Some people like sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) because they sit higher off the ground than cars, offering a better view in traffic. Others like the way they handle or their cargo-storage capabilities. Their popularity is evidenced by the fact that almost every vehicle manufacturer offers one or more SUV models. With a variety of sizes, safety ratings, prices and features, there's lots to consider when buying an SUV.
Sizes
SUVs are typically classified into three size categories: small, mid-size and large. Differences in the models can be seen as you compare their overall length and interior room.
Examples of small SUVs include the Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander. Vehicles in this category can have an overall length of 14.3 to 15.3 feet. The front-seat shoulder room in these models ranges from 55.9 to 57.1.
SUVs often considered mid-size include the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge. Their overall length ranges from 15.3 to 15.9 feet. These vehicles offer more shoulder room in the front seat, with measurements ranging from 58.9 to 61.5.
Large SUVs include the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban and Nissan Armada. These models range from 17.2 to 18.5 feet in length. Their shoulder room expands upon the previous two SUV categories, with measurements from 63.2 to 65.3 inches in the front seat.
Some SUVs are also described as "crossovers." These vehicles have curved body styles that reflect a combination of car and SUV features, such as the Buick Enclave and Subaru Forester. More traditional SUVs, like the Chevrolet Suburban, have rectangular body shapes.
Features
SUV engines range in size from four cylinders to eight, with some offering hybrid or flexible fuel technology. Both two- and four-wheel drive models are common, as are anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control features.
SUVs may offer up to three rows of seats. A small SUV like the Ford Escape can seat five people, while a large model like the Chevrolet Tahoe LS can seat nine. SUV seats can be folded flat, increasing your ability to transport large items.
Buyers looking for adventure can add an off-road or heavy-duty hauling package to their SUV.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit organization that assigns safety ratings to cars, trucks and SUVs. Its Website notes the institute bases these ratings "on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts." It adds that "to earn Top Safety Pick for 2010, a vehicle must have good ratings in all four institute tests."
The institute's top safety picks for small 2010 SUV models are the Honda Element, Jeep Patriot, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan. Its leaders in the midsize SUV category for 2010 are the Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90. It made no top picks among large SUVs for 2010.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies widely among SUVs, affected by factors like engine size, drivetrain and whether the model uses hybrid technology. A U.S. Department of Energy Website offers comparisons of the gas mileage of different types of vehicles. It shows fuel economy among 2010-model SUVs ranging from 11 city and 15 highway to 34 city and 31 highway. The Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute hybrid models rank at the top of the list, followed by the Lexus RX 450h. Luxury models by Porsche and Mercedes-Benz fall to the bottom of the rankings, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Price
Prices for 2010 base models of small SUVs start at around $16,700 with the Kia Sportage. The 2010 all-wheel-drive, V-6 Mitsubishi Outlander GT starts at $29,250 and grows in price as you add options like a rear-seat entertainment system and a backup camera. If a small hybrid SUV is your preference, you'll pay around $29,860 for the base model of the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Mid-size SUVs can offer starting prices around $21,695 for a base model and move up to $40,395 if you want to purchase a base 2011 Honda Pilot touring edition with four-wheel drive. If you hope to drive away in a luxury crossover SUV, you may spend between $42,000 and $43,000 for base models of the Acura MDX or Infiniti FX35.
Large SUVs offer starting prices around $35,585 for a 2010 Ford Expedition base model, while a 2010 Toyota Sequoia starts at $39,030. Adding hybrid technology and raising the trim level can dramatically increase your costs. A 2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid weighs in at $58,500 for a base model.
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