If you are considering purchasing a sport utility vehicle (SUV), you may be overwhelmed by the multitude of options available. There are many different styles, types, sizes, and models of SUVs. When deciding which model is for you, there are many different factors that you will need to consider and take into account.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Assess Your Needs
Step 1. Determine how much space you need
The size of the vehicle you need depends on the number of people in your family, the nature of your activities, and whether you bring pets with you. Some SUVs offer the ultimate in additional passenger space (third row seats), while others offer little more room than a 4-door sedan.
- If your lifestyle requires carrying a lot of equipment, or 4 or more people at a time, you will likely need a third row of seats. Consider a larger SUV like a Chevrolet Tahoe or a GMC Yukon.
- Some smaller SUVs also have third row seats, so if you need more seats but don't want to drive a very large SUV, try a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Step 2. Decide how you will use the vehicle
If you are generally taking the vehicle off-road, consider a Jeep Wrangler. If you want something more road-friendly, try a crossover or hybrid SUV. For more information, see below.
Step 3. Consider the need for 4-wheel drive
Driving off-road and towing big things like boats will require the power of 4WD. 4WD vehicles offer better traction and more stability control, which are great options when taking the vehicle off the road.
Consider a 4WD model if you plan to use the vehicle off-road, or even if you live in a place where it snows most months of the year
Step 4. Think about your lifestyle
Do you have kids who can make a mess inside your SUV? Or do you prefer a luxury vehicle? You may need to decide if you need functionality over luxury.
- In terms of luxury SUVs, a Range Rover would be a good option in the smaller segment, while an Escalade can be a good option if you need that extra space.
- For a more durable and easy-to-clean interior, consider a Nissan Xterra.
Part 2 of 3: Consider Efficiency and Reliability
Step 1. Consider fuel efficiency
With ever-fluctuating and often rising gas prices, fuel efficiency is as important today as it has ever been when considering buying a new vehicle.
- Kelley Blue Book recently named the 2015 Lexus NX 300h the Most Fuel Efficient SUV, with an estimated 35MPG city and 31MPG highway.
- Other SUVs that made the top ten list for fuel consumption include the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek (29MPG City, 33MPG Highway), the 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman (28MPG City, 35MPG Highway) and the 2015 Lexus RX 450h (32MPG City., 28MPG highway).
Step 2. Consider a hybrid model
When it comes to fuel efficiency, hybrid models will generally give you the best performance by combining electric and gas power.
The Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid model that also has a third row seat
Step 3. Choose a reliable model
You don't want to buy an SUV that frequently requires repairs or maintenance.
- A survey of 34,000 drivers of the need for repairs in the first three years of ownership rated the GMC Yukon as needing very little work during that time.
- One of the most opulent studies, the JD Power Vehicle Reliability Study also rated the Buick Enclave as a very reliable vehicle in the first three years of ownership.
Part 3 of 3: Consider Versatility and Safety
Step 1. Think about crossovers
A crossover is essentially defined by the type of platform on which it is based. Whereas a traditional SUV is built using a truck bed, a crossover uses a car bed. So while it's not the only difference between SUVs and crossovers, it's a defining feature to consider when deciding between the two.
- There are truck and SUV crossovers like the Honda Ridgeline that offer the interior and space of an SUV, as well as a truck bed.
- The other crossover option is the station wagon and SUV. These include models like the Kia Sportage and the Ford Escape. They are especially popular station wagons, often having high safety ratings and ample interior space, though they don't feel as big or as intimidating as a full-size SUV.
- Subcompact SUVs, like the 2016 Honda HR-V, are becoming increasingly popular on the roads. Their length is more similar to that of small cars, but they feature an SUV-style body that allows for maximum interior space and versatility, without the high price of fuel or the sizes of full-size SUVs. These subcompact SUVs average about 4MPG more in city and highway tests than compact SUVs, making them fuel efficient as well as roomy.
Step 2. Examine the security features
As with any car purchase, a high safety rating is definitely a good selling point. Feel free to ask a salesperson for detailed information about the safety features and ratings of a car that interests you. Optionally, you can do the research yourself online.
- On Kelley Blue Book's list of the 35 Top-Rated SUVs for Safety of 2016, the Acura MDX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, and BMW X5 topped the list.
- If you have children, you may also want to check the availability of rear seat child seat accessories. The 2016 Volvo XC90 was rated the best car for families in 2016 by US News due to its safety ratings, hands-free hatchback, sleek appearance (for those dads who definitely don't want to be seen in a mommy car!), and its great load capacity.
Step 3. Take a look at the available updates
Both luxury and non-luxury vehicles come standard with more and more features and upgrades. Learn about the options available to you with the SUV model you choose.
Many new cars have tech features like in-dash touchscreens, remote start, and even apps that let you lock it from anywhere. Some of these features even address safety concerns: backup cameras allow for safer reversing, blind spot monitoring notifies you (usually with a light in the side mirror) if a car is driving in its blind spot, and some newer cars even hit the brakes to prevent you from hitting an oncoming object
Advice
- For medium or heavy-duty off-roading, choose an SUV with a body-on-frame structure rather than a monocoque construction.
- If you are going to hit the road with your SUV, buy a 4x4.
- If you don't know if an SUV is for you or not, try renting one for a few days to see how it suits your daily driving needs.