The Only 15 'Real' SUVs Left on the Market
Body-on-frame SUVs are becoming a rare sight on today’s dealer lots.
Believe it or not, there are only 15 “real” body-on-frame SUVs available new, as more and more automakers turn to unibody construction for a more refined driving experience. With the rise of crossovers in recent years, the definition of an SUV has become muddled, with automakers attaching it to models that aren’t body-on-frame.
And while it can get confusing trying to determine what’s rightfully a crossover or SUV, we’re here to talk about which body-on-frame SUVs are left – which technically, is what defines an SUV.
SEE ALSO: What is a Crossover? The Confusion is Real
Cadillac Escalade / Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban / GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
All four of these models share the same platform and their sheer size means they’ll likely stay body-on-frame for the foreseeable future. This is also because General Motors has the competitive Chevrolet Silverado in the pickup truck category, which means the automaker won’t stop development on the platform anytime soon.
Ford Expedition / Lincoln Navigator
Like Chevrolet and its Silverado, Ford has the best-selling vehicle with the F-150 pickup truck, so it’s only natural that it has a couple of body-on-frame SUVs in its lineup as well, based on the truck’s platform. The Expedition is the largest SUV Ford offers, and the American automaker has filled its lineup with plenty of crossovers. Much like the Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator serves as the automaker’s full-size luxury SUV.
Ford Bronco
Ford revived the iconic Bronco nameplate for a new vehicle based on the Ranger pick-up truck platform that is aimed squarely at the Jeep Wrangler. We heartedly welcome another vehicle where the doors and roof can be removed before blasting off deep into the woods.
Infiniti QX80 / Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80 ride on the same platform as the Nissan Patrol, an SUV that isn’t sold in North America. The Armada, however, started its life riding on the same platform as the Titan before the Patrol-based Infiniti QX56 arrived. When it came time to introduce a new Nissan Armada, the Japanese automaker decided to save costs and use the same Patrol platform underpinning the QX80.
Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
Jeep, and Mopar for that matter, have been lacking a full-size body-on-frame SUV to compete against the General Motors and Ford offerings. That all changed this year with the introduction of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer that share their platform with the Ram pickup truck.
Jeep Wrangler
The brand known for its SUVs has probably most recognizable body-on-frame SUV in the world – the Wrangler. Recently overhauled, this Jeep continues to soldier on with more and more modern technology, including a hybrid model.
Lexus LX
Stepping up from the GX is the Lexus LX. It is a full-size SUV that used to share its platform with the now defunct Toyota Land Cruiser. The Lexus LX remains the largest SUV in the Japanese automaker’s lineup that also features the NX and RX crossovers.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz is known to have a huge lineup of crossovers and SUVs, but the only true body-on-frame model is the G-Class. And that shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the G-Class has barely changed since its introduction.
Toyota 4Runner / Lexus GX
Toyota has quite a few body-on-frame platforms, with the 4Runner sharing a platform with its luxury counterpart, the Lexus GX. The now defunct FJ Cruiser also rode on the same platform as a body-on-frame SUV before receiving the ax.
SEE ALSO: Toyota FT-4X Concept is Closer to Production Than You Think
Toyota Sequoia
Based on the Toyota Tundra pickup, the Sequoia is the Japanese automaker’s most outdated model, having entered its second and current generation in 2008. It did, however, just receive a refresh for the 2018 model year although the changes aren’t major.
Recent Updates:
November 19, 2021 – Removed Toyota Land Cruiser. Updated Chevrolet Suburban image and title for accuracy. Updated Ford Expedition image and text for accuracy. Added Ford Bronco. Updated Nissan Armada image. Updated Jeep Wrangle image and text for accuracy. Added Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class image. Updated Toyota 4Runner image. Updated Lexus LX image and information. Updated Toyota Sequoia image.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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"Real" SUVs. We all have a definition as to what that is. For me it is a rare vehicle indeed. Forget the the leather seats, electric windows and door locks. Nav systems are nice but I can stick a Garmon on the dash when I need one. How about some basic weave seat covers and vinyl covered floorpan instead of dirt trapping carpet? How about the option of the 4x4/motor combo I want without having to opt for all the luxury crap? Toyota's last real entry was back in 1986 with the FJ60. It started downhill from there. Everyone wanting to play Range Rover. So, why? Because the ridiculous wanna be market has all but smothered the off road vehicle market in the U.S. Not many folks take their lux laden "SUVs anywhere more rugged than a dirt road to the "ranch". I have traversed back and forth across the continental divide in the Rockies over the years in a 2 door Mitsubishi Montero, an original Isuzu Trooper II, and a Toyota Hi Lux SR5. I realize it's market demand. So my $40-50K will be spent on a refurbished FJ40. A vehicle of limited road ability but of outstanding off road capability. I feel the same way about sports cars. I remember when a Porsche 911 was a car made for a passionate driver and had very little little to no luxury features. AC and a sound system. I'm a dinosaur. Shit, it's almost impossible to buy a stripper Chevy pickup truck with 4x4 anymore.
That is why I don't buy Landrover anymore. They went cheap with uni crumple body. the LR3/LR4 and Range Rovers all had stronger full frames. This helps in towing and also in accidents. You can rebuilt if the car hhas a real frame. Unibody just crumples into nothing and you toss out the car. Some how they got the monkeys drinking the cool aid. Real frames are the strongest and why they are still used in Trucks and other non soccer mom vehicles.