Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs are among the most popular choices for vehicles. Buyers love their all-wheel-drive, off-road ability, and versatile interiors. SUVs are also available in a wide variety of sizes and price ranges. So if you are considering buying one, you can visit the website of the dealer and learn a bit more about these luxury cars and find the one that meets your needs and budget. In addition, you should also take into account all the following factors that will guide you through the purchase process.
Size Requirements
SUVs are available in 4 different sizes, and they are:
Subcompact SUVs: Subcompact SUVs are slightly taller than subcompact cars, and their smaller footprint makes them ideal for maneuvering in constricted spaces. You may also get some subcompacts in luxury brands that offer strong performance and upscale interiors, and they may be similarly priced as a mid-sized SUV of any mainstream brand.
Small SUVs: If you are looking for more room than what your sedan offers, a small SUV can be a suitable choice. Small SUVs of some brands offer a higher driving position and a flexible cargo space. And most of these SUVs have back seats that can comfortably accommodate two adults.
Mid-Sized SUVs: Mid-sized SUVs are best suited for families as they offer the right balance of interior space, power, cargo room, and safety. These SUVs are found in two, and three-row variants and have good towing capacity. You can also find some models with trailering packages to reach the maximum towing capacity.
Large SUVs: Large SUVs have powerful engines, plenty of interior space, and brilliant towing capacity. So if you need an SUV to transport many people in your vehicle, haul a trailer or carry lots of gear, a large-sized SUV would be the best choice for you.
Fuel Efficiency
SUVs are heavier, bigger, and less aerodynamic than regular cars, which means you are likely to visit the gas station quite frequently as the engines consume a lot of fuel. So whether you buy an eight-cylinder, six-cylinder, or four-cylinder engine, you may emphasize getting good fuel economy. Moreover, if you drive long distances with little or no off-roading needs, consider a four-cylinder engine that will help you save a lot of fuel.
Towing Capacity
Truck-based SUVs have a towing capacity equivalent to any pickup truck. And most of the full-sized models can tow around 9000 pounds, and the mid-sized models can tow up to 5000 pounds. So, before buying, you may want to look at the rating of towing capacity and be sure whether the vehicle can handle your towing load. You must also know that large and midsize SUVs require an optional tow package to reach the maximum rating.
4WD, AWD, and 2WD
Car-based SUVs are available with AWD and use a front-drive platform. Meanwhile, truck-based models are available with 4WD and have a rear-drive configuration. As such, 4WD and AWD are responsible for providing power to the wheels. AWD remains permanently engaged or routes power automatically between the rear and front wheels as required. And you can find some new systems to make adjustments in wheel drives through differential locks or drive modes.
Traditional 4WDs are rarely found in modern SUVs, and they have low-range gearing that is required for driving in rugged terrains. So you can opt for an automatic 4WD that will enable automatic engagement of the system according to driving conditions. And if driving on the snowy or icy pavement is not a concern, you must buy a 2WD model for better fuel efficiency.
Cargo
The seating configuration of an SUV adds to its versatility. For instance, you can use the space behind the front seats for cargo by folding second and third-row seats. And if you are looking to get more space for cargo, opt for those seats that fold flat. Also, the cargo floors in SUVs are higher than in minivans, making it difficult to load heavy objects. However, if you are going for a truck-based model, you can have much easier access to the cargo base as it can be power-operated and has hands-free liftgates.
The primary focus while buying an SUV should be reliability, even though the vehicle is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. So, you may need to find out the reliability score of the model of your choice, and you can find that if you visit the website of the manufacturer. This is also important since it would help you with effective negotiation at the time of purchase.
