Why should you buy an SUV?
It's easy to see why SUVs have become the UK's most popular type of car. Practical, spacious and easy to live with, they suit everyone from growing families to busy commuters. Models such as the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai have become regular fixtures as some of the most frequently-registered cars annually, and almost every major brand has an SUV offering.
The appeal starts with the higher driving position, giving you a clear, commanding view of the road ahead. Add generous boot space, roomy cabins and the option of five or seven seats, and you've got a car that takes family life, the weekly shop and weekends away in its stride. Getting in and out is easier, too, which helps with child seats and passengers of all ages.
Whichever way you drive, there's a powertrain to suit, from efficient petrol and hybrid models through to fully electric options. And with sure-footed grip when the weather turns, an SUV makes a reassuring companion all year round.
What types of SUV cars are there?
SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles, to give them their full title) come in all shapes and sizes, usually grouped by how big they are and how they're built. Some of the most common types include:
Compact SUV
The popular family choice, balancing a roomy cabin and boot with sensible running costs.
Crossover SUV
Built on a car platform for easy, economical driving, with the raised stance and styling of an SUV.
Mid-Size SUV
Bigger again, often with five or seven seats and greater towing ability for larger families.
Full-Size SUV
The biggest of the bunch, offering maximum space, comfort and pulling power.
Frequently asked questions
Like any car, SUVs come with a few trade-offs. Their size and weight mean they typically use more fuel than a smaller hatchback, and they can cost a little more to buy, insure and tax. Their larger dimensions can also make tight parking spaces trickier. That said, modern crossovers are built on efficient car-based platforms, and with hybrid and fully electric options now widely available, running costs are lower than ever. Parking sensors and reversing cameras take the stress out of manoeuvring, too.
Start by matching the size to your needs. A mini or compact SUV is ideal for town driving and smaller families, while a mid-size or full-size model suits those needing up to seven seats or serious towing power. Think about the powertrain that fits your mileage, whether that's petrol, hybrid or fully electric, and check the boot space, safety rating and warranty. Unless you regularly tow or drive off-road, a front-wheel drive model will be cheaper to buy and run than a 4x4.
Not necessarily. SUV describes the body style of the car, while 4x4 refers to four-wheel drive, where the engine powers all four wheels. Plenty of SUVs, especially crossovers, are front-wheel drive only, with four-wheel drive offered as an option rather than fitted as standard. Unless you tow heavy loads, head off the beaten track or regularly face snow and ice, a front-wheel drive SUV will do everything most drivers need, while keeping running costs down.
Reliability varies from model to model, but several brands have built strong reputations over the years. In many independent owner surveys the likes of Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Vauxhall consistently score well, helped by dependable models and reassuring warranties. Kia and MG, for example, offer cover up to seven years, while Toyota's warranty can extend up to ten years with servicing. It's always worth checking the latest survey results for the specific model you're considering.
Generally, yes. Because SUVs are so in demand, popular family models tend to hold their value well compared with many other bodystyles. Mid-size favourites like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, along with value champions such as the Dacia Duster, are known for steady resale values. Petrol and hybrid models currently hold their value best, while every car depreciates over time. Buying a nearly-new SUV that's a couple of years old is a smart way to sidestep the steepest early drop.
Why should you buy a car from Evans Halshaw?
As part of one of the UK's largest automotive retail networks, we have an extensive range of both new and used cars within our group inventory. Having partnered with over 20 of the world's best-known manufacturers, you're also able to access exclusive benefits, schemes, and offers, to ensure you're getting the greatest value when browsing for your next vehicle.
With over 100 locations nationwide, we serve customers up and down the country, and aim to build lasting relationships with everyone that visits our site. From experiencing a car for the first time, through to long-term care for your vehicle, our stores are well-equipped to take the hassle out of vehicle ownership from start-to-finish, allowing you to enjoy every minute behind the wheel.
So, if you're interested in exploring your next vehicle, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer where an advisor will be on-hand to support your journey.
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