The Ultimate SUV Buying Guide | How to Choose an SUV?

Dear fellow car enthusiasts! Do you love to hit the road in style and explore new ways while you rev up your engines? Well, then you are at the right place. Here is the blog on SUV buying guide. SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, and it’s in the trend across the global market. Whichever continent you hit in the world, fuel-guzzling, four-wheel drive and cargo-hungry SUVs are in demand!

What is an SUV?

An SUV, an acronym for a sports utility vehicle is a type of vehicle body that allows you to go anywhere. SUVs tend to have higher ground clearance, high-performance engines, four-wheel drive, and other features such as tow hooks, automatic emergency braking, electric drivetrain, and more.

SUV usually offers off-road capabilities and the go-anywhere option for the road conditions you face. Sometimes roads or no roads, the ability to drive anywhere, and having cargo space are the reasons to buy an SUV. People looking for Luxury vehicles can also go for luxury SUVs like Kia Telluride, Mercedes-Benz G-class, Toyota 4Runner, Audi Q8, BMW XM, Toyota Venza, and Jeep Grand Cherokee or more.

Are SUVs on sale today a sensible choice?

You might be wondering, does buying an SUV become a sensible option for me? Well. it depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Some families never use their cars to travel long distances and often select another mode of transportation for traveling. They might not like the idea of buying an SUV for their primary drive in the city and tight parking spaces.



On the other end, there would be families who would use their cars everywhere! Considering their off-road adventures, high commutes, and space needed to travel with comfort, it is worth considering an SUV for them.

Speaking of that, various SUVs come on various platforms. For instance, full-size SUVs with a third row might come as a body-on-frame platform and some compact SUVs would come with monocoque chassis. A lot of factors might affect it including fuel economy, parking space, seat comfort, and space of an SUV. For long road trips and family outings, this can become a great choice.

When you are in the market to find an SUV, here is the comprehensive SUV buying guide to consider before making your final decision.

Is there any difference between a crossover and an SUV?

There are fundamental differences between an SUV and a crossover! Crossover might offer the space SUVs offer or might compete with subcompact SUVs, but here are key differences that set them apart!



  1. Body Platform: Crossovers typically share their platform with a smaller car. For example, many crossovers are derived from hatchbacks or sedans. In the case of SUVs, they are mostly derived from a truck chassis. Hence, there are significant differences in the off-road capabilities or power delivery.
  2. Size: SUVs are generally larger and might offer more interior space compared to crossovers or any smaller SUVs in the market. They often come in a 3-row SUV style to give that large SUV look.
  3. Off-road Capability: Buying an SUV will open your doors to explore off-road tracks. Four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and an advanced suspension system will offer the best experience in off-roading.
  4. Fuel Efficiency: Due to car-based platforms, crossovers tend to return more fuel efficiency as they are lighter in weight. High-performance SUVs might end up using more fuel. But, for the Luxury SUV segment, this might not even matter.
  5. Price: Crossovers are generally affordable compared to midsize luxury SUVs.

When you compare SUVs and crossovers or refer guide to buying a new SUV, you should look at what feature is more important for you.

Can SUVs go off-road?

Yes, an SUV could go off-road as it is equipped with bigger wheels and suspension setups that suit you best while you are off-road. There are various types of SUVs. Some traditional SUV comes with the body on frame structure and some compact luxury SUVs are built with monocoque chassis. Depending on their structure and power, their traction might vary. SUV is the right choice for people who are living in areas where more traction is needed often.

Which latest SUV to buy?

Many latest-generation SUVs come with various mods and capabilities. For instance, if you are in a market and get a V8 SUV, it will double up as a sports car in a straight line. These new generation SUVs usually provide the performance of small SUVs and the capabilities of a large car. Some SUVs come with their luxury model and updated trips. As per the consumer reports, people love midsize SUV that provides a balance of power and performance on the road.



So, when you go into the market to get an SUV and think about which SUV should buy, you need to make sure that any new or used SUV will come with its own set of features and challenges. Select a model that suits your budget, needs, and wants.

Summary – Crossovers and SUVs, which one to get?

SUV is the best choice when it comes to areas where people need traction on their way to work or adventure. As many automakers are introducing electric SUVs in their lineup, for many, a subcompact SUV or a compact SUV might get the job done. If you are someone, who enjoys traveling with family on weekends and might need a car that also provides comfort, buying a used SUV for fun or maybe getting a crossover might make more sense.