2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV

There are lots of choices among the cheaper-to-buy-and-drive mid-size SUVs that, when properly configured, can safely tow at least 5,000 pounds.

Shopping for a three-row SUV means balancing priorities of seat quantity versus comfort. If the number of seats trump all, many three-row SUVs offer a second-row bench, but other models give up the second-row middle seat for captain’s chairs.

When it comes to operation, actually driving and using them, many of us prefer the mainstream-branded versions of big SUVs to the fancier, more luxurious, more expensive luxury-brand versions.