SUV is an abbreviation for Sport Utility Vehicle. Small SUVs offer four-wheel-drive and off-road driving capabilities in a vehicle with the same driving comfort and the size of a hatchback car You need a combination of adequate cargo space, adequate space for people and utility value but do not wish to buy large SUVs because you are not comfortable with the size of large vehicles because you are looking for fuel economy or both. The answer to your problem is the small SUV or the compact SUV as it is also called. Because they combine the characteristics of SUVs with the operating efficiency and economy of small cars, you can fulfill your requirements without really sacrificing anything.
Once thought of as rugged and slightly crude vehicles, the small SUVs have been changed into sophisticated and most comfortable vehicles. Despite the fact that they are the smallest vehicles on the SUV market, they can still seat four adults in comfort and carry enough luggages to meet most requirements. Virtually all these vehicles are now built around a car chassis instead of a truck frame as in the past. They also incorporate a monocoque body as well as independent suspension. This provides more room in the interior as well as a comfortable and refined ride but, however, there is a price to be paid for this comfort. The trade-off comes in the form of restricted off-road capabilities and a reduction in the load that can be carried out.
Are small SUVs right for you?
Price is an important factor for all 6 passenger vehicles, especially including small SUVs and many of the components of the interior are the same as those used in economy cars. They use the same transmissions and the engines that popular sedans use. You be wrong if you believed that the transmissions and engines used by small SUVs are specially designed for heavy-duty applications. V8 engines are generally not available and only a few models offer V6 engines. The majority of the vehicles available use small four-cylinder engines that are fuel thrifty but these engines serve their purpose.
Small SUVs are ideal for people who are looking for adequate people and luggage space in a single affordable package that is fuel efficient. They can transport singles or small families and flexible interiors make it possible to use them for a variety of purposes. They are also much more maneuverable and easier to drive on the road than their larger counterparts besides offering safety of four-wheel-drive. The upright design provides a taller ride height than cars and therefore makes for much better all-round visibility. Despite the upright design, you can get in and out of the vehicle as easily as you would in a car.
If you keep in mind that SUV manufacturers compete with each other by trying to create different niches with a different combination of capabilities, you will almost certainly find the small SUV that you are looking for. For instance, if you are looking for superior towing capabilities, you should pick a vehicle that offers this capability. Small SUVs are particularly suitable for rugged terrain that has a shortage of proper paved roads and therefore demands all terrain and off-road handling capabilities. The vehicles also easy to maintain in remote areas because they do not have particularly sophisticated hydraulic or electrical systems. Minor repairs can be carried out quickly and easily.
The other advantages are fuel economy and easier handling. The engines are highly fuel efficient and can return up to 36 miles per gallon in city driving for the two wheel models. This factor in combination with the lower price can be a substantial reduction in your transportation costs. The easier handling also means that they have much smaller turning circles than large SUVs making parking and U-turns that much easier.
In all honesty, it has got to be said that there are not too many cons when it comes to small SUVs especially when compared to the advantages. The smaller engines mean that your towing capabilities are limited and you may also have to compromise on people and cargo space. Overall, you will probably find the trade-off worthwhile.
What you should look for in a small SUV
Nearly every small SUV is available in four-wheel and front wheel drive options. If you live in a place where it snows very little, you can make do with a front wheel drive model. On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate where there is always a threat of snow and ice, go for the four-wheel drive. You should however keep in mind that the four-wheel drive has its limitations and is not suitable for off-road driving in really rugged conditions. You can cope with roads that are made of gravel or dirt but do not expect capabilities that goes much beyond this. As compared to two wheel drive, four-wheel-drive means extra price, higher maintenance costs, a slightly heavier vehicle and thus reduced fuel efficiency. This was partly offset by the higher resale value.
Pros and cons.
You should also take into account the flexibility you get on the cargo space. Some models have seats in the back that can be folded flat to create additional cargo spreads while, with others, you can simply remove the rear seats to create the space. All small SUVs have rear hatches to make for easier loading while some models have rear glass that opens separately to speed up the process of loading small items.
Regardless of which small SUV you choose, don’t let your search for the best bargain lead you to cut corners on safety features. You should put safety features well ahead of price and even such factors as convenience and driving comfort. Virtually every manufacturer now includes essential safety features such as curtain side airbags as part of the standard offering. You should however check on this as well as the availability of front side airbags before you make your choice. Another important safety must use the presence of an adequate antiskid system. This is particularly important because the road grip on a four-wheel-drive may tempt drivers to take turns at higher speeds than they should.
