If you’re considering upgrading your car to the latest models on the market, this is for you. You’ve probably considered acquiring a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) as your next must-have car. It’s a luxury car that’s well represented by most brands and has become more popular than regular cars.
The reasons for this popularity range from versatility to size variety and off-road ability. If you’re down to buying an SUV, and especially if it’s your first time, here are the factors to consider.
Type of SUV
SUVs come in two types, namely car-based and truck-based. However, this distinction is less relevant today, as many SUVs have a car-like design. Modern SUVs are built with a unibody construction where the body and frame are unified.
Some of the remaining truck-based SUVs models have a body-on-frame platform. They can tow a car-based SUV of a similar size. When the four-wheel drive function is engaged, these SUVs can tackle challenging off-road terrains.
Truck-based SUVs are more cumbersome to handle and can be bumpy. However, they have a solid rear axle and an independent rear suspension that makes them more responsive.
Another factor to check is the size as SUVs are available in a variety of sizes. Check the various SUV cars on Motability to see the wide range available.
Two-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive
The power of a two-wheel-drive (2WD) SUV is usually vested on the front wheels only. With a four-wheel-drive vehicle (4WD), you can choose between 2WD and 4WD power when driving. An all-wheel-drive is more reliable and robust when driving in bad road conditions. All the wheels have a firm grip, whether you’re driving on snow, rainfall, or mud.
Fuel Consumption
Fueling your car is a recurring expense which you must factor in before buying a car. If you’re worried about fuel economy and running costs, you need to reconsider your decision to buy an SUV. It’s a widely accepted fact that SUVs are not fuel-efficient even if they’re not guzzlers.
They weigh more than regular vehicles and also have a more aerodynamic drag. More weight translates to more consumption.
Safety and Driver-Assist Technologies
With all the innovations in technology in the auto industry, you should check how advanced a car’s features are. Safety ratings should entail crash-test results and crash-avoidance capabilities. These should be conducted and reported by the insurance industry and the federal government.
Among the features the SUV you desire should have are:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind Spot Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection
Consider checking if it’s fitted with a telematics system that alerts emergency personnel when an airbag is deployed. A lane-departure warning system is also crucial to alert you when you leave your lane without signaling.
Final Thoughts
Buying an SUV is a little more involving than a regular vehicle. Considering the various models available, you should consider how you’ll put it into use and the terrains it’ll handle. Before spending your money on an SUV, remember that its operational costs are high, and so is its purchase price.
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