How to Decide Which SUV is Right for You
Picking out the appropriate family SUV (or crossover) can be an arduous experience. There are countless magazines, internet websites and consumer guides out there full of reliability, fuel economy and crash test rating information. These are the best places to start, but don't count out the importance of the dealership test drive.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Automotive consumer guide, like "Consumer Reports"
- Car magazine(s), like "Motor Trend"
- Computer access
Instructions
-
Figure Out Your Needs
-
1
Make a list of all the requirements you have for your new SUV. For example, if sometimes you have to carpool with a neighbor, a third row of seats may be a "must have." This will help you eliminate options more easily.
-
2
Come up with a budget for your annual fuel bill (with variables for gas price fluctuation) and see if the SUVs you like are fuel-efficient enough to fit your budget. SUVs, because they are likely to cause more damage in an accident and also have higher levels of thefts, also generally have higher insurance rates, so always check with your agent before buying one.
-
-
3
Bring the whole family along when you go to a car dealership for a test drive -- and that includes the family dog. This "real-world test" will show whether the car is spacious enough, if the kids can see out the back windows and, on a hot day, if the air conditioning works well enough to keep everyone cool.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ask friends who have SUVs or crossovers for recommendations.
Four-wheel drive adds a lot of weight and mechanical complexity to a vehicle, so if you don't live somewhere where it snows, get a two-wheel drive model. They look the same and have the exact same levels of utility.
