qualities that make SUVs so capable off-road also take a toll on their on-road driving dynamics, so the ride won’t be as refined or sporty as other vehicles.

What’s New in SUVs for 2019?

The biggest news in SUV land for 2019 is the all-new Jeep Wrangler JL. The popular off-roader has been totally revamped and modernized without losing its off-road capability and utilitarian looks. For the first time ever, there’s a reverse camera! You can still take off the roof and doors, and fold down the windshield to be closer to the outdoors, but the new Wrangler is more civilized and capable than ever.

The all-new and beautifully boxy Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen was recently redone, and although it doesn’t look like it, the SUV is totally new. It’s more high-tech than ever before and is much more modern, but it will still be extremely capable off-road.

Other Important SUV Models

There aren’t too many body-on-frame SUVs available these days, but in addition to the two mentioned above, other SUV models still available include the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon (all of which are based on the same GM architecture) Lincoln Navigator/Ford Expedition, Infiniti QX80/Nissan Armada, Toyota 4Runner/Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus LX, and Toyota Sequoia.

What’s Coming in SUVs?

Land Rover will bring the boxy Defender to the U.S. and Canada with an all-new model set to debut in early 2019. The Ford Bronco is also expected to debut sometime in 2019 as a 2020 model year SUV. People are really exited for the revived Bronco, which is said to be a true competitor to the ever-popular Wrangler. Toyota is also said to be considering an FJ Cruiser successor and is probably working on updating its 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia.