Regular vs. Extended Wheelbases: Which Size Vehicle Is Right For Your Family?
When shopping for full-size vehicles, one of the initial questions you'll be asked at the dealership is if you prefer a regular or extended wheelbase. While this may sound like a simple choice, there are many factors to consider including cost, convenience, and overall driving capabilities.
So… how do you decide which wheelbase is right for your family? That’s what I’m here to help answer.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a CPST, mom of almost four, and a car lover in general, I want to help you find the best family vehicle without over or under buying. Let’s break down everything you need to know about regular vs. extended wheelbases to enter the dealership with confidence.
What is a wheelbase?
Before we go into the nitty-gritty of different wheelbase sizes, let’s start with the basics. The wheelbase of a vehicle is the measured distance between the front and rear wheels. This helps determine the proportion of space available for passengers and cargo.
The extended wheelbase allows for more trunk space - and that is what you’re paying for.
Regular vs. Extended Wheelbase Vehicle List:
Larger than the standard Expedition in both wheelbase and length.
The wheelbase of the Expedition MAX is 131.6 inches, while the standard Expedition has a wheelbase of 122.5 inches.
The standard Expedition SUV's length is 210.0 inches, with the length of the Expedition MAX nearly a foot longer at 221.9 inches - most of that is in the trunk.
Jeep Wagoneer vs. Jeep Wagoneer L
130-inch wheelbase (7 inches more than standard) and a 226.7-inch overall length (10 inches more than standard).
Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
130-inch wheelbase (7 inches more than standard) and a 226.7-inch overall length (10 inches more than standard).
Cadillac Escalade vs. Cadillac Escalade ESV
The Escalade ESV measures 227 inches in length, which is 15.1 inches longer than the standard Escalade's length of 211.9 inches. Additionally, the Escalade ESV is slightly taller than the standard Escalade.
Lincoln Navigator vs. Lincoln Navigator L
The Lincoln Navigator measures 210 inches in length, while the extended-length Lincoln Navigator L spans 221.9 inches, making it 11.9 inches longer.
The wheelbase of the Yukon is about 121 inches, while the Yukon XL features a longer wheelbase of approximately 134 inches. Yukon XL is longer, providing slightly more space in the third row. It has a wheelbase that is 13 inches longer and an overall length that is more than 15 inches longer than the standard Yukon.
Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Chevrolet Suburban - read this post here to understand the difference!
A longer wheelbase allows for more space within each row, especially in the third row and trunk, which is where the wheelbase options come in. When looking at full size vehicles, many manufacturers offer both a regular wheelbase and extended wheelbase option to consider.
Do I really need a bigger car? It’s all about trunk space.
It can be tough to really narrow down how much car you actually need to haul around on a daily basis. If you have kids / passengers in your third row pretty much everyday and you feel like you’re losing trunk space - consider an extended wheelbase.
Regular vs. Extended Wheelbases - what’s the difference?
Extended wheelbases are typically 15 inches longer
More third row / trunk space
Harder to drive - it’s a WAY larger vehicle
When looking at regular and extended wheelbase vehicles, the only difference comes down to their size and interior space. While the actual difference in length might not seem significant on paper (it usually comes in approximately 15 inches longer), it becomes extremely obvious when you're behind the wheel.
Remember, an extended wheelbase may not fit in your garage! Be sure to measure your garage before you head to the dealership!
Kelly’s Hot Take: The extended wheelbase feels like a whole different vehicle. It’s difficult to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces (think the crowded car line) and parking. Although this additional foot and some change doesn’t sound like much, it’s way bigger.
Price Difference
Since you’re paying for a larger vehicle, the cost of an extended wheelbase is going to be more expensive than a regular wheelbase. Although each manufacturer is going to charge a different amount for their regular vs. extended wheelbase, typically the cost is between $3,000 - $10,000 more.
MPG Comparison
The off-the-lot final cost is not the only price increase to consider, but also the increased cost in gas. Regular wheelbases have between 5-8 MPG more combined than their extended wheelbase option. Although this might not sound like a lot, this vehicle is going to be in your family for a long time, so the cost of gas will add up.
Can’t I just put half my third row down?
When I’m talking about safety in regular vs. extended wheelbases, I’m referring to the idea that it’s okay to have one seat down in the third row for additional trunk space. I see the appeal - you get more space without buying more vehicle and everyone is buckled up, so no harm right? Wrong. One seat down in the third row is incredibly dangerous for everyone in the vehicle.
If you do this on the semi-regular with your family, the extended wheelbase is by far the better choice. Yes, price, drive, and MPG are all factors to consider, but nothing else matters if you cannot haul everything you need safely on the day-to-day.
Each of these pairs offers the same features and capabilities, but with the extended wheelbase you get that additional third row and trunk room.
Which Extended Wheelbase Vehicle Is My Favorite?
If you're considering an extended wheelbase vehicle, the Expedition Max is my top pick. With a wheelbase of 131.6 inches and a length of 221.9 inches (versus the traditional wheelbase of 122.5 inches and a length of 210.0 inches), you’re getting a lot of space for both passengers and everything you need to haul.
If you’re debating which full-size vehicle is right for you (extended wheelbase or regular), check out my Full-Size SUV Showdown! This will provide a complete breakdown of what every full-size vehicle on the market has to offer.
So… Which Size Vehicle Is Right For Your Family?
Before you decide an extended wheelbase is absolutely necessary for your family, really take the time to consider this question: How much space you actually need?
Yes, it’s really nice to have a larger third row for passengers and additional trunk room, but the sheer amount of vehicle you’re driving around is a lot to handle.
My biggest tip is to go into the dealership of the full-size SUV you’re interested in and really test drive both wheelbase options. I’m not just talking about parking and turning, but bringing your car seats, sports gear, etc… in and testing out that additional space. This will make it clear which extended wheelbase option is right for you.
Do you have a preference between regular vs. extended wheelbases? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest family car buying tips, check out my recent posts:
