The Ultimate Guide To Buying A New SUV

SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) are all the rage right now. They’re practical and comfortable to drive and have enough space for you, your family, and your stuff. Even if you live in a city, an SUV likely fits your lifestyle more than any other vehicle. But there are also a lot of SUVs to choose from on the market, and they come with different types of characteristics that can confuse shoppers. This guide is here to help you.

SUV: Meaning

When you’re looking to haul around a lot of gear, at least five people, and a golden retriever, you might want to consider a vehicle with a higher ride height and an extended cabin. The sport-utility vehicle, commonly known as the SUV, comes in many sizes, shapes, and capabilities. Today’s lineup of SUVs includes all sorts of high-riding models with unique bodies. If it has an elevated ride height and an extended body rather than a trunk, it’s probably an SUV.

Types of SUVs

X-Small

The smallest SUVs go by the moniker “extra-small” in the marketplace, but most call them subcompact SUVs. These vehicles are derived from car platforms and are typically just high-riding hatchbacks. Their handling characteristics tend to be superior to many compact cars and sedans. A higher ride means it’s easier to get in and out of these vehicles, which is a plus for adults of average height and weight.

Small

Compact SUVs, or small SUVs, are the workhorses of the SUV market. They’re more affordable and offer better fuel economy than their full-size cousins but still allow four passengers and can haul your stuff. You’ll feel the SUV vibe from behind the wheel, but it won’t cost you as a larger SUV would.

Midsize SUV

Midsize SUVs are versatile vehicles that feature a combination of strengths from their compact and full-size counterparts. Designed for travel enthusiasts and those who need the extra cargo space and seating offered by larger models, these models are roomy and feature ample power under the hood.

Large SUV

The large sport-utility vehicle may be on its way out. While these beasts still have their appeal—they can haul heavy loads and fit eight or more people comfortably—they’re not exactly agile behind the wheel. And intrusions by the truck-like undercarriage compromise interior space.