How to Compare New SUVs
From Mazda to Mitsubishi and Honda to Hummer, buyers in the market for a new sport-utility vehicle will find models available from more than a dozen manufacturers. Considering several aspects of these new vehicles can help you shorten your shopping list.
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Sizes
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Smaller SUVs include the 2010 Toyota RAV4, which has an overall length of 181.9 inches, and the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander, with a length of 183.7 inches. Larger rides include the 2011 Nissan Armada at 207.7 inches and the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban at 222.4 inches. You can find measurements, including head, leg and shoulder room dimensions, on the "Specifications" pages of vehicle websites.
Seating
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Depending on the trim level selected, you can seat a maximum of five to seven people in the Outlander and RAV4. The 2011 Armada seats seven or eight passengers, and Suburbans can seat seven to nine passengers.
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Safety Ratings
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The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety uses crash tests to generate safety ratings for all types of vehicles. Its top safety picks for 2010 SUVs included the Subaru Tribeca, Lexus RX and Dodge Journey. Visit its website to see ratings for the specific models for which you are interested.
Fuel Efficiency
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The U.S. Department of Energy provides fuel mileage ratings for SUVs. The 2011 models providing more than 20 combined miles per gallon in city traffic include the Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equiniox and GMC Terrain.
Reviews
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Consumer Reports subscribers can access the nonprofit's independent reviews of various models. Free sources of car reviews include the websites of Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Edmunds.
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References
Resources
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