Yahoo Finance Best deals on large SUVs
With many parts of the the nation still thawing from a tough winter, many car shoppers are gravitating toward the all-terrain and all-weather virtues of a family-friendly SUV. Based on our latest analysis, if you're an informed consumer you can save real money. But with gas prices well below what they were a year ago, we’re not seeing the massive discounts we once did.
We combed through the available savings, focusing on three-row SUVs with real money on the hood. This list is strictly based on dollars saved. (Our Best New Car Deals list routinely covers just models that meet the stringent performance, reliability, and safety criteria to be Consumer Reports recommended.) Although we highlight one specific configuration, all these models offer similar savings on other variations.
Each vehicle highlighted below is available with at least a 5 percent discount off the retail price in national incentives. Some may also carry additional regional or other special incentives. Specific pricing details on these and other trim variations are available on the model pages, along with complete road tests, reliability, owner cost, and other key information. The vehicles are listed in alphabetical order.
Buick Enclave
Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic are smooth and powerful enough, but at times they work hard in this large SUV, and its 15-mpg overall is paltry. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish is impressive, and for 2015 forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.
Make & model | Expires | MSRP | Invoice | Potential savings off MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Buick Enclave Premium AWD | 3/31/15 | $50,230 | $48,751 | $2,979 |
Dodge Durango
Spacious, quiet, and comfortable, the Durango blends refinement and capability. It shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but is longer and adds the benefit of a third-row seat. Handling is responsive for such a large vehicle, and the ride is composed and comfortable. A slick new eight-speed automatic improved performance and fuel economy with both the V6 and V8 engines. The optional Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system is one of the best, with intuitive operation. Cargo room is generous, and the Durango can tow 1,000 to 2,000 pounds more than competitors. Limited visibility is a downside, but a rear-view camera is standard on all but the lowest trim lines. Reliability of the Durango has been average recently.
Make & model | Expires | MSRP | Invoice | Potential savings off MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Dodge Durango Limited AWD | 3/31/15 | $40,390 | $38,619 | $1,932 |
Ford Expedition
The big news about this big SUV is that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine has made its way under the hood with a 2015 freshening. The V6 pulls a double win, delivering more power and better fuel economy than the old V8 it replaces. Paired with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, ours returned 14-mpg overall in testing—a 1-mpg improvement. The V6 also has plenty of torque for trailer towing. New features include Sync with MyFord Touch, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring. Regular- and long-wheelbase versions are available, as well as eight-passenger seating. And that's where the fun stops. Handling is clumsy, and the aging Expedition still trails all others in the category with its noisy, cheap-feeling interior.
Make & model | Expires | MSRP | Invoice | Potential savings off MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Ford Expedition EL Platinum 4WD | 3/31/15 | $65,515 | $62,580 | $2,930 |
GMC Acadia
Though it's starting to feel a little dated, the Acadia is still competitive among three-row SUVs. Like its twins, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, it has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that's roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. Handling is relatively agile and secure, with responsive steering, and the ride is comfortable and steady. Its 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and refined, but it has to work hard and it gets mediocre gas mileage. Upgraded touch-screen infotainment systems bring more capability. Rear visibility isn't great, but clever extra mirrors reduce side blind spots. Denali versions have more features but no better functionality or performance. Reliability has been average.
Make & model | Expires | MSRP | Invoice | Potential savings off MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 GMC Acadia AWD Denali | 3/31/15 | $50,615 | $49,124 | $2,991 |
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai's three-row, midsized SUV is a roomy and comfortable vehicle built for family duty. The long-wheelbase Santa Fe has a 3.3-liter V6 mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic, a combination that attained 20-mpg overall in our tests. Handling is sound and utterly secure, but nobody will call it sporty. Another plus is the settled, compliant ride that blunts pavement imperfections and lets the SUV sail smoothly on the highway. The well-finished cabin brings a lot of features for the money. Rear visibility is severely hampered; a backup camera is now standard. Access is easy to the front and rear but more difficult to the cramped third row. Reliability has been average.
Make & model | Expires | MSRP | Invoice | Potential savings off MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD | 3/31/15 | $36,895 | $35,122 | $1,580 |
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