If you are looking for an SUV with more of a "glide" feel when driving, then one equipped with an air suspension system could be the right option for you. With so many vehicles on the market these days, which SUVs are equipped with air suspension? We have done the research and comprised a list of the top mid-size and full-size SUVs with air suspension.
Not only does this list of SUVs offer air suspension, but they are also the top-performing SUVs in their category! Here is a list of the top ten SUVs with air suspension for 2021:
Mid-Size SUVs
- 2021 Audi SQ7
- 2021 Porsche Macan S
- 2021 Volvo XC90
- 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2021 Tesla Model X
Full-Size SUVs
- 2021 Land Rover Discovery
- 2021 Lexus LX 570
- 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS450
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021 Lincoln Navigator
That's a lot of SUVs to choose from! Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of having an SUV with an air suspension system. In addition, we will cover the specs on each of these vehicles.
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What Is An Air Suspension System?
Before we get into the vehicles that offer air suspension, let's go over what exactly it is and how it works. An air suspension is a type of suspension powered by a compressor or an electric-powered air pump. The air suspension is equipped with airbags that are filled by the compressor to give a spring-like suspension.
By filling the airbags, the vehicle will raise, creating more clearance. For more agility at high speeds, suppress the air in the airbags, and the vehicle will lower closer to the ground. Do keep in mind the lower you drop the vehicle height, the rougher the ride will become. So, watch out for speed bumps!
An air suspension system is commonly seen as a luxury option in SUVs, and it has the comfort and performance to back it up. Let's take a look at the mid-size and full-size SUVs that offer this alternative type of suspension.
Mid-Size SUVs With Air Suspension
2021 Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is an excellent choice for consumers looking for seven seating SUV that accommodates their family while still fulfilling their need for speed. This third-row luxury SUV is equipped with a twin-turbo V8 putting out a whopping 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.
That's insane!
What's even more insane is that you and your whole family can go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. Maybe that's not the best idea, but rest assured that you and your entire family will enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride in the 2021 Audi SQ7 air suspension.
2021 Porsche Macan S
Coming in hot with the Porsche Macan S! Only having five seats, this is a smaller option for mid-size SUVs. Nonetheless, the Porsche Macan S offers roomy seating and a comfortable ride. Under the hood, you will find a turbocharged v6 engine packed with 348 horsepower and 352 lb-ft of torque.
This agile SUV is equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management or PASM. While the air suspension raises or lowers the vehicle, the PASM reduces shock from bumpy roads and rough terrain. This is a nice feature to have when unexpectedly driving into a speed bump or pothole at higher speeds.
2021 Volvo XC90
The Scandinavian Volvo XC90 is a pristine SUV accommodating up to seven passengers. The thing that makes this vehicle even more comfortable than others is the massaging driver and passenger seats. This feature alone makes this a perfect road trip SUV.
The XC90 is offered with a 2.0l turbo engine and a plug-in hybrid option. For consumers looking for a third-row seat SUV with efficient mileage, this is an excellent choice. The gas engine is rated at 19 city/28 highway, and the hybrid receives a rating of 27 mpg combined.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is no stranger to the SUV community. There are ten available trim packages to choose from, and all seat five passengers. A V6 and V8 are available, ranging in power from 295 horsepower to a whopping 707 horsepower!
Its balance of outdoor adventurer and daily driving companion making the Grand Cherokee nothing short of supreme. Its Quadra-Lift air suspension has an automatic adjustment system meaning that it will lower the front end of the SUV at highway speeds making it more aerodynamic for increased fuel mileage.
2021 Tesla Model X
Tesla is the new kid on the block and has been making some serious noise in the market lately. Its self-driving, and electric-powered innovative technology is changing the industry. The Tesla Model X can be charged in 10 1/2 hours and has a total travel distance of 340 miles. It comfortably seats five passengers and has Tesla's falcon-winged doors that make it easy to load a car seat for your child.
