Is the reign of the full-size SUV with body-on-frame truck-based construction coming to an end? The October 2017 sales numbers point to a decline when compared to last year, but the full-size pickup truck sales continue to grow. Will unibody crossover vehicles take over from here? Sure, sales of the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse continue to improve, but there is still a place for a large truck-based SUV in this world. This is especially true while the price of fuel remains stable.
Full-size SUVs are generally able to tow and haul more weight than their three-row crossover counterparts. This need should remain for many years to come.
It will be interesting to watch this space as the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition and 2018 Lincoln Navigator ramp up sales.
Full-size SUV sales – October 2017
| Oct 2017 # | Oct 2017/2016 | YTD 2017 # | YTD 2017/2016 % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 9,615 | -19.7% | 78,724 | -4.0% |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 6,246 | -6.1% | 45,205 | -1.6% |
| GMC Yukon | 4,158 | -26.8% | 36,085 | -12.0% |
| Nissan Armada | 3,473 | 99.6% | 29,006 | 195.3% |
| GMC Yukon XL | 2,814 | -18.9% | 25,533 | -7.4% |
| Ford Expedition | 2,074 | -46.7% | 42,475 | -14.0% |
| Toyota Sequoia | 996 | 6.1% | 9,995 | -0.8% |
| Lincoln Navigator | 656 | 9.7% | 7,849 | -9.1% |
One thing is for sure, if you need to tow a heavy trailer – the big full-size SUVs are much better equipped to handle it. Check out this Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.
