EmailIt'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 -- and still have adequate cargo space, but not as much as a full-size SUV. Fuel economy and handling are usually better than 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.
- 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 softer suspensions than truck-based SUVs. Performance and handling are usually better too, but most midsize crossovers can only tow up to about 3,500 pounds.
- 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 like the Hyundai Veracruz and Mazda CX-9 have good access to the third row, but kids will probably be more comfortable back there than teens or adults. The Chevy Traverse and its siblings at GMC, Buick and Saturn are even 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 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.
- Most crossovers aren't meant for serious off-roading. But considering that less 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.