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Thinking about an SUV
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| Sorting Through the Choices |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:46:15 |
| Rating |
 75 ( -10 -13.33% ) |
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Description:
Thinking about an SUV?
Choosing the Right Size Sport Utility Vehicle
By Bruce Caldwell
The proliferation of sport utility vehicles is a classic case of good news and bad news. The good news is the almost unlimited choices of makes, models, sizes, engines, types of four-wheel-drive systems, interior configurations, and prices now available. The bad news is how tough it can be to sort out all of these variables when seeking the best SUV for you--or your family. Picking the right size SUV can be worse than computer dating. How do you separate reality from fantasy? Is what you want, really what you need? How happy will you be a couple years down the road? Is the SUV height/weight proportional? Does it like kids and pets?
While we don't know of any SUV dating services, we can suggest several points to ponder before you rush out and buy that oh-so-desirable SUV. There's a lot of 'image' that goes along with the whole SUV phenomenon. The idea of being able to leave the crowded freeways at a moment's notice to traverse rugged forest trails can be very appealing. The reality, however, is that the vast majority of SUV owners do very little serious off-road driving. The jumping, splashing, and banging through the woods doesn't seem quite as appealing in real life as in the TV commercials--especially when it's your own $35,000 rig getting bashed around. The hardest part about choosing a good SUV is being honest with yourself. We're not suggesting that you deny yourself the fun and 'image' part of the equation, just don't let the glamour and flashy looks trick you into an unhappy relationship.
When deciding on a SUV, consider the following factors:
PRICE: If you have Mercedes' tastes and a Suzuki budget, you need to scale back your expectations. The price range of current SUVs can dip as low as the 13 thousand dollar level for stripped Suzuki Sidekicks and Chevy Trackers and stretch into the 60 and 70 thousand dollar bracket for loaded Range Rovers and AM General Hummers. The vast majority of SUV prices, however, fall in the mid-twenty to mid-thirty thousand dollar range. Remember: options can quickly boost base prices. Include insurance and operating costs in these calculations so you'll know the true monthly cost of owning a particular SUV. Some SUVs can be expensive to insure, especially for younger drivers. Your price range will make many of your decisions for you. The more you have to spend, the tougher the choices.
CATEGORIES: The definition of a sport utility vehicle has become increasingly broad as more and more manufacturers seek a piece of this very lucrative pie. The minimum definition can be as simple as this: any vehicle that has the ability (and/or looks) to traverse moderately rough, unpaved roads. Lots of pickups fit this definition (especially extended cab models) but the pickup bed disqualifies them from being called SUVs. The five subsets of SUVs are: Mini, Compact, Full, and Luxury SUVs, plus AWD Station Wagons.
The mini SUVs include vehicles like the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, and Kia Sportage.
Compact SUVs are the largest, and best-selling market segment which includes vehicles such as the sales-leading Ford Explorer, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Isuzu Rodeo, Oldsmobile Bravada and a slew of others.
Full-size SUVs include the massive Chevy and GMC Suburbans, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator.
The Luxury SUVs cross over into other subsets, but they are marked by manufacturers best known for their high-end sedans such as Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus, and Lincoln and Cadillac.
The all-wheel-drive station wagons are a hot new subset of hybrids that were successfully pioneered by the Subaru Legacy Outback, and has been joined by the Volvo V70 XC and the Audi A4 Quattro. There are also four-wheel-drive minivans that would like to be SUVs, but they currently suffer from a reputation as car pool/housewife vehicle. Each category has its benefits, you just need to match your needs to the category.
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Physical size is, of course, closely related to the above categories. Big, macho SUVs may have a great image, but they can be cumbersome for daily driving. The largest ones won't fit into all garages or parking spaces. Extra tall SUVs can be difficult to get in and out of. Low-entry height vehicles are less likely to coat your pant legs with mud from the rocker panels. People aiming to do some serious off-road driving should consider the amount of front and rear overhang. Less overhang improves approach and departure angles on hills. Shorter wheelbases can be an off-road plus.
PASSENGER CAPACITY: The range of passenger capacity runs from two in the Suzuki X-90, to nine in the Suburban and Expedition. An important consideration is the mix of adult and child passengers. Some third row seats can be marginal for adults and the middle position of the second seat isn't always the seat of choice for any grown-up. Kids might love the novelty of the third row at first, but will it last? Third row seats compromise cargo capacity. Check the ease of removing and reinstalling the seat. The rear-door design varies on many vehicles. Most are hatchback style, but some are side-hinged (single and double doors). Some lift gates can open the glass independent of the door for quick access with small items.
4X4, 2WD or AWD: Most people assume that all SUVs have four-wheel drive, but that isn't always true. Within the 4x4 category are different styles of 4x4 engagement: electronic and manual. Some SUVs have full-time all-wheel-drive so the vehicle itself makes the decisions about road conditions. Most SUVs have high- and low-range 4x4, but not all do. Serious off-roading requires low-range 4x4.
Some SUVs are available (but seldom ordered) with only two-wheel-drive. Properly equipped with a locking rear differential and appropriate tires, these SUVs will handle the vast majority of conditions encountered by most 4x4 SUVs. Their biggest drawback may be driving down 'Status Street.' Two-wheel-drive SUVs flat out don't seem to cut it in the image department. That translates into lower resale value--so 2WD SUVs are best for long ownership.
The type of drive system you choose should depend on your climate and extracurricular activities. People who live in snowy areas and/or people who like winter sports have far more need for four-wheel-drive than Florida residents. What do you actually do, and where?
ENGINE SIZE: SUVs can come with 4, 5 (Volvo only), 6, and 8 cylinder engines. Some vehicles don't give you a choice, but others do. The smaller engines usually deliver better fuel economy, but not if they are trying to move too much vehicle. The big, fuel-thirsty V-8s are best for people who do a lot of serious trailer towing. The V-6 engines are a good compromise between both power and economy.
RESALE VALUE: SUVs aren't cheap. They can represent a sizable investment. When it comes time to trade or sell, it's always nice not to lose your shorts. Currently, demand for used SUVs is excellent, as the used market generally reflects the new car market. Some high-demand vehicles such as the Chevy/GMC Suburbans have very strong and stable resale values. The less mainstream brands and vehicles are the ones you should investigate if resale value is important to you. And more broadly, this SUV craze is still going strong, but the only constant about fashion--is change. |
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