Many people nowadays own a car, but those who still haven’t purchased one are carefully considering their options. SUVs, otherwise known as sport utility vehicles, are becoming increasingly popular lately. Not so long ago, owning an SUV was considered showing off. However, nowadays, they have a more practical use and more people are interested in owning one.
The main reason is that SUVs provide more interior space, better handling on rough terrain and are more economical in fuel consumption than ever before like the Toyota Prado which you can check here https://www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/landcruiser-prado. That makes them a perfect car for families and individuals alike, who value practicality of a vehicle more than its mean looks. Today’s market offers a wide range of SUVs to choose from, which makes it difficult to decide on which one to buy. Therefore, here are a few tips on how to pick the best SUV.
SUV size
When purchasing an SUV you must consider their size as a factor. Before you make a purchase, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the SUV sizes and pick the one that best suits your needs. The sizes range from mini or subcompact SUVs to full-size and extended length SUVs. More precisely, you can choose a subcompact SUV, compact SUV, mid-size and full-size SUV. The larger the vehicle the more space it has, more towing capability and more power, but it’s also more bulky and fuel-needy.
On the other hand, the smaller the size of an SUV, the less space it offers and less power, but it handles better and it’s more economical. For instance, Mazda CX-3 is a great example of a mini SUV. It has less cargo and sitting space, but it handles better and it consumes less fuel – around 8-9 L/100 km. Moreover, Nissan Patrol, for example, is a luxurious full-size SUV. It has more engine and towing power and more seats, but it consumes around 14.5 L/100km.
Wheel drive
Unlike other passenger vehicles, SUVs come with the option for front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), as well as the all-wheel drive (AWD) engine and transmission layout. If you’re already considering purchasing an SUV, you should leverage this advantage and opt for a 4×4. The main reason is that 4WD can provide torque to all of its wheels. Simply put, it means that your vehicle’s handling and performance is much better, especially on rough terrain, such as off-road, icy and snowy roads, as well as heavy rain conditions. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that you should go big, as even smaller SUVs offer this feature.
For instance, Ford Escape is a compact SUV ideal for families. It offers just enough sitting and cargo space, but more importantly, it’s one of the Ford SUVs & AWD vehicles. Also, it’s important not to confuse AWD with 4WD. The main difference between these two is that 4WD attempts to distribute the equal amount of power to all wheels, while AWD is more about varying the power distribution to wheels based on the loss of traction, either manually or via smart electronic systems.
Price range
Prices also vary based on the SUV size, performance and the level of luxury it offers. Based on your needs, you can expect to pay less than $20,000 for subcompact and compact SUVs. Mid-size have mid-prices ranging from $30, 000 to $60, 000.
Full-size SUVs cost the most, as their prices go well above $60,000 and can even go as high as $130,000 to $200, 000 for Mercedes Benz G-class. Knowing the price range will help you calculate a budget and also identify the SUV that’s both affordable and suitable to your requirements. It’s also important to know that prices vary based on the model and the equipment that comes along with the vehicle.
Going off-road
It’s no secret that SUVs can handle off-road terrain to a degree, due to their four or all-wheel drive capabilities. Undoubtedly, you’ll be compelled to try your SUV in the off-road conditions. However, it’s important to know that modern SUVs, especially subcompacts and compacts, are more oriented towards the city and highway driving than the off-road adventures. The main reason is that most of the modern SUVs are built on a car platform, which is why they’re often referred to as crossovers. That means that both the body and the frame of the vehicle are bond together.
The purpose of this design is to provide more comfort and handling while driving on the road. On the other hand, truck-based SUVs, also known as body-on-frame models, have the body of the vehicle attached to the frame, but are initially separate. The purpose of this design is to equip a vehicle to handle a more severe off-road terrain, such as steep ascending and descending, driving on sand and rocks, as well as going through deep water. Therefore, if you consider purchasing an SUV for some off-road excitement, you should definitely look for an SUV that’s designed to withstand such a terrain.
Choosing the best SUV isn’t an easy task. Nowadays, SUVs have more purpose than they used to a few years ago. SUVs can be great family cars that offer more safety and road handling. More importantly, they offer a better seating position, which gives a driver a better perspective on the road itself. Therefore, if you’re about to purchase an SUV, make sure you do your research well and find the right one that can satisfy all your needs.
