Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are well-loved in the UAE because they are practical. Yes, an SUV handles desert terrain pretty well, but it can also stand up to extreme heat and carry large groups comfortably. Since there is a rising preference for this type of vehicle, expect the market to offer numerous options, from luxury compact SUVs to affordable SUV models.
Which type of SUV do you pick?
The Different Types of SUVs
SUVs are categorized by size: subcompact, compact, midsize, and large.
Subcompacts are extra small SUVs, which means they have limited cargo, seating, and towing capacity. But this type of SUV is fuel efficient and is generally more affordable than roomier SUVs. Subcompacts are ideal for city driving and not off-roading, so it could be a top pick if you don’t travel outside of the city.
Compact SUVs, also called small SUVs, are easy to drive and fuel efficient. But unlike the subcompact, the small SUV has a lot more cargo room and seating capacity. Although the back seat may be more suitable for small children than adults.
If you have adult children or like to travel with friends, the midsize (which can come in two- to three-row variants) and the large or full-size SUVs (which have plenty of interior space but generally poor fuel economy) offer better seating capacities. They also have more cargo space and towing capacity if you need to hitch a trailer, boat, or ATV.
Then there are the modern SUVs, which are referred to as crossovers. Crossovers look like a car and have the functionality of an SUV. They tend to be lighter since they handle like a car.
Other types of SUVs are engineered for off-roading adventures, like the T2 from Jetour UAE, which is a 4x4 SUV. It has plenty of cargo space, plenty of power for rugged adventures, and a 7-speed DCT transmission for smooth and efficient drives.
Some SUVs are also electric or hybrid plug-ins. Newer electronic vehicles, which are a growing trend in the UAE, tend to be quiet with a wide range of cruising speeds. But the towing capacity is usually limited, and they may not be ideal for off-roading.
What to Consider When SUV Shopping
Although it makes sense to start your shopping with a budget, the figure you had in mind might not give you everything you want in an SUV. Start with the features you’ll need and from there, determine how much you’re willing to spend and which items you’re willing to forgo if the price is too steep.
The Drivetrain
You can choose from four different drivetrains: front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and four-wheel drive (4WD). The drivetrain determines how power from the engine is delivered to the wheels.
In FWDs, the power is delivered to the front wheels; in RWDs, it’s sent to the rear wheels; in AWD, it’s evenly distributed between each wheel, and in 4WDs, the power is delivered to all four wheels.
Fuel efficiency, traction, and handling on different terrain vary with each drivetrain. So does the price; FWDs tend to be more affordable than 4WDs or AWDs since a front-wheel drive doesn’t require power as much as the 4WDs or AWDs.
Seating Capacity
A majority of SUVs will be able to fit five average size people. If you’ll be traveling with more people frequently, you’ll want a vehicle that has more room. A three-row SUV that can be folded might be a good option if you’ll travel with a few more people and need more cargo space.
Cargo Space
Do you need to bring camping equipment, sports gear, or supplies for the kids? Maybe you travel with a lot of suitcases? Either way, you’ll want to look for SUVs with wider cargo and seats that fold (allowing you to fit in bigger boxes). Some SUVs also feature underfloor storage, providing more room for things you need to carry.
Safety Features
Automotive technology has come a long way since the airbag. Vehicles today are equipped with innovative systems that keep you, your loved ones, and others on the road as safe as possible. The SUV is no different.
Even the affordable models feature blind spot warning, collision detection, cruise control, and pedestrian detection. Each standard feature helps you park without incident and avoid accidents on the road, contributing to the safety of other motorists.
Other SUVs have an automatic emergency braking system, which adds another layer of protection when you fail to react in time and keeps you safe from collision.
Fuel Economy
Fuel costs may not be a big concern in the UAE as it is in other parts of the world, but it still contributes to the cost of ownership. The purchase price of your preferred SUV may be economical, but you’ll spend more if it’s a gas guzzler.
If most of your driving is within city limits and you’re not going to need bigger cargo space, an FWD subcompact or compact SUV could be more fuel-efficient than a full-size 4WD SUV.
But if you really want the heft and power of a large SUV, you can manage fuel costs by:
Planning your trips, so you can do everything in one go.
Maintaining tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s guidelines because it improves gas mileage.
Not idling, so you don’t waste gas.
Maintaining moderate driving speeds or sticking to speed limits. In the UAE, it’s 100-160 kph on the highway and 80 kph in urban environments.
Ready to shop for your SUV? Take your list of must-haves. Find the right dealership. And take the vehicle out for a test drive.
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