Advantages and Disadvantages of SUVs

As Americans, we love our SUVs! Big and powerful, they offer us a sense of freedom and the ability to go anywhere. But before you buy that tank-like vehicle, it's important to consider all the advantages and disadvantages associated with driving a sport utility vehicle. In this blog post, let's explore what makes an SUV great and what pitfalls should be considered when deciding whether an SUV is right for you!

Introduction

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming increasingly popular in today’s automotive market – and it’s easy to see why. With their spacious designs, higher ground clearance, and greater power and traction, SUVs offer drivers a sense of confidence and capability like nothing else on the road.

However, as with any vehicle, buying an SUV is not without its drawbacks. With that said, let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of owning an SUV by looking at their interior space, maneuverability, environmental impact, cost of ownership, and fuel efficiency. Through this discussion, we will better understand what owning an SUV entails helping you make an informed choice when selecting your next vehicle.

History of SUVs

The original intent was to provide a durable and comfortable off-road vehicle with ample cargo capacity. The first production SUVs were introduced in the early 1950s and were primarily available in four-wheel drive versions. They typically had a truck chassis, body-on-frame design, and leaf-spring suspensions that allowed for higher ground clearance.

The popularity of SUVs began to rise in the late 1980s, and early 1990s as models became more luxurious with features such as amenities like air conditioning, leather interiors, and CD/cassette players. In addition, car makers began offering SUV models with either two or four doors, making it easier for families of all sizes to ride together comfortably.

By the beginning of the 21st Century, SUVs had become among the most popular vehicles on American roads because of their versatility, comfort, and capability on road trips or adventures beyond city streets or desert highways.

Due to their expansive cargo bays, numerous trim levels that offer various engine options are available today — from small economical crossovers perfect for city traffic to massive body-on-frame behemoths that can take families far off pavement trails into remote wilderness areas.

Credit: energy.gov

Advantages of SUVs

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) offer a range of advantages over other automobiles, allowing drivers to enjoy greater flexibility, power, comfort, and control.

The size of SUVs gives drivers more room for passengers and luggage than standard sedans or cars. This increased space also helps to lend more stability and safety due to the broader base, which can better negotiate bumps in the road.

SUVs typically come with features such as four-wheel drive and improved suspension systems, both of which are designed to increase traction on more challenging terrain. This makes it easier to drive off-road in mud, snow, and other challenging conditions.

Additionally, due to their higher ground clearance, SUVs can pass over obstacles or through water that would typically be impassable for other vehicles.

Another advantage of SUVs is improved fuel efficiency compared to some generations past; many come with fuel-saving features such as low-resistance tires and fuel injection that can help manage usage on long journeys.

Many SUV models now come standard with premium audio systems, integrated navigation technology, and enhanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring systems that didn’t use to be shared in the class.

Disadvantages of SUVs

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are good choices for families who want extra cargo space and a higher driving position. However, SUVs have several disadvantages, including cost, fuel economy, and safety concerns.

Cost: SUVs are more expensive than the average car when compared to the same make and model of a sedan. The added features, increased cargo space, four-wheel drive option, and the higher seating position can contribute to the overall cost.

Fuel Economy: Larger SUVs tend to have higher fuel consumption than smaller cars due to their heavier weight and less aerodynamic design. They can also require more fuel if they’re regularly used off-road or for hauling heavy items like boats or trailers.

Safety Concerns: SUVS are somewhat vulnerable to side impacts because of their higher center of gravity, which means that the vehicle may be more prone to rollover than other vehicles in certain types of collisions. In addition, narrow side windows mean less visibility out of some SUVs than in other passenger vehicles.

Safety Features of SUVs

SUVs have long been famous for their added safety features, including increased height providing extra visibility on the road and better handling due to the car’s weight distribution and four-wheel drive. They also have more airbags than traditional cars, plus side-impact protection and superior crumple zone technology.

Additionally, they often offer enhanced features such as rollover protection systems that can detect a potential rollover problem before it happens and stability control systems to help keep drivers firmly on the ground. Driver assists such as rear-view cameras, blind spot alert monitors, lane-keeping assist technology, emergency brake override, and active braking can also be found in some of the newer models.

Finally, SUVs are often equipped with an array of emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, to help deal with hazardous situations on the road. Although most luxury SUVs come with emergency kits preinstalled from the manufacturer, drivers can also customize their own emergency kit or consider purchasing an additional one depending on what they need to protect themselves and others while traveling.

Credit: weforum.org

Environmental Impact of SUVs

One of the more concerning aspects of SUVs is their environmental impact, with various studies showing that they are amongst some of the worst high-polluting vehicles on the road. This is due to their large engines and weight, resulting in generally higher emissions than regular cars.

In terms of carbon dioxide emissions, a typical medium-sized SUV will emit 25-30 percent more carbon dioxide on average than a common-sized petrol or diesel car. It has been estimated that SUVs can consume up to 40 percent more fuel than regular passenger cars each year, increasing their own carbon footprint and contributing further to global fossil fuel burning and adverse climate change impacts.

Popular SUVs on the Market Today

Nowadays, SUVs come in various shapes and sizes, from full-size to mid-size to compact.

Full-Size SUVs: Full-size SUVs are typically built on truck platforms and feature body-on-frame construction, which makes them better suited for hauling large loads and towing. They have plenty of power but can be prone to body roll when cornering.

Mid-Size SUVs: Mid-size SUVs consist mainly of crossover vehicles that offer greater efficiency than full sizes but still retain enough interior space for a family outing. These vehicles typically feature unibody construction for a smoother ride and excellent traction control systems that make them perfect around town or off the beaten path.

Conclusion

The decision of whether to purchase an SUV will ultimately depend on your particular needs. SUVs offer several advantages, including comfortable seating, increased cargo capacity, and impressive off-road capabilities. On the other hand, SUVs typically need more fuel than sedans, may require more maintenance and can be expensive to purchase and operate. Ultimately there are pros and cons associated with driving an SUV, but with proper research and consideration, you can make an informed choice that is right for you.