If you’re in the market for an SUV and you’ve never bought an SUV before, you might be wondering how to go about finding the one that’s right for you. Almost all car makers seem to have their own take on the SUV model these days, so there’s no shortage of options out there to choose between.
We’re going to discuss some of the factors that you’ll need to think about and assess if you want to choose the SUV that’s going to meet your needs from day to day. There are more options out there than you think, and understanding what sets them apart is always a good place to start. So read on now to find out more.
New or Used?
The first thing you’ll need to do is decide whether you want to choose a brand new car or a used car. This comes down to your budget and how much you feel comfortable spending. But remember, your budget will go a lot further and you’ll be able to buy a higher-quality SUV if you choose to buy from the used market. Just like every other kind of car out there, SUVs depreciate in value as soon as they’re bought. There are lots of good dealerships out there selling used SUVs in great condition too.
Styling and Design
Of course, the way the car looks is something you’ll have to consider. SUVs used to be very bulky and the style was rarely the reason why people bought them. That’s something that’s changed a little in recent times though. The way in which these cars are designed has improved as they’ve become more popular and buyers have become more discerning. There are lots of designs that are sleek and aerodynamic, despite the size of these vehicles. If appearances really matter to you, you should have no trouble finding the right option.
Off-Road Capabilities
For many people, driving an SUV is all about taking it off-road and going places that regular cars usually can’t. Of course, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone, but if you do want to take it off-road, you’ll need to make sure that the SUV you choose has those capabilities because not all of them are made for different terrains. The traction and wheels will play a big part in whether or not it can handle different terrains, so be sure to take that into account when making your decisions.
Fuel Economy
For anyone who’s concerned about how much money they spend on driving and using their car, fuel economy will be a top concern. The unfortunate news is SUVs are not exactly known for being the most efficient vehicles and, therefore, the fuel economy they offer is rarely the best. However, things are starting to change and head in a more positive direction, especially if you’re willing to consider an electric or hybrid model, which are obviously more efficient than regular gas-guzzling SUVs.
Storage Capabilities
Storage is another thing you’re going to have to keep in mind. A lot of people choose to buy SUVs because they want to have plenty of room in the back and lots of storage space to make use of. So be sure to check out the options that your top pick offers before you go ahead and purchase it. Some SUVs have lots of hidden storage space and make use of every square inch available. If you care a lot about storage space, those are the SUVs that should be at the top of your list.
The Seating Options
Different SUVs have different seating configurations, so be sure to think about how many seats you need. Some of the best options will come with an extra row of two or three seats in the back that can be folded down to create even more space in the back for storage. So that might be something to look out for when buying an SUV. Flexibility is always beneficial because your needs will likely change over time.
The Level of Luxury
There are some SUVs that are designed for rugged off-road driving, as we discussed above. And there are others that are more focused on delivering a smooth and luxurious driving experience for the owner and their passengers. It’s up to you to decide what level of luxury you expect from a car like this. The new Jeep Wagonner is an example of an SUV that offers plenty in the way of luxury; click here to learn all of the latest on the new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. But others don’t offer quite as much luxury on the inside.
Tech and Infotainment Systems
Different cars will also offer different things when it comes to technology. If you want to be able to connect your smartphone with ease and make use of a great onboard infotainment system, you’ll probably want to check out some of the new models. Older SUVs won’t offer as much in this department because the technology in modern cars has improved so much in recent years. These systems aren’t so important to everyone though.
Driver Assistance Features
Finally, you should look into the other tech features that the car offers, particularly the driver assistance features. These can make a big difference to how you use your car and how you enjoy it. From rear view cameras to different cruise control features and plenty more; modern SUVs come with all sorts of quality life advantages for you to explore and look into before you decide which model is going to be right for you and offer what you’re looking for from a car. So be sure to do your research.
As you can see, there are lots of things you should try to assess and take into account when you’re choosing which SUV is going to be the right one for you. Taking the time to assess these things and consider your own wants and needs will result in a better purchasing decision being made.
