A Ford SUV

The SUV Buying Guide 101

The SUV Buying Guide 101


Understanding Which SUV is best for you.

Sports utility vehicles are one of the broadest categories of cars available today. The fact that there are so many alternatives means that your ideal SUV is out there waiting to be discovered, but first, you must appreciate how the various SUV models differ. You can tailor your choices based on your needs, tastes, and budget by picking the suitable SUV.

Here is what you should know about the various SUV kinds if you're in the market for a new SUV.

Sizes of SUV

When buying a new or used SUV, you'll have a variety of sizes to pick from, so no matter what your demands are, there's probably an SUV option that's just the appropriate size for you. The following are the most typical categories for an SUV's size:

Compact SUV: The smallest SUV model available, a compact SUV frequently has a hatchback body style. Subcompact cars, which are smaller and have designs that are similar to compact cars but at a lower price point, are sometimes incorporated into designs.

Midsize SUV: A midsize SUV aims to find the ideal mix between storage capacity and economy, making it one of the most popular choices for SUV owners. Midsize SUVs, however larger than a compact, don't have intimidatingly massive frames and can make great commuter cars because they frequently maintain respectable gas mileage. 

Full-size SUV: Also referred to as luxury SUVs, full-size SUVs are preferred by SUV drivers who place a high value on interior room. The full-size options make sure that you'll have enough room for whatever or everyone you need to get from where you are to where you want to be, whether you're hauling a lot of things or a lot of people.

Which SUV Would Be Best for Me?

What's behind the hood and what kinds of driving they're best suited for are two more significant differences between different SUV types. The following are the main categories for SUV performance:

Crossover SUVs: Contrary to what its name might imply, a crossover SUV is actually somewhere in between an SUV and a vehicle. Like smaller vehicles, crossovers have a single-body design, which can make them lighter than many of their competitors. They are a better option if you simply care about the contents of your SUV because they frequently have decreased towing capacity.

Standard SUVs: Standard SUVs strike a balance between high performance and effective operation. A typical SUV is perfectly capable of going off-road for a weekend camping trip or pulling a boat to the lake, but it may also offer a great daily drive. A standard SUV is a great choice in the majority of circumstances.

Performance SUVs: If you want a little bit more power from your SUV, you might want to consider a performance model. Performance SUVs, which feature designs that are frequently sportier, have some of the fastest engines in their class and can compete with some sports cars on open roads. 

Which Kind of SUV Should I Consider buying?

When looking for a new or used SUV, you could be overwhelmed by the variety of models and types available and question which one is best for you. The key factors listed below can assist you in locating your ideal fit.

Think about your passengers: How many people your SUV needs to fit is an important factor. A compact SUV can be adequate for your needs if you frequently travel alone or with only one or two passengers. A midsize or full-size, however, is perhaps a preferable option if you have a large family in order to ensure that everyone has the room they require on each ride.

Consider how much drive: A driver with a short commute and a driver who frequently drives for an hour or more each day may have very different demands. If you drive a lot, going with a smaller SUV that gets higher gas mileage could help you save money by reducing how often you have to stop at the gas station to fill up.

Analyze your requirements: Each SUV model offers advantages for specific uses. Perhaps you desire a compact's improved handling or a midsize's off-road prowess. If you travel with your family, a full-size SUV is the greatest option because it has a roomy interior and plenty of extras that may make each trip more enjoyable.

Create a budget: Whenever you buy a new or used car or SUV, it's crucial to act reasonably and only spend money on a car you can actually afford. Choosing a more affordable, scaled-down option is preferable to overspending on a high-end model with loads of extras and then finding it difficult to keep up with your payments. Set a hard budget that you can't go over, no matter how much you love your SUV, and a soft budget that is your ideal. This will enable you to focus your search on SUVs within your price range.