Are you looking into buying SUVs and you aren’t sure which one to get? Read this article to learn more about which SUV to choose.
There are over 200 million SUVs in use across the world.
Demand in these vehicles is surging, and why not?
The SUV is the Renaissance Man of the automotive world, they’re family-friendly, can handle tough jobs, join you on a weekend adventure—and they can do it all with style, safety, and comfort.
But with so many different types on the market, buying SUVs can be tricky for beginners and automotive enthusiasts alike. Especially when it comes to choosing a ride that’s comfortable and safe.
Here’s our guide to choosing the safest and most comfortable SUV.
Buying SUVs: Knowing Your Type
When you’re assessing which SUV models will be the most comfortable and safe, it helps to understand the main types of SUVs.
Subcompact SUVs
These types of SUVs are the most like the average car. Their built similarly and often look more like a hatchback car than an SUV. As a four-door sedan, they are easy to control and have all-wheel drive.
Subcompact SUVs aren’t for off-roading, and they shouldn’t;t be expected to navigate tough terrains or tow large loads. They are more of an ideal solution for a person who lives in an area where either the roads or weather (or both) creates the need for something with just a little more edge than an average car.
Crossovers
These types of SUVs are built like modern cars. These types of vehicles are generally easier to handle and more comfortable than bigger, truck-based SUVs. But Crossovers also usually have independent suspension and all-wheel drive, which gives them an edge over the average car. Since their ability to handle more offroading and rougher roads.
Small SUVs
If you need more room for people and cargo but aren’t looking to go riding off into the mountains in your vehicle, a small SUV is a next step up. But you will notice a difference in fuel economy between a crossover and a small SUV. Small SUVs require a lot more juice to operate.
Small SUVs have light off-roading capabilities. But what most buyers are attracted to are the more sporty body styles available when compared to crossovers. Small SUVs definitely offer more athletics and space than a crossover.
Midsized SUVs
These SUVs are especially popular with families who enjoy beaches, trails, and camping on the weekends and would like something that can handle their day-to-day life along with their weekend festivities with ease.
Large SUVs
Large SUVs only seem to be getting larger. For example, GM’s new oversized SUVs are 225.7 inches long and offer 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Large SUV’s are the toughest SUVs and offer the most space and offroad capabilities.
They are a no brainer for large families who are hauling teens and adults around and want to maximize space and comfort.
Comparing Seating and Cargo Space
Seating and cargo space are two of the major components for judging an SUV’s safety and comfort from the interior.
For seating, consider how many people you’ll usually be transporting or may often have a need to transport. You’ll also want to consider the age and size of the passengers too.
For example, a family with toddlers and young children may be able to make do with a Midsize SUV. But, the small framing may not be ideal for large families with older children and adults.
Consider how much space is in between rows of seats, and how wide the seats themselves are. Consider the capabilities of the seat design for rearranging the vehicle’s space to support the cargo. If you’re an avid outdoorsman or a parent that uses strollers this will be a major deciding factor.
But it’s not only about what the vehicle is capable of, but safety and comfort are also about how easy those features are to use. Hands-free lift gates could be a lifesaver for busy families on the go.
What to Look for In Safety Technology
Checking an SUV’s safety ratings should help narrow down your search. You’ll want to review the crash-test results and check to make sure any reported testing was done by a credible organization.
You should consider vehicles that have the following standard safety features:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blindspot warnings
- Pedestrian detection
Additional safety technology that’s worth considering includes:
- Lane assist
- Emergency personnel alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rearview camera (standard in vehicles manufactured after 2018)
Knowing How Much You Can (Really) Handle
A lot of comfort and safety comes from the driver’s ability and confidence in handling different sizes of vehicles and the terrains they drive them on. You might want the biggest and meanest all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market, but if you don’t have experience maneuvering a vehicle of that size.
It also won’t be safe for you, your passengers or other buyers on the road. A lot of larger SUVs drive more like heavy-duty trucks like a Ranger. Read these buyers guide to see if you think you can really handle a truck-style SUV.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re getting the right kind of drive for the terrain you’re looking to drive on. If you want to get an SUV for more outdoor use, you’ll be disappointed by a two-wheel drive vehicle or a small SUV.
What’s Going to Be the Most Comfortable and Safe SUV?
Understanding which type of vehicle will be the safest and most comfortable for you, really depends on your experience, driving confidence and lifestyle
When you’re ready to start buying SUVs, start by choosing the size of SUV that will most comfortably fit the number of passengers and the types of cargo you plan to be hauling.
Then deep dive into crash test results and safety ratings to narrow down the safest vehicles for your needs. Then assess the additional safety features and your comfort level.
Shopping for a new vehicle? Click over to our “Car Reviews” section for even more vehicle comparisons and reviews.
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