SUVs are popular right now, making it both the best and worst time to buy one. If you’re in the market for one, you might have a real case of decision fatigue with the sheer variety of options out there. There are different sizes, styles types and models of SUVs. When deciding which model of SUV is for you, there are various factors to consider.
Think About What You Want
Evaluate the number of people who will regularly use it, how much space you will need and don’t forget about pets. It all goes towards determining the kind of vehicle you finally choose. Some SUVs offer the luxurious third-row seating while others provide just a smidge more than a large sedan.
Where Will You Drive It Most?
If most of your travel is outdoorsy and involves long highway drives, consider a crossover or a hybrid SUV. Regular off-roaders though will be far happier behind the wheel of a four by four. For medium/heavy-duty off-roading, pick an SUV with a body-on-frame instead of unibody construction. 4WD’s are also powerful enough to lug around boats and offer way better traction and stability, which can come in handy if you live in a place where it snows heavily for many months at a time.
Consider Reliability And Efficiency
With gas prices on the rise, fuel efficiency is an important deciding factor when buying a new vehicle. This is also one of the best reasons to consider a hybrid. Hybrid SUVs give you the most returns for every dollar because they have the opportunity to use both electric and gas power.
But efficiency aside, buy a vehicle you can depend on. If your SUV spends more time in the shop than it does on the road in the first three years of ownership, it’s not the best bet.
Is It As Safe As It Is Versatile?
The easiest way to think about the difference between an old school SUV versus a crossover is this – crossovers were engineered to be most like trucks, while crossovers are more like a significant upgrade on a sedan. The van/SUVs are fantastic family vehicles with roomy interiors and higher safety ratings without the heft of a full-size SUV. Subcompact SUVs are also on the rise. Their SUV-style body that’s close to a small car offers space and versatility and spacious interiors without racking up the substantial gas bills of full-size models.
Finally, before you purchase, research all the options available to you. Newer models come packed with high tech additions like in-dash touchscreens, back-up cameras for safer reversing, remote start, blind-spot monitoring and apps to lock your car from anywhere. But overall, the thing you should consider most is what combination of features would work best for your lifestyle and budget – it’s what matters most.