Taking more market share than any other body style, SUVs are dominating the automobile market. Whether they are loved due to their robustness, style or generosity of space,
Coming in a wide variety of sizes and models, these have elevated height, enhanced towing capabilities and a lot of cargo space. Featuring better handling and enhanced ride comfort, these vehicles are distinctive from other vehicles because the suspension is power and independent from other parts of the car.
Normally SUVs have a front-wheel-drive which means the engine transfers power to only front wheels. However, recently automobile manufacturers have started to provide all-wheel drive in SUVs. AWD is a drivetrain in which power is equally transferred to all wheels but not equally. If the front tyres need more acceleration, they will receive it.
There are different types of SUVs:
- Subcompact SUV
- Compact SUV
- Mid-size SUV
- Full-size SUV
Subcompact SUVs
Subcompact SUVs are the fastest-growing category as it is affordable and stylish. Honda HR-V is a good example of this category. With sufficient cargo space, these vehicles feature a hatchback at the rear. These are available in AWD. These compact cars are perfect for young couples and small families with kids.
- Subcompact SUVs are smaller in size so you can park them easily
- They are fuel-efficient. A subcompact SUV like Honda HR-V 2020 offers 30 mpg combined with 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway
- These SUVs usually feature engine ranging from 1 litre to 2 litres
- Most manufacturers make these SUVs including Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota and more
- The price starts at around 17,000$
- Features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AWD and more
Compact SUVs
If you are looking for a spacious SUV, then compact SUV is a good choice. These can accommodate 5 passengers and also give a lot of space for cargo behind the second row. Both subcompact SUVs and compact SUVs are called crossovers. These have slightly bigger engines and are powerful with towing and off-road capabilities.
- A compact SUV like Toyota Rav4 comes with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space
- The engine usually ranges from 1.5 litres to 2.5 litres and comes with four cylinders
- Honda CR-V gives 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The combined fuel economy is 28 mpg
- While these vehicles provide great ride comfort and roads and highways, they are not suited for off-road conditions such as going through mud or climb large rocks
- The price of Toyota RAV4 starts at 26,000
Mid-size SUVs
Perfect for families, these SUVs have three rows and can accommodate around 7-8 people in the three rows. You can fold the second and third-row to make more room for cargo. Toyota Highlander is a good example of a mid-size SUV.
- These SUVs offer a fuel-economy between 22-25 mpg
- There is a lot of cargo space which can be extended after you fold the third row
- They are usually available in FWD. However, you can upgrade to AWD after paying a small amount
- The size of the engine is between 2 litres and 3.5 litres and they come with 4-6 cylinders
- They can tow up to 5,000 pounds
- The towing capacity is around 5,000 lbs
- The price for mid-size SUVs starts at 30,000 US$
Large SUVs
These SUVs are generous and can accommodate 8-9 people. Usually found in the luxury segment, large SUVs come are available in both four-wheel drive and AWD. Coming with robust engines, these perform great in both on-road and off-road conditions.
- Although it accommodates 8 people, the Ford Expedition is considered a full-size SUV. The seating space is spacious and you can tow up to 9,200 pounds
These are the different types of SUVs. Which one is ideal for you depends on your driving needs? How many passengers you want to carry, what features and important to you and on which terrain you usually drive on. Also, Best tire brands for SUV offer a lot of variety of tyres for SUV owners. You can find different tyres for highway and off-road driving. All-terrain is another type of SUV tyre which allows you to drive on both highways and off-road.
