Shopping for a midsize SUV

It's important to evaluate your needs before shopping for an SUV. Think about the type of driving you do, how much power you need, how often you carry cargo or pull a trailer, and how many passengers you're likely to carry. Will you ever go off road? The following is what experts recommend shoppers consider when checking out midsize SUVs:

  • Midsize SUVs attempt to balance cargo capacity, passenger space and fuel economy. Most of the vehicles in this class can carry at least five people comfortably --many three-row models fit seven passengers, or even eight -- and still have adequate cargo space, but not quite as much as a full-size SUV. Fuel economy and handling are usually better than for larger SUVs.
  • SUVs are not as nimble as cars. A higher driving position and heavier weight generally mean that an SUV's performance, fuel economy and handling are not as good as a typical passenger sedan or station wagon. As always, some models perform better than others when it comes to handling, accelerating and braking.
  • Most midsize SUVs are crossovers. When SUVs first became popular, almost all were based on traditional body-on-frame truck platforms. Now, most are based on unibody passenger-car architecture, which puts them into a class called crossovers.
  • Crossover SUVs are more comfortable. Crossovers are lighter and generally have suspensions tuned primarily for regular road usage when compared with truck-based SUVs. Performance and handling are usually better, too, but most midsize crossovers can only tow up to about 3,500 pounds. A handful of car-based models can tow more.
  • Truck-based midsize SUVs can tow more weight, carry heavier loads and are more capable off road, thanks to a sturdier body-on-frame chassis. But the ride can be stiff, and handling can be cumbersome. Most midsize truck-based SUVs tow between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds. For even greater towing capability, look at full-size SUVs.
  • A minivan may be a more practical, comfortable solution. For maximum passenger and cargo space, the best vehicle may be a minivan, if you don't mind the suburban family image that comes with it. However, most minivans do not offer all-wheel drive or much towing capacity.
  • Comfort of the third row varies. Some midsize SUVs and crossovers have easy access to the third row, but kids will probably be more comfortable back there than teens or adults. Full-size three-row SUVs are roomier, but no SUVs have the kind of third-row room typically found in a minivan.
  • Some SUVs are two-wheel-drive, which is sufficient for many owners' needs. Crossovers are often front-wheel-drive vehicles, while truck-based SUVs are rear-wheel-drive. All brands offer four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as standard or optional features. All-wheel-drive vehicles automatically distribute power to the wheels with the best traction. Four-wheel-drive vehicles allow the driver to engage all four wheels on demand. Low-range gearing is designed for off-road use. Front-wheel-drive powertrains are usually more fuel efficient.
  • Most crossovers aren't meant for serious off-roading. But considering that fewer than 5 percent of SUV owners regularly take their vehicles off road, a crossover's more nimble handling and car-like ride may be an advantage over the heavier chassis of a truck-based SUV.

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