How to Compare SUV Vehicles
When you're thinking about buying a new vehicle, you have to start by asking, "What are my needs?" If it becomes obvious that a sport utility vehicle would best meet your transportation needs, you'll have to narrow your choices further, because there are many dozens of SUVs to choose from. Again focusing on your specific needs and uses for an SUV, you can narrow your search to just a few models by comparing size, price, frame type and fuel requirements.
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Size
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Sport utility vehicles are so named because their design provides both around-town utility for the workaday family and off-road or sport capability for the family off the clock. Sport utility vehicles come in compact, midsize and full-size models. Ford Expeditions and Excursions and Chevrolet Suburbans and GMC Yukons are examples of full-size SUVs. Mazda CX-7s, Ford Explorers and Chevy Trailblazers are among myriad midsize models. Toyota RAV4s, Ford Escapes and Honda CR-Vs are among a plethora of compact models. These three and many others are called crossovers.
Car Versus Truck
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Crossovers have gained popularity against traditional SUVs since about 2000. They have SUV styling and automobile frames, so they have relatively carlike handling. They're offered in compact variety, such as the Nissan Rogue and the Ford Escape, and midsize models like the Ford Edge and the Chrysler Pacifica. Traditional SUVs feature truck-based frames and are better suited for off-road travel.
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Fuel
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The Ford Escape, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and the Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander, among other SUVs, may feature hybrid engine technology that pairs an electric motor with a gasoline engine to improve fuel efficiency. General Motors, Ford and Dodge SUVs can be equipped with engines using 85 percent ethanol to save gasoline costs. Some automakers are putting diesels in their high-end luxury model SUVs.
Price
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In 2010, compact models like Honda CR-V sold for less than $25,000, while luxury brands like the Cadillac Escalade sold for more than $62,000. European luxury marques can list for much more.
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References
- Photo Credit suv car cadillac escalade on the road image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
