ALL ABOUT SUVS: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
Posted by Zane Winberg on
As human beings we are creatures of habit. We like what we like, and we like to stick to it! We have our favorite restaurants, favorite grocery store and favorite sports teams. We’re loyal to specific brands and follow certain daily routines. There is such comfort in tradition for us. So much that we are often afraid to get outside of our comfort zone. When we find something we like (or THINK we like) it’s not unheard of for us to shut down our brain completely when it comes to that liked thing. It’s the best, we’ve found it, there’s no need for research, discussion or change! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Because of this perpetual need to stick to what we like, it’s usually pretty easy to classify the world into 2 groups: cat people vs. dog people, Type A vs. Type B, Left Brain vs. Right Brain, car vs. SUV. It’s not always the case, but you certainly know people who have ALWAYS driven cars and people who have ALWAYS driven SUVs. Sometimes on principle! They have found what they like and they stick to it. When one car dies they drive to the dealership for a newer model of the same car, or one in the same family. Car people stick to cars. SUV people stick to SUVs.
There’s not anything inherently wrong with this. If you like cars you can continue driving cars! If you like SUVs you can continue driving SUVs! Just don’t fall into that trap of ignoring all of the information and options to ensure that you’re driving the right vehicle for you. So without further ado, here’s what you need to know about SUVs:
+ SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle and was actually created to help drivers manage more diverse road conditions.
+ Features of SUVs can include 4-wheel drive, increased storage space, towing capabilities, higher ground clearance and increased passenger space
+ While most SUVs are designed with off-road capabilities, they are more and more frequently designed with regular city/road driving lifestyles in mind.
+ SUVs generally have lower fuel efficiency than most cars, but smaller SUVs - often called “crossovers” - and hybrid vehicles can actually boast of above-average fuel efficiency
+ Large SUVs have 3rd rows of seats, competing with minivans for passenger space
+ Luxury SUVs are increasing in prevalence in the U.S., offering top-of-the-line features, extra space and increased cargo room.
+ SUVs cost more than sedans, and usually also have a higher fuel cost (with the aforementioned lower fuel efficiency)
+ SUVs are usually safer in the event of a collision, due to their size, bulkier construction and raised height.
+ Because of 4-wheel drive and towing capabilities SUVs have better functional horsepower
+ SUVs ride a little higher, and often have bigger, bulkier tires. Sometimes this means a louder, bumpier ride. At the same time, sitting up higher means you can see more of the road.
+ SUVs are almost always wider and more spacious in the interior, meaning you can more comfortably seat the same amount of people in an SUV who would be crammed into a sedan.
Whether you’re an SUV lover or a sedan fan, the cars on the lot are always changing and the features constantly improving. Don’t get stuck in your ways and miss out on what an SUV - or a sedan!- has to offer for you and your lifestyle!
SUV engines can take some beating and wear and tear. This is because SUVs are bigger and heavier. SUV owners should be sure to take care of their engine so as to boost and maximize engine performance. Wear, tear, heat, and friction can wreak havoc on an SUV engine which will diminish performance and decrease already low mpg. Check out some CleanBoost products to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize engine wear in SUVs!