Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.
For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.

The 2001 Escalade will move to GM's newest full-size truck platform (internally known as GMT800), bringing Cadillac's SUV into line with the redesigned 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The same applies to GMC's Denali, but Escalade will have its own front-end sheetmetal and distinct rear-end styling for the first time. The look is said to be more angular and sharp-edged than on sister GM SUVs in keeping with Cadillac's new "art & science" styling theme. Dimensionally the '01 Escalade will mirror the latest Tahoe/Yukon, but will probably have their 300-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 as standard rather than optional as another way to make Cadillac's version stand apart.
For the same reason, the '01 Escalade is expected to offer a new satellite navigation system and Communiport in-dash PC as exclusive options; the '01 DeVille and Seville passenger cars get these too. The 2000 Escalade added an upgraded version of GM's OnStar communications system; the '01 should get OnStar's latest Virtual Advisor system, which enables drivers to make phone calls and deal with e-mail hands-free via the three-button OnStar control panel.
Cadillac isn't slated to start building '01 Escalades until next January, which implies an on-sale date in the March-May 2001 timeframe. But that's only a warmup. Set to enter production next May is Cadillac's first-ever pickup, the second salvo in a luxury-truck barrage that will also see a car-based "crossover" SUV for 2003.
Though not yet named, the pickup is reportedly an upscale companion to a new Chevrolet model that was previewed earlier this year by the well received Avalanche concept vehicle. Both new trucks are built on the Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon XL platform and will have four full-size front-hinged doors, a 5-foot cargo box, and a rear-cab bulkhead that can be stowed to extend box length to 8 feet, about the size of a typical full-size truck bed. The Cadillac, however, will boast a standard high-output 6.0-liter V8 making 325-350 hp, plus edgy styling a la 2001 Escalade, a luxury interior, and perhaps a standard in-dash PC. No word yet on whether Cadillac will offer 4-wheel drive. Significantly, GMC will not get its own version of this new SUV pickup.
The crossover SUV is being developed on the new rear-drive Sigma car platform destined for Cadillac's all-new 2002 Catera and 2003 Seville sedans. Cadillac calls this an LAV--Luxury Activity Vehicle--and is targeting the popular and pioneering Lexus RX 300, as well as Acura's new MDX, BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class. Industry sources say the LAV will be available with rear drive or permanent all-wheel drive and a 225-hp 3.5-liter V6 or a new 300-hp 4.2-liter version of the Northstar V8; the V6 may be limited to 2WD. Three-row seating for up to eight passengers will be standard.