Choosing the right SUV for your needs
Everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to busy moms are driving SUVs these days. These vehicles are popular because they offer versatility, seating and cargo space and are often loaded with great features. And they have been a part of our lives longer than you may think.
Where did the SUV come from?
Like so many of today’s everyday necessities (GPS, duct tape), the SUV was originally developed for military use in the 1930’s as a rugged, four-wheel drive capable of moving across off-road terrain more easily while hauling moderate amounts of cargo. Bringing the SUV to the consumer market took some time as these were initially somewhat cost-prohibitive to produce for mass consumption. However, the modern SUV was born in 1955 when the Chevrolet Suburban hit the market – and remains a popular vehicle still today. The 1960’s and 70’s saw the arrival of more vehicles that drives still love today: the Chevrolet Blazer, the Jeep Cherokee, the Ford Bronco and the first “luxury” off-road vehicle, the Range Rover.
In 1984, Jeep unveiled a more compact version of their Cherokee model and the Sport Utility Vehicle – or SUV – became a popular alternative to station wagons and larger sedans. In 1999, the sales of SUVs outperformed that of regular cars for the first time and they have continued to dominate the market with expanding options in size, price and features in the first two decades of the 2000’s.
Advantages of Buying An SUV
People buy SUVs for a number of different reasons but typically for their size, safety and convenience. The fact that SUV’s are larger than a sedan and often have the power of a large truck means that you can haul a decent amount of cargo and seat a number of passengers (typically anywhere between 5-9), while still enjoying the premium features that many SUVs are now commonly equipped with. The size and heaviness of the vehicles also make them great for handling inclement weather and rough terrain, which could be important depending on where you live. Plus, the roominess of an SUV often makes getting in and out of it much easier on older adults or those with physical challenges.
SUVs also provide drivers with a lot of safety features. Aside from some of the new, advanced technology including things like collision warnings, back-up or rearview cameras and pedestrian detection, the height of the SUV gives drivers more visability for safer driving.
If you are thinking about making your next vehicle an SUV, consider a few factors to help you choose the right SUV for your budget and lifestyle.
Size
Back in the early days of SUVs, they were mostly big, rugged vehicles that were also often gas-guzzlers without many premium features. Nowadays, you can choose from a range of sizes to find the SUV that works best for your lifestyle. Compact, mid-size and full-size SUVs all offer different advantages for your consideration.
Small/Compact SUVs: These are a great option for someone purchasing their first SUV as they tend to be more affordable than their larger counterparts. Many now offer the same fuel economy as a sedan with more room and functionality. While they may not offer the horsepower of a larger SUV, many customers buy compact SUV for their cargo roominess and extra seating and are typically less concerned about engine power. Some of the most popular compact SUVs are the Toyota Rav4 (MSRP: $25,950), the Honda CR-V (MSRP: $25,150) and the Subaru Forester (MSRP:$24,495).
Some of the best known luxury auto makers, like Mercedes-Benz, also make popular compact SUVs like their Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (MSRP: $42,500), which offers augmented navigation features and even comes in a plug-in hybrid model which gets an estimated 70 MPG on the highway.
There are also Subcompact SUVs, smaller than a compact SUV, but more practical for urban areas and budget-conscience drivers who don’t want to spend a fortune to fill their gas tank. The Nissan Rogue Sport (MSRP: $23,240), Mazda CX-3 (MSRP: $20,640) and CX-30 (MSRP: $21,900), Chevrolet Trax (MSRP: $21,300) and Hyundai Kona (MSRP: $20,300) are all smaller, sporty SUVs at a very affordable price point.
Midsize SUVs: These SUVs offer more room while still providing good gas mileage. There are some surprisingly affordable models for the amount of car you get, including the Hyundai Santa Fe (MSRP: $27,415) and the Kia Sorrento (MSRP: $28,110). Mitsubishi’s popular Eclipse Cross offers a lot of efficiency in a larger size at an affordable price point (MSRP: $24,190).
The Volkswagen Atlas (MSRP: $31,545) consistently ranks as a top seller of midsize SUVs and has a loyal customer following. Like other new mid-size SUVs, it offers popular 3rd row seating, along with a large cargo area and a number of driver safety features like including blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning. (It’s compact twin, the Tiguan, offers many of the same features in a smaller space with a near identical, more compact, body style.)
If you are looking for a midsize SUV with a few more bells and whistles – and can afford to pay a little more – there are luxury midsized SUV’s that offer the same not-too-small/not-too-big size with a few more premium features like the Toyota Highlander (MSRP $35,775), a 7-seater vehicle that offers a hands-free trunk, wireless charging and pedestrian detection, along with excellent gas mileage getting 29 MPG on the highway & 21 MPG in the city. Likewise, the Lexus RX (MSRP $45,175) has all the premium features you would expect from a Lexus like forward collision warning, in-car wifi and an efficient stop/start system, which shuts down the engine when you are idling but allows the other components – air conditioning, power steering, etc – to remain active and then quickly restarts when you tap the gas.
Full-size SUVs: While several midsized SUV’s offer 3rd row seating for families, the full-size SUV has comfortable 3rd row seating for everyone over the age of 10. The classic SUV, the Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $50,295), continues to provide a lot of room (seating up to 9, in some models) with a powerful towing capacity up to 8600 lbs., which is why it remains a best-seller.
