Tips When Choosing a Sport Utility Vehicle

 Generally, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is defined by a tall roof, high ride height, and elevated seating position. For many buyers, the SUV exterior design is important. However, exterior styling is a subjective quality that depends on your individual preferences, emotions, and need for functionality. For example, if you decide to buy a Ford Bronco Sport, it can do hard work. On the other hand, some SUVs come with more rugged capabilities with chunky tires, reinforced lower panels, and elevated ride height.

Others SUVs are city slickers with dazzling LED accent lights, elegant lines, and shiny chrome trim. In terms of features, remember that form usually follows function. Therefore, consider factors like how high you might need to step in and out of the SUV. Also, consider how high (lift-over height) you will have to lift your cargo when loading it.

Where do you intend to do most of your driving? Off-road driving, for instance, will require the strength of four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. A 4WD offers more stability control and better traction, useful features when taking the vehicle off-road or towing something like a boat or trailer camper. A 4WD model might also serve you better if you live in a place that snows heavily, as they are often equipped with traction-enhancing differential locks and low-range crawl gears.

For more common driving, an all-wheel drive (AWD) boosts traction. Whether maneuvering a wet road or reducing acceleration wheel spin, an AWD is good because it usually engages automatically. However, rear-wheel or front-wheel drive will suffice if you want cargo or passenger capabilities in an SUV.

Nearly all SUVs can carry at least five passengers. Some full-sized and midsized models come with a third-row seat that boosts the carrying capacity to six, seven, or even eight people. Although SUVs are generally known as large vehicles, getting slightly smaller models, including crossover options, is still possible. A five-seater family might be suitable for a family of four, but if you have a larger family or travel with many friends, a seven or eight-seater might be your best option.

Regarding cargo space, the cubic footage available in an SUV might not be a definitive guide, although it gives a broad idea. Pay attention to how easy loading cargo might be. For example, could the rear bumper be too high to make loading difficult? Many three-row fold seats can fold. But how do they fold into the SUV's floor to create additional cargo space? Do they lie flat?

Finally, don't overlook safety and driver assistance features. For example, many drivers prefer SUVs because of their elevated height, enabling a better road view. That, however, may not always be the best thing. The styling and design of most SUVs often mean it's hard to get a good view of the rear or sides, particularly when parking or changing lanes.

For that, look for an SUV with a blind-spot monitor as an option or standard. This is an audio or visual alert when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Also, look for an SUV with rear and front parking sensors. Other common advanced driving aids include lane departure control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.