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SUV ( Sport Utility Vehicle ) and CUV ( Crossover Utility Vehicle ) three sizes
Small SUV
Starting near the low $20k, these are the most affordable SUVs, not only in the vehicle price, but also in their fuel economy. These lighter weight SUVs typically have 4 or 6 cylinder engines which can achieve between 20 to over 25mpg.
Drawbacks: small SUVs have are small passenger/ cargo space as well as limited towing capacity.
Midsize SUV
Price range mid $20’s-mid $40k. These come with 6 cylinder engines with an option to get a V8. These offer increased towing capacity and roomier spaces.
Drawbacks: Higher purchase price, Reduced fuel economy (expect mid to upper teens), on average maintenance costs increase with these as well, and you may see these more expensive to insure.
Large SUVs
Starting prices are around $40k and climb to over $100k. The large SUV will come standard with a V8, tons of room, the most options, upgrades and luxury amenities, making for a spacious and comfortable ride, as well as having the highest towing capacities (so you can bring all your toys with you).
Drawbacks: The large SUV usually have higher over-all costs to operate. Expect 10-15mpg on average, higher maintenance and insurance.
2WD SUV ( Two wheel drive ) Only the front or rear wheels power the vehicle.
2WD is ideal for non-slippery roads and for those who plan on driving on maintained road systems
Part time 4WD SUV ( Four wheel drive ) These offer a choice of 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD Low, you choose depending on your driving situation. It is important to note, these should not be left engaged on dry pavement as this causes mechanical damage.
In older part-time 4WD vehicles, each of the four wheels gets 25% of the torque to prevent wheel spin when in the High or Low setting. In newer models, you can shift from 2WD to 4WD High while driving, but must come to a complete stop to shift into the 4WD Low setting.
The drawback of part-time 4WD is that it must be manually engaged and disengaged pending on the driving conditions.
Part time 4WD is best for people who normally do not need 4WD, but occasionally go in rough terrain or want a little extra stability in snowy or icy conditions.
Full time 4WD SUV ( Four wheel drive ) Can stay in 4WD, unlike part-time 4Wd. It has all the same settings as its part time counterpart, but can remain engaged while on dry pavement. You can tell Full time 4WD since it has an automatic or full-time 4WD setting.
Full-time 4WD is best for people who often drive in icy or slippery conditions and who may frequently go off-roading.
AWD SUV ( All wheel drive ) is like full time 4WD in that the system is always sending power to the wheels with the most traction, however AWD does not offer the ability to change to 2WD.
Therefore, AWD is always operating in 4WD mode. When the road becomes slippery, the AWD system locks the axles and automatically distributes power to all four tires. Some AWD systems are more rugged, if the vehicle allows the driver to change to a "low" range then it is more apt for off-road use than other AWDs. AWD systems work well in cars and crossover vehicles (in page link to crossover topic below) because they don't add much.
AWD is best for people who often drive in icy or slippery conditions. If you occasionally go off-road, look for the “low” option. AWD systems are lighter than 4WD systems, so you may get better fuel economy.
SUV safety is a concern, but has improved over the years with increased stability, air bags, handling, etc. That said, there are still issues; check the reviews for the year and model SUVs you’re interested in.
SUV versus CUV is it time to crossover?
The Crossover Utility Vehicle, CUV or crossover SUV was created by marketing departments to move away from the stigmatism some people have placed on SUVs in general, ‘gas guzzling, environmentally unfriendly and over-sized’ while at the same time move away from the declining sales of the ‘station wagons’.
A CUV is rather vague as it is used by some to describe the small and mid-size SUVs that are based on a car’s drive train and suspension. More often CUVs, are repackaged station wagons (or 5 door hatch backs), these have higher clearances and similarities to trucks.
Advice: Shop CUVs like you would an SUV, compare your needs to what the vehicle offers. Review the AWD SUV above, if you skipped down to this article.
Hybrid SUV is it time?
While new hybrids have come out this year (2008), they still command a premium as we all are looking for more efficient vehicles with the price of gas continually going up. Only four hybrids fall within 15k and 25k. One of the most reliable sources for hybrid SUVs is: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs_SUVs.shtml
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