- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
SUVs: Pros and cons
It is the most popular vehicle type that has recently become widespread. Sometimes it seems that the consumers buy SUVs not because they need such a vehicle, but simply because they cannot resist the existing trends. Moreover, these vehicles are more expensive! Are SUVs perfect? Do they efficiently combine different features? We will try to answer these questions and find out all the pros and cons of buying this popular vehicle format.
Versatility
The majority of people claim that they choose SUVs for their versatility. Although this is far from being true, as even the first vehicles of this format, like the Toyota RAV4, were not designed for off-road conditions. Moreover, many modern models are devoid of all-wheel drive, which is one of the three whales that provide cross-country ability. Of course, this primarily applies to affordable and compact vehicles, whereas there are mono-drive versions in the range of body-on-frame off-road vehicles. Nevertheless, the trend towards more civilized travel conditions is evident. Modern electronics does not like off-road, where the vehicle will slip, and its smart ‘brains’ will start to overheat. Plus, the SUVs have a small trunk volume, which is comparable to the trunk of hatchbacks, but not estates or even sedans.
When choosing a passenger car instead of an SUV, you can choose a roomy estate, a stylish sedan or a dynamic hatchback, which will really be useful to you. The SUVs differ only by the size and brand, but this factor is a direct reflection of the amount you are ready to spend.
Useful in the city
In this case, everything depends a particular city. All the countries differ by climatic conditions, road network state, and even mentality of the inhabitants. Every city has its unique nature. There is a huge difference between a small town and modern megalopolises where you rather need a compact and dynamic vehicle. But cities have paved roads on which a light sedan or hatchback is sufficient.
As for comfort and fatigue, light-weight passenger cars offer a better seating position for the driver and passengers than SUVs. The "classic" is still a better choice for long journeys on the highway.
Fuel-efficiency
In any case, the bulkier SUV weighs more than a similarly sized passenger car. Plus a more voluminous body with imperfect aerodynamics is more difficult to handle outside the city. Considering all of the about, the fuel consumption is higher. By the way, the passenger model offers better dynamics.
Let’s look at other operating costs. Considering the increased ground clearance, you need huge tires, which cost more. Moreover, such tires tend to be low-profile and take away all the off-road benefits. Washing and repairing are also more expensive. The service centers often have a separate price list “for off-road vehicles”, in which they include all cars that are reminiscent of a real all-terrain vehicle.
The total operating cost of the SUV is higher than that of passenger cars.
Good steering characteristics
An SUV has better steering characteristics than an off-road vehicle. But a passenger car is better than both of them! A higher center of gravity and a heavier body will not allow an SUV to maneuver like a sedan or estate with its optimal distribution of mass along the axes. The likelihood of rolling over according to the laws of physics is higher for an off-road vehicle or an SUV.
SUV’s good steering characteristics are greatly exaggerated.
Visual appeal
Clearly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, if this SUV is the first car in your life, it will look great at any time of the day, even if it won some kind of Anti-Design of the Year award. However, according to those who look at and drive different cars all day long, namely auto journalists, sedans and coupes are the most beautiful cars. Three-volume bodies have their own harmony and balance from an artistic point of view. Off-road vehicles and SUVs, as well as hatchbacks, will never have an elegant profile or rear end due to a characteristic rear end.
Why are there not so many new passenger models? Because the manufacturers invest their money into SUVs! At the same time, there are many "unfinished" models, created in a hurry in the pursuit of profit, sacrificing the design, reliability and operating life of the vehicle.
SUV’s pros
Each manufacturer offers at least a couple of crossover models. And such large companies as Audi or Toyota are ready to provide a very diverse range to satisfy any taste. So why are SUVs so popular? What is their strength?
The SUVs are distinguished by a firmer suspension (which, however, gives less comfort on the move compared to passenger models) and roomier interior due to the high headlining. It is more convenient to get in and out of the SUV. Plus, an increased ground clearance ensures more comfortable driving on bad roads, and you can get enough space for cargo by folding the rear seats. It also seems that the SUVs offer better visibility due to the higher driving position. However, such vehicles have more ‘blind spots’.
Let’s list briefly all the pros of an SUV:
- firm suspension
- roomier interior
- better cross-country ability
- high driving position
- better visibility
It is up to a buyer to decide whether the pros outweigh the serious cons of SUVs. It’s just useful to think before buying: does fashion or a smiling guy from a dealership make you buy something impractical, but more expensive?