These 2021 Large & Luxurious SUVs Are Worth Waiting For

2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Lincoln Navigator

2021 Land Rover Range Rover

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

2021 GMC Yukon Denali

2021 Infiniti QX80

2021 Nissan Armada

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

2022 Chevrolet Suburban

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 model year won’t only bring us all-new models, but heavily revised versions of old nameplates like the Cadillac Escalade, which should hit showrooms at the fall of 2020. It’s long been the Hollywood Boulevard king due to its imposing presence and “baller” demeanor.

The Escalade sees a full model refresh for 2021. While its design and interior are entirely new, featuring the first-ever OLED interface which stretches 36-inches across the dashboard, the Escalade is rather conservative underneath. 

It’s still body on frame, which means it can tow up to 7,716 pounds, and its default engine is still a tried and proven 6.2-liter V8. Except now, the Escalade comes with a diesel option; a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six that cranks out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an all-new ten-speed automatic gearbox, and all Escalades, whether you opt for the short (5,382 mm) or long wheelbase (5,766 mm) models can be had with a Magnetic Ride suspension. 

First ever OLED 36-inch dashboard

Max towing rating of 7.716 pounds

Can seat up to eight passengers

When General Motors releases a new range of full-size SUVs, it does it with a bang. Not only will we see an all-new Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade in 2021, we’ll also be treated to an entirely redesigned GMC Yukon.

Unsurprisingly, this new Yukon will also share the same T1 platform and available V8 engines as its corporate cousins, as well as the all-new turbodiesel straight six.  And just like the other GM big-boy SUVs, it’ll come in both standard and XL wheelbase variations, as well as a fully independent rear suspension, which should increase overall room for rear passengers and cargo. The traditional high-luxury Denali model remains, while an all-new rugged AT4 package allows the Yukon to set itself apart while inheriting some off-road goodies of its own. 

All-new turbodiesel engine

Can tow up to 8,000 pounds

Two available wheelbase options

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is back and unlike anything from 1984. Built out of FCA’s Detroit plant, the 7-passenger SUV is all about luxury and will hit dealers sometime in 2021.

Few key takeaways include an advanced electric-vehicle powertrain paired to a 4×4 off-road system, plus a first-ever passenger screen in an SUV. Jeep is touting the big hauler to offer ultra-premium, leading-edge features and technology – from the looks of the interior, it’s hard to argue with iconic brand.

Fun fact: back in the day, the Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle mated to an automatic transmission, pioneering the first modern SUV.

Electrified powertrain

4×4 off-road system

10.25-inch front passenger touchscreen

Jeep quickly followed up the Grand Wagoneer with another 7-passenger SUV: the 2021 Grand Cherokee L – placing the popular sport utility in the full-size segment for the first time in its 30-year history.

The entire Grand Cherokee lineup, including the good old 2-row version, are redesigned for 2021, built on a new architecture, independent front and rear suspensions and Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic adaptive damping. Power comes from an all-aluminum 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque.

Inside, the new SUV is spacious, as you’d expect. Second row captain’s chairs, a 19-speaker sound system, 12 USB ports, electronic remote release in the rear cargo area – the list of interior features goes on and on. Here’s a full look at the L’s interior.

New 3-row model for the first time

4×4 off-road system paired to all-aluminum 3.6L V6 engine

Spacious interior with loads of new features

The long-running full-size SUV saw a full redesign for 2018, from a new 450-hp engine to an even more lush interior. For 2021, the Navigator’s biggest update is the addition of a new, two-tone 2021 Black Label Special Edition Package (seen in these photos) – a followup to their popular Reserve Monochromatic Package from 2020.

The premium cabin is as spacious as you’d expect with storage in all three-rows and an advanced cargo management system with an adjustable shelf behind the rear seats. A Revel Ultima audio system with 20 speakers is an upgrade.

Propelling this American luxury hauler is the same twin-turbo V6 engine from the previous models, making the same 450-hp paired to Lincoln’s smooth shifting 10-speed transmission.

New, two-tone 2021 Black Label Special Edition Package

Ample power with 450-hp twin-turbo engine

Clean, uncluttered interior layout with loads of storage

For 2021, the Infiniti QX80 ramps up its luxury status with added equipment, innovative new technologies and more stylish features. Overall, a much better looking version of Infiniti’s biggest SUV that was long overdue.

Still available in either 2WD or AWD versions, the 2021 QX80 adds a new range-topping model call SENSORY with quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, Charcoal Burl trim and a new graphite tricot headliner.

Exterior design updates include 22-inch forged alloy wheels and chrome mirror caps. This large SUV looks to handle better as well courtesy of the brand’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control System for better cornering and stability at those higher speed.

