Is a Crossover SUV Right for You?

Consumers have spoken and crossover SUVs are now the most popular vehicles that are purchased on an annual basis. Even though a crossover isn’t a new concept in the market, various automakers have honed and evolved their models over time to make sure these vehicles are better than ever and have the features desired to ensure they will offer the drive and comfort needed. With that in mind, you need to weigh the pros and cons of crossovers before choosing one that you’ll drive for the next few years on the road.

Fuel and Maintenance

If you’ve been driving a sedan, you’re going to spend more on fuel and maintenance when it comes to a crossover. No matter how good the engine is, a crossover is simply less aerodynamic and heavier than a sedan, which means you’ll spend more. Of course, if you’ve been driving larger SUVs or pickup trucks in the past, a crossover will cost a lot less to maintain and fill with the fuel needed to allow it to be the one you want to drive.

Other Costs

Most crossover SUVs have larger wheels than those on sedans. This means you’ll have to pay for larger tires that cost a lot more to replace. Many of the newer models on the road offer you items that include LED and xenon lights that are expensive to replace when it’s time to change the bulbs when they burn out. Larger vehicles are typically more expensive to maintain and larger wheels, larger brakes, and upgraded features will make your crossover more expensive for you to operate and maintain when you head out on the road.

Extra Space

The biggest reason to choose a crossover SUV over the sedan you currently drive is the increase in space that you enjoy. Additionally, many sedans don’t offer the option or opportunity to have a rack on top for added luggage or cargo room. When you need more cargo room in a crossover SUV, you can make use of the luggage rack to add a cargo carrier to the top and take more of what you need with you. Also, some of the crossover SUVs you’ll find allow you to tow a light trailer behind you.

Look at the Tow Rating

If you know you’re going to want your crossover SUV to be able to haul a light trailer, you need to make sure you check the tow rating to ensure you can get the job done. Some of the smaller crossovers don’t have a tow rating that’s any better than the sedan you traded in to have the ability to drive a bit of a larger vehicle. If you have a crossover that can’t tow your trailer, then it’s not doing the job you need it to and you should choose another model.

Do You Need AWD?

The fact is, most of your driving will be done during normal weather and on the road. This means you don’t need AWD to be available all the time. If you choose an SUV that has AWD and it’s only available during all driving times and conditions, you’re not going to have the fuel mileage benefits you want.

Find a model that has the ability to either give you AWD when the vehicle determines you need it or when you do so that you can have the best of both worlds in your crossover SUV.

Winter Tires Required

Just because you have a crossover SUV that has AWD doesn’t mean your tires are meant for the winter season. You’re not going to have a good experience if you think you can drive on snow with summer tires. You do need to have the right tires under your vehicle so that you can head out on the roads and have a confident drive and that means winter tires need to be put on your crossover SUV when you’re faced with snow-covered roads.

Make the Right Choice

If you need more room, more capability, and more capacity during your drive, a crossover SUV can be the right choice for you to have the drive you need. Take a look at the items you need to consider and see if a crossover is the right choice or you need to choose from a different class of vehicle.