The Best V8 SUVs
A V8 SUV can be an excellent option for a daily runner and tow vehicle. But which ones are the best?
There are so many options on the market today that it can be challenging to know which to choose.
We’re here to help you determine what brand and model may fit your needs.
Let’s dive in to learn the benefits and the top 10 V8 SUVs.
What Is an SUV?
An SUV is a sport utility vehicle. The car’s classification is due to its off-road features, such as high ground clearance and four-wheel- or all-wheel-drive.
There are small, mid-size, and full-size SUVs. Size categories depend on their engine capabilities and seating capacities.
For example, large SUVs may have a third row of seating in the back, whereas small SUVs typically only seat four to five people.
About V8 SUV Engines
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine. The cylinders are in a V configuration on a common crankshaft. The design requires less space.
V8 engines provide enough power to carry a lot of weight or tow.
The Benefits of a V8 SUV
A V8 SUV has many benefits. The ones that we’ve mentioned already include the power it has for towing and the capacity for carrying cargo. An additional benefit is how smooth it runs. A V8 engine produces a power stroke every 90 degrees compared to smaller engines that stroke between 120 and 180 degrees.
This puts less stress on the engine and increases driveability. Another benefit of a V8 engine is its balance of power output and torque.
A V8 SUV also has room to carry upwards of eight passengers and gear. This makes the SUV a great option for families, camping, and long road trips.
In addition, people who choose a V8 SUV over a truck for towing an RV often do so because of the enclosed cargo space.
Is a V8 Better Than a V6 SUV?
V8 engines have more power and acceleration than V6s. A V6 engine, which has six cylinders, is less costly and lighter weight than a V8. It also tends to be more stable and has better handling than a V8 engine.
In addition, a V6 has better fuel economy.
So which is better, a V8 or V6 engine? If you’re looking for a daily vehicle, a V6 SUV is a great option and the most budget-friendly choice. But if you’re planning to tow an RV, a V8 engine is the better choice for stability and power.
You can also carry a lot more in a V8 SUV than a smaller V6 SUV.
The 10 Best V8 SUVs
Here are 10 of the best full-size V8 SUVs on the market today. Let’s take a look.
#1. Chevrolet Tahoe
About: The Chevrolet Tahoe has 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space and seats up to seven people. It has six different trim offerings, from luxury comfort to off-road capabilities.
The Tahoe has a 6.2L V8 engine that gets up to 420 horsepower.
MSRP: Starts at $49,600
#2. Cadillac Escalade
About: The Cadillac Escalade has five trims, including a luxury and sports model. It has a maximum of 142.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Escalade has a 6.2L V8 engine and can tow up to 8,200 pounds.
MSRP: Starts at $76,295
#3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
About: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 4×4 V8 SUV with a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds. It has various trim packages that range from luxury to sporty features with a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine.
For 2022, Jeep has announced third-row seating on the Grand Cherokee L.
MSRP: Starts at $38,890
#4. GMC Yukon
About: The GMC Yukon has three trim packages and seats eight to nine people. It has a towing capacity of between 8,200 and 8,400 pounds.
The Yukon SLE, SLT, and AT4 have a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. And the Yukon Denali has a 6.2L V8 engine with 420 horsepower.
MSRP: Starts at about $52,000
#5. Chevrolet Suburban
About: The Chevrolet Suburban has 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space and seats up to seven people. Choose between six different trims, which have towing capacities between 7,400 and 7,800 pounds.
It comes with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine or a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8.
MSRP: Starts at $52,300
Pro Tip: Want to take your SUV out on fun camping adventures? Check out our SUV Camper Conversion Guide.
#6. Dodge Durango
About: The Dodge Durango has a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine with a maximum 8,700-pound towing capacity. It can seat up to seven people and still has plenty of room for other cargo.
The Durango has nine different trim options.
MSRP: Starts at $32,962
#7. Land Rover Range Rover
About: The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury performance V8 SUV. All but one of the five models have a 5.0L V8 gas engine with 518 maximum horsepower. They can tow 7,716 pounds.
And they can seat five to seven people.
MSRP: Starts at $92,000
#8. Mercedes-Benz GLS
About: The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a large luxury SUV with two models. The GLS 580 has a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
The towing capacity is 7,700 pounds. In addition, it can seat seven people. The other model doesn’t have a V8 engine.
MSRP: Starts at $98,850
#9. BMW X5
About: The BMW X5 is a mid-size V8 SUV with luxury finishes. Its M50i model has a 4.4L V8 engine and a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.
The BMW X5 can seat five people.
MSRP: Starts at $82,800
#10. Mercedes-Benz GLE
About: The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV, unlike the large GLS. Despite its size, the GLE 580 4MATIC can tow up to 7,200 pounds. It has a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost.
The GLE can seat five people.
MSRP: Starts at $78,900
Pro Tip: Before you hit the road with your RV hitched to your SUV, make sure you can safely tow! This is How to Find Towing Capacity for Your SUV.
Make Your Dream Come True in a V8 SUV
A comfortable tow vehicle is a dream come true, especially if you’re also using it for a daily vehicle. Any of these can get the job done, and there are options for a variety of budgets.
The benefit of using an SUV for a tow vehicle rather than a truck is its enclosed cargo space. You can haul gear, kayaks, and more in an SUV and not worry about rain or having enough room.
Plus, the seating in an SUV far outdoes what you’ll get with a truck. The ability to take your family or friends along in one vehicle is a bonus.
Are you ready to drive away in one of these V8 SUVs?
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