SUV features

Below we highlight important features for you to consider when purchasing an SUV.

Engines and fuel economy

Budget-friendly small SUVs are typically powered by a four-cylinder engine, though the fuel economy of some models is more on par with a V6 and performance can be lackluster, particularly when the SUV is fully loaded or ascending hills. Most SUVs come with a V6 engine that generally provides a good balance of power and fuel economy. Some midsized and large models are available with a V8 that delivers effortless acceleration and is better for heavy towing, but it usually takes a greater toll in gas mileage.

Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similarly to a manual transmission, allowing the driver to select a gear without using a clutch. Models with five-, six-, or even seven-speed automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions might provide better fuel economy than a traditional manual transmission, which is very rare in this category. Check our SUV ratings for specifics.

Drive wheels

All SUVs are available with either all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), with a two-wheel drive option. Many truck-based SUVs still offer rear-wheel-drive versions. AWD and 4WD provide power to all wheels, but they're not quite the same thing. AWD is a lighter (and lighter-duty) system that stays engaged and ready to distribute power at any time. Another difference is that 4WD includes low-range gearing for tackling difficult off-road terrain, such as rocks or steep off-pavement descents. AWD is typically fine for normal adverse weather conditions and moderate off-road driving. If you drive almost exclusively on pavement without snow or ice, consider a front- or rear-wheel-drive model, which generally provides better fuel economy. If you choose 4WD, look for a system that provides full-time 4WD operation. Vehicles with part-time systems should not be driven on dry pavement in 4WD mode.

Towing

Truck-based SUVs typically offer much more towing capacity than any other vehicle type except for pickup trucks. Some larger models can tow up to 8,500 pounds, or the equivalent of a small mobile home, large boat, or sizable camper trailer. Car-based SUVs generally don't tow as much, though some powerful, midsized models can pull 5,000 pounds, enough for a small boat or camper. Look at the tow-capacity rating and be sure you get a vehicle that can comfortably handle the load you'll be towing. SUVs often require an optional tow package to achieve the maximum rating.

Access

Most SUVs offer wide front and rear doors and ample head clearance, which aids in easy entry and exit. But because their ground clearance is higher than cars', it can be difficult for shorter people, children, and the disabled to climb into them. Third-row seats, if offered, are often especially difficult to access. Car-based SUVs usually have the edge there.

Seating

Virtually all SUVs carry up to five people. Some mid- and full-sized models include a third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to seven or eight, depending on the model. But third-row seats are typically tight and are only suitable for children. Most third-row seats can fold flat into the rear cargo floor when not in use.

Cargo

The versatile seating configurations of an SUV mean that all of the space behind the front seats can be used as cargo space, if needed. This is done with second- and third-row seats that fold flat or are removable. The most convenient type of third-row seat is one with a split design, so that one portion can be folded for cargo space, while allowing someone to sit in the other section. SUVs usually have a higher cargo floor than a minivan, which can make loading heavy objects harder, but truck-based models typically have higher maximum load capacities, so you can carry more weight.

Safety features

Statistics show that SUVs as a class have a higher percentage of single-vehicle rollover accidents than cars do, largely before they're taller and more top-heavy. Consumer Reports' safety ratings include assessments of crash-avoidance capabilities and crash-test results, based on tests performed by the federal government and insurance industry. Further, road tests detail issues regarding child seat installation and the adequacy of front and rear head restraints.

All new SUVs have head-protecting side air bags, usually in the form of a side curtain that covers front and rear side windows. These air bags are designed to keep passengers inside during a rollover.

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a computer-controlled feature that automatically and selectively applies brakes to prevent a car from a sideways slide. This potentially life-saving feature is standard on all new passenger vehicles, including SUVs. If you shop for a used model, seek one with ESC. It can help reduce the risk of a rollover and other crash types. Another welcomed feature, traction control, can help you to get going on a slippery road but doesn't aid in a sideways skid. (Learn more about car safety.)

Rear backup alert systems, which warn the driver with an audible signal and visual cue when the rear bumper is near a solid object, such as a parked car or a signpost, are becoming more common. These systems are marketed as parking aids, and in testing, Consumer Reports has found that they work well for that. But they aren't reliable enough for use as backup safety systems that can detect a small child behind the vehicle. A better alternative for backup safety is a wide-angle rear video camera, which is increasingly available. (See our report on vehicle blind spots, to compare the blind spot measurements for all tested models.)

Emerging safety technologies

The latest automotive safety advances include telematics systems that alert emergency personnel if an air bag deploys, lane-departure warning systems that sound an alert if you change lanes without signaling, rear-view cameras to prevent back-over accidents, and blind-spot warning systems that indicate vehicles driving in the blind spots to the side and rear of you. (Learn more about car safety.)

Entertainment and convenience

The latest mobile electronics enable cars to deliver the fidelity of home theater, along with cell-phone connectivity and navigation guidance. There is a wide range of information and entertainment features available from the factory and through the aftermarket. (See our guide to mobile electronics.)

Audio system

The standard car-audio package is a stereo radio tuner and in-dash CD player with speakers left and right, as well as fore and aft. An upgraded system typically has higher-watt amplifier power output”so you can play music loud with minimum distortion”and more and better-quality speakers to enhance clarity and sound separation. Top-level systems add digital sound fields, noise-canceling, surround sound, and DVD-Audio playback.

Depending on the package, an audio upgrade can add many hundreds of dollars to an SUV's sticker price. SUVs at every price level have a jack for plugging in an MP3 player. Only stereos with a specific iPod connector, rather than a micro plug port, will be able to control and recharge an iPod.

Satellite and HD radio

Subscription-only satellite radio offers broad channel selection, catering to a variety of musical and information interests, much like cable TV. Most vehicles offer satellite radio readiness in some audio systems.

HD Radio allows conventional (or terrestrial) AM and FM stations to broadcast their content over digital signals with higher fidelity. It also allows stations to add more programming over several additional channels that can be broadcast œalongside" a station's main frequency. This function can be used for delivering traffic or weather information, or diverse music content.

Navigation systems and connectivity

In-car navigation systems can be a valued feature if you often drive in unfamiliar territory. They typically retail for about $1,500 to $2,000 when offered alone but are often bundled with other features, such as a backup camera or a high-end audio system, that can add another $1,000 or more. Built-in systems have large, clear screens that are in the center of the dashboard and have generally intuitive controls. They are integrated nicely into the car, and some use touch-screen displays that make it easy to put in destinations and navigate through menus. Many can also respond to voice commands, giving you the added safety of keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. For a fee, many systems can provide real-time traffic reports, which can alert you to congested traffic, accidents, or road construction. But portable GPS units can offer most of those abilities for far less money. (See Ratings and learn more about portable GPS navigators.)

Bluetooth connectivity is becoming more readily available, enabling wireless devices such as cell phones to communicate wirelessly with the car's audio system for convenient, hands-free phone operation.

Popularized by GM's OnStar, telematics systems use a combination of cellular telephone and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to connect drivers with a call center staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the touch of a button. For a monthly or annual fee, such concierge services can provide directions or summon emergency aid based on your vehicle's location.

See also:

GPS

Car batteries

Tires

Car seats