Credit: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
The SUV has become the most popular vehicle model in North America in recent years, surpassing sedans and pickups as the vehicle of choice for most families. SUVs have a great combination of spacious cabins, power and handling, and safety for the driver and passengers. Many drivers feel reassured by the extra height they get when they’re behind the wheel, and they don’t feel quite so overpowered by the ever-expanding size of pickup trucks that have also grown more popular over the years.
Before you go SUV shopping, use this guide to familiarize yourself with the main features that you should keep an eye on in your search.
Table of Contents
Types of SUVs
There are several different types of SUVs that have emerged as the model has become more popular. Originally, SUVs were mostly truck-based, with the body placed on a truck frame to give the vehicle its size, as well as increased towing and carrying capacity. Today, body-on-frame SUVs are harder to come by, and car-based SUVs in the form of crossovers and small SUVs have become much more popular.
One of the fastest-growing segments of the SUV market is the subcompact SUV. The appeal of the subcompact crossover is that they’re a taller version of subcompact cars, giving the elevated ride height that drivers love, as well as all-wheel drive, without a large footprint that can make it harder to park. Subcompacts like the Mazda CX30 are popular for their combination of elevated heights, fuel economy, and responsive handling.
Larger SUVs deliver when what you really need is extra room for passengers and cargo, but you can expect more of a minivan-type feel from vehicles like this. Driving them can feel clumsy and bulky, but when you really need that three-row seating, large SUVs are the way to go.
Fuel Economy
SUVs aren’t exactly known for their fuel efficiency, but that’s beginning to change, especially with the increasing prevalence of hybrid and electric SUVs. Even if you’re not interested in buying a hybrid, small and subcompact SUVs can be much more forgiving on your wallet than large-format SUVs when you go to fill up.
Safety
Safety is one of the top reasons drivers decide to buy an SUV, and the safety features available should be a deciding factor for you, too. The first thing to check out is the safety ratings given to different models. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) safety ratings are one of the more reliable metrics, as they come from an independent, not-for-profit agency.
Other safety features that you want to look for include features like the following:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping systems
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross-traffic monitoring
- Parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 360-degree camera systems.
Infotainment
Finally, you can’t forget about infotainment systems. If you have kids, take long drives to the cottage or on road trips, or if you just love having the latest technology, a great infotainment system is also a must. Apply CarPlay and Android Auto are must-haves these days. Backseat screens are an entertainment luxury that’s perfect for families with kids who regularly go on long journeys. From a safety standpoint, a larger screen for the driver can make it much easier to navigate.
Make sure your next SUV is the right vehicle for you. Do your research on features like size and type of SUV, fuel efficiency, safety, and the latest in infotainment.
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