Ford’s Expedition (MSRP $48,900) is also popular for its powerful turbocharged engine and spacious interior. For a smoother driving experience in a large vehicle, some drivers prefer to invest in a luxury full-size SUV like the Lincoln Navigator (MSRP:$76,185) or Cadillac Escalade (MSRP:$76,195), both of which combine the power of other full-size SUVs with luxe interiors and more premium tech features and infotainment systems.
Lifestyle
Beyond size and seating, people often choose an SUV based on their lifestyle. Is this a safe, family vehicle for everyday life in an area that gets a lot of inclement weather? A road tripping, off-roading ride for an adventurous couple? Or maybe it’s a necessary transport vehicle with a lot of cargo space for travel or work needs. When you are trying to find the best SUV for your life, it’s important to consider your primary reason for buying one.
Off Roading
When you want to push your vehicle to its full capability away from city streets, you want one built for durability. The Jeep Cherokee (MSRP: $34,755) offers a lot of bang for your buck when you choose the all-terrain Trailhawk model, a 4-wheel drive vehicle ith a Traction Management System, locking rear axle and hill descent control. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (MSRP: $42,650) offers several Terrain Response driving modes, excellent ground clearance and wading depth, give it a lot of capability. The price tag for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (MSRP: $130,900) is almost as steep as trails you can climb, all while enjoying the luxury features you would expect. This smooth four-wheel drive ride offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance, can drive through water that's up to 27.5 inches deep, and it can tackle inclines of up to 45 degrees.
SUVs like these that offer different options for different terrain, as well as 4WD and all-wheel drive (AWD) are also good options for those who live in areas with lots of ice and snow.
Safety
SUV’s of all sizes offer a lot of safety features nowadays to minimize damage and injury and even prevent accidents from happening. If safety is a top criterion for you, there are a few that get the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which evaluates crashworthiness as well as headlight effectiveness. The Hyundai Palisade (MSRP: $31,550) earned the “Top Safety Pick+” label from the IIHS and comes equipped with standards like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection, as well as more innovative features like a rear occupant alert feature. Kia’s all-new Telluride (MSRP: $31,690) also was named a “Top Safety Pick” with features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit assist system which alerts passengers to oncoming traffic. Additionally, you can add options like a surround-view camera system, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a highway driving assist system.
The budget-friendly Mazda CX-5 (MSRP: $25,190) offers a lot of value with a rearview camera, low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Optional features that can be added for a little more include a surround-view camera system, full-speed adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display.
High Tech Features
Whether you want to keep your kids busy on long road trips or are just a techhead who wants all the shiny, new features, the latest SUV’s don’t skimp on high tech features.
If you can afford the super luxurious Bentley Bentayga (MSRP: $160,000), you may get out of your car. All the seating comes equipped with back massagers, and the rear seats fully recline and have a footrest for the perfect 10 minute siesta wherever you pull over. Your kids will love the 8-inch screens on the back of the front seats for entertainment.
The considerably more affordable Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP: $29,800 ) may not be your oasis for rest and relaxation but does offer a nice infotainment center with a 7 or 8-inch touch screen with navigation, satellite radio, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. It also provides a Wi-Fi hot spot, and six USB ports.
Cost and Conservation
Many people don’t have a specific “need” for an SUV but enjoy the look and style of them, as well as the safety provided by a vehicle larger and more powerful than a sedan. For these SUV buyers, the decision usually comes down to cost and fuel economy. Many SUV’s, of all sizes, are now coming in hybrid and electric models to answer the growing consumer demand for “greener” and more budget friendly vehicles. Some of the most popular hybrid SUVs right now are the compact Ford Escape Hybrid (MSRP: $28,265) and the midsize Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MSRP: $38,200).
Going Electric
After a sluggish early market, electric SUVs are quickly becoming more popular with American drivers – vehicles like the luxe Audi e-tron (MSRP:$75,795) and the more affordable Hyundai Kona (MSRP: $21,440) offer all the space and versatility of a regular SUV with greater driving range, faster charging times and a lot more power than their earlier electric predecessors. In fact, most newer model run for more than 200 miles with a full battery and some even top out at near or above 300 miles per charging session.
The cutting-edge Tesla Model X (MSRP: $79,990) has an Autopilot feature, which lets the car steer, brake, and even change lanes for you on the highway as well a 17-inch touchscreen display that lets you open and close the doors and trunk.
Safe and roomy, the Tesla Model X also has the most storage room of any SUV in its class. It's battery is touted to be large enough for 325 miles of driving and the Model X is really, really fast – with fast charging times (especially at one of one of Tesla's Superchargers located around the country) and fast driving capability, going from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds in their Long Range model and an astounding 2.7 seconds when you engage the well-named “Ludicrous Mode.”
SUV’s for all
Whether you decide to go green with a hybrid or electric model, make a budget-friendly investment with a compact/subcompact SUV or splurge on a vehicle that can navigate wicked terrain while also looking sleek pulling up to valet parking, you can easily find the right SUV for your life in a market filled with so many excellent options.