New ‘SENSORY,’ ‘PREMIUM SELECT’ and ‘LUXE’ grades

New Smart Rearview Mirror (SRVM) system: improved high-definition clarity and a wider screen size for better visibility

Clean, uncluttered interior layout with loads of storage

Equipped with standard AWD, MB’s full-size GLS Class SUV was new for 2020, so 2021 model changes are minimal. But does now offer more standard features including four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Power comes from either a standard 362-hp turbo inline-six engine in the GLS450 model, or a much burlier V8 twin-turbo making 483-hp in the GLS580; each engine offering a hybrid-assistance system.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz GLS, two massive 12.3-inch digital displays occupy most of the dashboard’s real estate, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard. With seating for 7, this big luxury utility offers second-row captain’s chairs as an upgrade.

Standard all-wheel drive

Pair of massive 12.3-inch digital displays

V8-powered GLS580 for power and luxury

Land Rover dubs its Ranger Rover as “the most desirable SUV in the world” and who are we to argue with that. The iconic sport utility turns 50 years old, celebrating with the 2021 Ranger Rover Fifty edition limited to 1,970 units worldwide, based on the well-appointed Autobiography model. Other new 2021 editions include Westminster, Westminster Black, and SVAutobiography Dynamic Black.

The other big news for 2021 is the addition of new in-line diesel engines Land Rover states are smoother and more refined compared to previous generation of diesel engines and feature advanced 48V mild hybrid technology; this includes the new mild-hybrid 3.0-litre D300 Ingenium diesel.

The new Rover finds the latest LED headlight technology with the standard Premium headlight package providing 24 LEDs per vehicle, with Signature Daytime Running Lights and optional Auto High Beam Assist. Inside, occupants using the Rear Executive Class seating can recline their seatbacks up to 40 degrees to make the most of the additional 192mm legroom (1,189mm in total) provided by the long-wheelbase body design while the cosseting headrests have eight settings.

New diesel engines

More editions including Range Rover Fifty and the Westminster

Latest generation Touch Pro Duo twin-touchscreen technology

Nissan has significantly updated its big Armada SUV’s interior for 2021, coupled with worthy exterior styling changes, mainly up front. From a more rugged yet upscale exterior design to a simplified interior gaining additional tech and features. 

Powering this beast is the same 5.6L DOHC Endurance V8 engine carried over from 2020, paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission. This setup solidifies the Armada as the most powerful in the full-size SUV segment, putting down 400-hp at 5,800 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Gone is the 8-inch touch screen, replaced by a more robust 12.3-inch touch screen nicely incorporated up top. With the new screen comes better resolution, jumping up from 800×480 to 1920×720. Nissan says the new screen is the largest in the full-size SUV class, at the moment. 

Most towing capacity in full-size class with 8,500 lbs.

New 12.3-inch touch screen comes standard

Front end gains several design tweaks for sleeker look

If there’s a new Escalade on the block, there’s bound to be a new Chevy Suburban. Given the mechanical similarities between these two vehicles, it would be easy to simply copy and paste what changes for both. 

Yes, the Suburban is a more affordable and slightly less luxurious version of the Escalade. It also rides on a revamped pick-up truck platform and comes with a choice of a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine or a turbodiesel straight six. Except, unlike the Caddy, the Suburban doesn’t get the full OLED instrument cluster and offers one extra engine to choose from.

Less powerful than the 6.2-liter, this 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 isn’t new, but it’s been tried and proven more than once. Power is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, and while max towing ratings still haven’t bee published, expect this new “Burban” to tow well over 8,000 pounds when it arrives this summer.

All-new turbodiesel engine

Can tow up to 8,000 pounds

Two available wheelbase options

It would be impossible to mention the Chevy Suburban without talking about its little brother, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, which also sees an entire overhaul and is scheduled to hit the market at the same time as its larger sibling. Engine choices are the same, and so is the ten-speed transmission, but the overall wheelbase is shortened for people who still need the benefits of body on frame, but in a smaller, tighter package.

While technically identical to a Suburban, the Tahoe does nevertheless pack its own share of surprises. The Z71 variant goes a step further by incorporating a lifted suspension, off-road dedicated tires and skid plates, classic ingredients for anyone looking to take on rough terrain in their SUV.

The Tahoe Z71 also boasts a unique front fascia, a higher approach angle to aid off-road capability and comes standard with a two-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control, along with 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and red tow hooks. 

Off-road ready Z71 package

Active cylinder deactivation allowing to run on only two cylinders

All-new ten-speed automatic transmission

Nissan’s mid-size SUV has been going strong for 35 years — for 2022, the Pathfinder hits the market hard with a rugged look and redesign, a more responsive 9-speed transmission paired to 4WD, better towing capabilities, seating for 8, and a massive 12.3-inch digital dashboard, to get things started. Need more space?

Compared to the outgoing version, the 2022 SUV gains blister fenders, a shorter front overhang, C-shaped headlights, floating roofline, and more streamlined rear LED taillights. A Pathfinder first, the back C-pillars are designed to accommodate the use of two-tone paint. 

Under the hood is the same 3.5L Direct Injection V6 making 248-hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. But it’s now matte to an improved 9-speed transmission Nissan promises now “provides a smooth, strong, direct vehicle response.” 

Redesign with more rugged look

More responsive 9-speed transmission paired to 4WD (same engine as before) and improved towing capabilities

Seating for 8 and a new 12.3-inch digital dashboard