The Ultimate Guide to SUVs – What You Need to Know Before Buying
The SUV, or sport utility vehicle, has become one of the most popular vehicles in the world. While the SUV was once considered a vehicle only for those who needed to transport large items or go off-road, these days there is an SUV for everyone.
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They are often classified as a type of truck but they can also be seen as a car since there is evidence to indicate that SUVs started out as modified cars and not trucks. There were even prototype SUVs back in the 1940s and 50s. But it wasn’t until the 1980s when the SUV started to see widespread adoption by consumers all over the world. As we stand right now, almost every major manufacturer offers an SUV model – but this wasn’t always so. In fact, early models were actually ridiculed for their association with what was perceived to be a “lower” class of people than those who drove traditional cars.
It didn’t take long for the SUV to gain widespread popularity and according to a recent study, one in three Americans owns an SUV at this time. However, while SUV sales continue to climb and their appearance has become more and more accepted (or even admired), there are still many people who wonder if they should buy an SUV or not. If you happen to be one of them, we hope that our ultimate guide to SUVs will give you some insight on how they work and what benefits can be derived from owning one.
Comparing Safety Features of SUVs
No matter what type of car you own, you should always be aware of the safety features that come with it. Whether it is a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or truck, all cars should have some sort of safety features installed.
When it comes to SUVs, there are some safety features that are unique. They often come standard with their own set of problems as well.
So, what are the most common safety features found in SUVs?
Traction Control
This is a feature that has been adopted across all types of cars that have four or more wheels so it isn’t unique to SUV models. It essentially limits wheel spin when you apply the gas pedal too quickly and makes sure that your entire vehicle continues to move ahead rather than just spin on one spot. It can be very helpful if the road has become icy but is actually pretty inconvenient during dry weather. The reason for this is because traction control systems reduce your overall speed by preventing wheelspin – which is why they have turned off automatically when you put your car into Sport or Race mode.
Wheel Drive
This is a feature that is unique to SUVs and trucks. It essentially splits power between all four wheels of the vehicle so that it can be used in slippery or dangerous conditions. It’s perfect for those who want to feel safe on the road but don’t want to have to deal with the extra handling that comes with rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Airbags
All cars now come with airbags as standard, both front and side airbags. This was not always the case and, in fact, many early SUV models did not come with them installed. Thankfully, this is no longer an issue and you can be sure that your car will come with airbags no matter what.
Anti-lock Brakes
This is another feature that is now standard on all cars. ABS, or anti-lock brakes, keep the wheels from locking up when you hit the brake pedal hard. This prevents the car from skidding and keeps you in control during a sudden stop.
How Much Should I Spend On An SUV?
Many people wonder how much they should spend on an SUV. The answer to this question really depends on what you plan to use your car for. If you just need it as a family vehicle that will be used mostly around town, then spending upwards of $20,000 might not be necessary. However, if you want something that can handle rough terrain or tow large items, you will probably need to spend a little bit more. Either way, here are some of the average costs for the most popular models in the United States:
Toyota RAV4 – Average Price $22,800
Ford Escape – Average Price $26,400
Honda CR-V – Average Price $23,300
Chevrolet Equinox – Average Price $28,900
These prices were recorded from Kelley Blue Book. As you can see, there is quite a wide range when it comes to SUV costs so it’s important that you have an idea of what kind of car you want before deciding how much you should spend. On one hand, if all you need is something small and efficient to take the kids to school, then spending more than $20,000 might not be necessary. On the other hand, if you want something that can handle any kind of terrain, you may end up paying upwards of $40,000 for an SUV.
What Types Of SUVs Are There?
The answer to this question is almost endless because there are so many different styles and types available. However, here are some of the most popular categories:
Crossover – Crossover SUVs combine characteristics of both cars and trucks which makes them very versatile vehicles. Some crossover SUVs can seat five passengers while others can only seat four. They also come in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive which gives buyers an added level of convenience.
Compact – Compact SUVs are generally smaller than most other models but they still manage to retain both car-like comfort and truck-like utility. They are perfect for those who need something that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces or if they just want a more fuel-efficient option.
Full Size – As the name suggests, full-size SUVs are larger than most other models which give them increased cargo space and seating capacity. What they lack in maneuverability, they make up for with power and reliability. They can also seat either five or seven passengers which is an added bonus for those who need their vehicle to shuttle around kids or adults.
Premium – Premium SUVs are designed specifically for luxury. They are larger than most other models and can often seat between five and seven passengers at a time. Additionally, they come with the best features including heated seats, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, DVD players, power-adjustable pedals, etc.
Luxury – Luxury SUVs are essentially the same thing as premium SUVs except they come with even more impressive features such as reclining third-row seating, massage seats for second-row passengers, remote engine starting systems, headlight washers/wipers for poor weather conditions, etc. These are not necessarily essential features but they make it easier to live in your car which is perfect if you spend a lot of time in it
Conclusion: The Ultimate Guide to SUVs - What You Need to Know Before Buying
There are many different things that you need to take into consideration before deciding which type of SUV is right for you. Do your research, compare prices, and try your best to have a budget in mind before starting the car buying process. Once you have found the perfect vehicle, it will be well worth all of your time and effort!
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