The Model X might be electric, but it's not a one to sleep on. With over 1,000 horsepower, this thing can move. It has a 0-60 time coming in at 2.5 seconds, making it a very fast but almost silent SUV.
Full-Size SUVs With Air Suspension
2021 Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery is an elegant SUV that can seat up to seven passengers. With heated seats in all three rows makes it an excellent vehicle for driving to the winter cabin. You can get the Discovery in either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine, depending on your needs.
2021 Lexus LX 570
The Lexus LX 570 is a great luxury full-size SUV equipped with air suspension and a reliable choice. The LX 570 seats eight passengers and is equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. One thing that sets the LX 570 apart from its competitors is its exceptional off-roading capabilities.
2021 Mercedes Benz GLS 450
If you are looking for a roomy full-size, then the Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is it. With an enormous cabin and advanced technology, the GLS 450 gives consumers a limo-like feel. If high-end luxury is on the list of wants, then this comes in the first place. Buyers can choose from a 362 horsepower in-line V6 or a power 483 twin-turbocharged V8.
2021 Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is luxurious and beautifully redesigned. Not only will it seat seven passengers, but its towing capabilities are impressive compared to similar full-size SUVs. The Escalade can be purchased equipped with either a spry twin-turbocharged V6 or a powerful 6.2 liter V8.
2021 Lincoln Navigator
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a nice combination of luxury and power. Seating up to eight passengers and equipped with a 450 horsepower twin-turbocharged engine, this full-size SUV can handle whatever is thrown at it. The Navigator also comes equipped with a heavy-duty tow package making it an excellent choice for hauling large loads.
All models come equipped with a 4G hotspot. Buyers can also use the hotspot connection up to 50 feet away from the vehicle.
How Long Will Air suspension Last?
Every vehicle and its parts over time are going to have wear and tear. Knowing how long the air suspension will last depends on each automaker and their specific air suspension system.
Nonetheless, a buyer can expect an estimated lifespan of 50,000 to 70,000 miles or a recommended replacement every ten years.
What Happens If Air Suspension Fails?
The most important part of an air suspension system is its compressor. If the compressor fails, then there is no way for the airbags to inflate. If the vehicle is sitting at an abnormal riding height, it may be due to a failing compressor.
The air compressor is vital to your air suspension system. If it seems that the air suspension isn't working normally, contact your local dealership to diagnose the issue.
Can I Drive With Air Suspension Off?
There may be times when the air compressor's constant filling and deflating gets annoying. It can be tempting to completely turn off the air suspension, but doing so can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Disabling the air suspension will cause the vehicle to ride very rough as if it is constantly bottoming out, and without the suspension, there is nothing to absorb the shock from the road.
Which Is Better, Air Or Spring Suspension?
Air suspension has its benefits when it comes to its versatility. A driver can adjust it for a comfortable ride on the highway or a stiffer ride for rougher terrain. It's also quite beneficial when towing heavy loads because of its ability to level out the vehicle.
While spring suspension can't be adjusted to the driver's feel like air suspension. Spring suspension is more reliable because there are fewer things that can go wrong. Air suspension can be three times the cost of a spring suspension and can be expensive for repairs.
With that being said, buyers need to weigh the pros and cons of getting a vehicle with air suspension. While it is more versatile than a spring suspension, air suspension, in the long run, can be a pricey feature due to its initial cost and future repairs.
In Closing
Overall, an air suspension adapts to any terrain or job that is thrown at it. It may be a pricey option, but it can make any mid-size or full-size SUV an off-road warrior, family road trip adventurer, or heavy towing machine. If you are thinking about getting a vehicle with air suspension, test-drive models with and without it to help the buying decision.
For more information on SUVs, check out these articles:
What Are The Tallest SUVs? [6 Models That Fit The Bill]
What SUVs Have V6 Engines In 2021? [A Look At Midsize And Full-Size SUVs]