How to Choose the Right SUV
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are popular for their capacity and versatility. Over the years, the brand has become the family transportation vehicle of choice. Choosing an SUV is a big decision, however. There are disadvantages, such as bad gas mileage and a greater propensity to tip over. That is why it is important to make sure the good outweighs the bad before making your choice.
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Examine the size. Smaller SUVs provide better gas mileage but less space. If you have a smaller family and do not routinely transport a lot, this may be a good choice. However, if you have a large or growing clan, you may want to consider a larger model, if you can afford the extra fuel expense it will incur.
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Compare engines. The standard is a 6-cylinder engine. This provides a good balance between power and fuel consumption. If you are planning on doing a lot of heavy towing, you may want to consider a V8. It provides good acceleration and support for towing, but is worse when it comes to gas mileage. Alternately, smaller SUVs have a 4-cylinder engine which provides less power but better mileage.
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Choose an SUV with the proper seating capacity. This will be directly correlated to the number of people you will be transporting on a regular basis. Some SUVs have similar capacity to a typical sedan, while others have a third row that increases their capacity to seven or eight people. Typically, the third row does not provide much room and is better suited to children. Simply put, the larger your family, the more room you will need.
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Choose an SUV with the right amount of cargo space. If you have a large family, or if you will be taking long trips where you will need a lot of luggage, you will want to look into a larger model. If you just need some extra grocery space and maybe sports equipment for one or two kids, you should be fine with a smaller model. Many models, even smaller ones, have back seats that fold down to allow for a significant increase in cargo capacity if needed.
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Research safety features. This is probably the most important. SUVs are bigger and provide better collision protection, but they are also more susceptible to tipping. You may want to look for a model that provides electronic stability control that prevents sliding or slipping on the road. Look for these features in addition to front and side airbags, traction control, tire-pressure monitors and safety-belt pretensioners.
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