SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) have become the uncontested rulers of our roads; they have a strong presence, spacious interiors, and safety perception, which makes them highly desirable. But before you get into that traffic jam with your monster during your rush hour commute, consider some disadvantages of owning an SUV.
This may not be the most fuel efficient or practical choice for someone living this kind of lifestyle and a closer look shows hidden costs.
Fuel Consumption
SUVs’ powerful engines mean higher fuel consumption. That’s costly for your finances and the environment given that you have to make more stops at gas stations. This is a big downside especially for those who advocate for ecofriendly transport.
Costly Ownership
It’s not just about buying expensive SUVs, but maintaining them is costly too. Higher maintenance rates mean higher insurance premiums. Not to mention their tires are also more costly than regular ones which take a large chunk from your financial plan.
The cost of routine maintenance can also be higher due to the larger size and weight of this vehicle such as oil changes or brake pads. The initial purchase price may seem tempting but an SUV’s total cost of ownership can quickly accumulate.
Maneuvering Matters
Don’t be deceived by its tough looks. It is not uncommon for sport utility vehicles with a higher center of gravity to have a lesser handling prowess than sedans and hatchbacks.
As a result, tight corners, narrow city streets, and parking lots might become a little bit difficult for them to navigate around in. Moreover, their sizes make them somewhat less responsive on curved roads.
On the other hand, if you often find yourself driving through small streets or on winding roads, then you should think twice about getting an SUV.
Size Matters
Though the roominess offered by an SUV is undoubtedly attractive, it can be viewed as a drawback as well: it makes parallel parking more challenging while driving narrow streets comes with extra precautions. Also, urban dwellers might find a smaller car more suitable for daily commuting purposes.
These SUVs can feel clunky in tight spaces with less maneuverability, take for instance the GAC MOTOR All New GS8. Take a moment to think about how often you will need all that space before you are seduced by the vastness of it.
Do You Need All That Cargo Space?
Lots of people purchase SUVs for their seemingly unlimited cargo space. However, truthfully speaking to yourself, how often do you need such a big room? If you don’t often carry heavy loads or have many family members, then maybe a smaller car with a good trunk design can do.
Several sedans and hatchbacks come with surprisingly large cargo areas and ingenious folding capabilities that cater well to daily needs. Consider how much cargo you typically haul before falling for the expansive nature of an SUV.
Safety
Though some believe in higher driving positions as safety guaranteeing, SUVs are not intrinsically safer than other cars. Their increased gravity center makes them more prone to rollovers in some cases. No matter your choice of size, modern safety features are essential in any vehicle.
Nowadays the trend in most cars ranges from having forward collision warning systems, lane keep assist, airbags and automated emergency braking. You don’t need to have a large car to have all this.
Environmental Impact
Sports Utility Vehicles are acknowledged as a source of greenhouse gasses and this is simply because their fuel efficiency is lower. For people who care about the environment, it will be a wise decision to choose a hybrid or electric SUV if not settling for a smaller car that consumes less gas.
Much of the impact you can have on the environment depends on how you purchase your vehicle. Even though SUVs may give an impression of safety and power, they usually have a large carbon footprint.
Off-Road?
If your exploration only involves city roads and highways, you might find an all-wheel-drive SUV too much. There are alternative cheaper options…that would suit your driving needs better.
Meanwhile, crossovers combine some features of SUVs with those of cars thus having fuel economy while being more maneuverable.
They may fit well with anyone seeking slightly higher ride height and extra cargo room without experiencing typical limits associated with full-fledged SUVs.
The Bottom Line
SUVs offer undeniable advantages – spacious interiors, a commanding view of the road, and the perception of safety. Yet there are downsides – more expensive fuel consumption, higher cost of maintenance, and less maneuverability. With careful consideration for your driving patterns, and necessities, you can make an informed choice.