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Large SUV Links
Large SUV research and news links
In addition to the sources listed in the Our Sources section, we found the following websites helpful:
You can find EPA fuel-economy estimates for all cars and trucks at the appropriately named FuelEconomy.gov. The site has statistics for past model years as well.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit organization that tests new cars, trucks and SUVs, assigning crash-test ratings. Vehicles are evaluated based on different impact scenarios, and scores are fairly easy to understand and interpret. Vehicles the organization considers to be the safest are named as Top Safety Picks, although none of the large truck-based SUVs tested earn the title for 2009.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website is the federal government's source for safety information, including results from frontal, side and rollover crash tests. There is also good information on safety equipment, as well as general automotive safety articles. You can also find recall info here.
Edmunds.com offers an interesting article called "Family Hauler Shoot-Out" that compares and contrasts the pros and cons of minivans versus crossovers versus full-size SUVs. Each type of vehicle is ranked in such family-important categories such as passenger room, access, cargo capacity, towing, all-weather capability, off-road capability, safety and fuel economy. It's an interesting discussion that may help you decide which type of vehicle is best for your family.
What's the future for large SUVs?
The once-booming market for large SUVs is over as consumers try to cope with unstable gas prices and a shaky economy. Automakers are shifting away from larger, heavier traditional SUVs toward more user-friendly and efficient crossovers, as well as station wagons and hatchbacks to satisfy the need for roomy, versatile vehicles. However, families and active individuals still have a need to tow trailers and transport large families, so the demand for practical and stylish sport utility vehicles still exists. But most SUV shoppers find their needs are better met in the small and midsize categories, where more fuel-efficient models are available.
Don't look for significant technological innovations or ground-breaking new models in the large-SUV market in the next few years, but there will be some updates and improvements.
