Are you thinking of buying a new car this year? If you have a big family or you simply love to go on road trips, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) is the perfect choice for you. SUVs are so versatile; you can drive it on the rough terrains of the country and the smooth city streets without a hitch! Toyota makes some of the best SUVs in the nation, if not, the world such as the Toyota Fortuner in the Philippines.
Aside from it being a great off road vehicle, there are still several advantages to sports utility vehicles. Before purchasing one for your family, here are some of the things you should know about SUVs.
Size Requirements
Before going to a car dealer , you must first decide on the size of the car you want to buy. SUVs come in three sizes: full-size, mid-size, and compact. To know what size you need, base it on your usage. If you are to use it as a family car, you have to consider a size which can fit your whole family. In case you want to buy an SUV for road trips and excursions, then have to consider the number of people and the number of bags you usually carry during your trips.
A Choice Between Crossover and Conventional
While reading articles about SUVs, you might come upon terms such as crossover and conventional. What’s the difference?
A crossover SUV is more of a car than a truck. This type of SUV has improved handling, similar to that of a car. It also gets better gas mileage, has spacious interiors, and is generally more comfortable. In comparison, conventional SUVs are more truck-like. They are sturdier, have additional towing capacities, and are perfect for off road driving.
Two, Four, or All Wheel Drive
Another thing to consider when buying an SUV is the driving condition because this will help you determine if you need a 2WD, 4WD, or AWD. If you are to drive your new SUV around urban areas only, just get a 2-wheel drive (2WD). A 2WD uses either the front or rear wheels to provide power to the vehicle. On the other hand, if you are going to be using the SUV for rough terrains, then a 4-wheel drive (4WD) will be more practical. With a 4WD, you can choose whether you want to drive with all 4 wheels providing power to the vehicle, or only two wheels. Lastly, an all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV automatically distributes power based on the road and driving condition.
Costs
The cost of the SUV will depend on many factors. A compact SUV will be more economical as compared to a mid-size or full-size SUV. Prepare a big budget if you are planning to purchase a bigger or conventional SUV. Since large vehicles come with bigger engines, they are more costly to maintain.
Sports utility vehicles offer a versatile performance. After all, you can drive it almost anywhere— from rough roads of undiscovered forests, to the smooth highways of Metro Manila. Despite this, don’t just rush to the nearest car dealer without knowing all you have to learn about SUVs. Check the list above to know what type of SUV you should buy.
