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The Pros and Cons of Switching To An SUV

If you’re currently driving a sedan or other regular car but find that you’re often running out of space, you may be attracted to the idea of purchasing a sports utility vehicle. Today’s SUV’s are outfitted with an array of luxury features, while providing roomy interiors and a sense of adventure all at the same time. However, switching over to an SUV may not be right for everyone. It’s a good idea to take a closer look at the potential pros and cons of driving an SUV to find out if it may be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Advantages of SUV Cars

Many of the positive sides of SUV’s are similar to those you would read about in a Ford Ranger review 2013 or other truck review. They are as spacious as these larger vehicles, allowing you to pack in your entire extended family as well as any gear you need to bring along. Today’s best SUV’s are able to provide loads of space without appearing bulky. They may be rugged enough to travel on mountain roads or even to go off-roading, depending on the model. With greater cargo space and handling capability in diverse environments, this makes them built for adventure and outdoor activities. Yet they are also ideal as family cars for the same reasons.

One common misconception is that all SUV’s have poor gas mileage and low fuel efficiency. This may be true for certain models, particularly older ones. Yet there have been great strides in efficiency in recent years, particularly among smaller crossover SUV’s or hybrid vehicles. This has helped give the best SUV’s the same level of efficiency as a regular size car. As with any automobile purchase, you’ll want to shop around to find the most efficient SUV.

The larger size of SUV’s allows them to generally perform better in safety tests than some smaller cars, although as with mileage this is a factor that will vary widely. Overall, the advantages that an SUV can provide are usually related to its size. When you switch over to an SUV, you can benefit from the comfort and added storage that a larger vehicle provides.

Potential Downsides to SUV’s

Drivers who live within a city may find that switching to an SUV requires some practice, because they can be harder to manoeuvre around tight city corners or fit down narrower streets. City parking can also be quite cumbersome with an SUV. Indeed, some practice in general is necessary when first switching over to an SUV, due to the difference in height and driving position. Although the best SUV cars can outperform regular size cars in safety testing, they can also be prone to rolling over at high speeds. Certain models can also be bumpy to ride in, and difficult for some passengers to climb into. It’s important to get behind the wheel and take it slow while you’re learning how to handle a larger vehicle. Finally, while fuel efficiency has improved in the past decade, SUV’s in general are still more expensive to fill with fuel than a smaller car would be.

These are just a few factors to take into consideration when thinking about purchasing an SUV. Families and those who lead an active outdoor lifestyle may find them to be the perfect fit, while those who rarely leave urban areas may find something lacking.