You’ll see them crowding school gates at pick-up time. Suburban neighborhoods have them on almost every drive. And your local grocery store parking lot is likely to be full of them. We are of course talking about SUVs.
Roughly 60% of all cars in the US produced and sold are now SUVs. They’re particularly popular among families. While some of us might be opposed to buying an SUV because they are so common, there are a number of practical benefits that are worth considering if you do have kids. This post delves more into why SUVs might be the best family vehicle and why you should consider buying one.
Why SUVs make great family vehicles
Space
SUVs have oodles of passenger and cargo space. Some have three rows of seating, making them an excellent choice for large families. Others have a huge trunk that can store multiple suitcases and prams all at once. Some like the Tia Telluride boast a bit of both.
Comfort
Along with offering ample passenger space, SUVs often provide a decent amount of legroom, so that teenagers in the back row won’t get achy legs on family road trips. Premium options like Buick Encore GX models meanwhile come with features like massaging seats, noise cancellation and air ionizers (luxuries you typically won’t find in a comparable hatchback).
Accessibility
SUVs are higher off the ground, so you don’t have to crouch down so much when putting an infant in a car seat. They almost always have four doors too – with some cars like the Toyota Century even sporting sliding doors (although this is more common with MPVs).
Safety
Due to their higher ride height, SUVs can allow you to see further ahead and react faster to incidents. They also tend to come with all the cutting-edge safety features like AED and lane keep assist and often have rear airbags. The Tesla Model Y was ranked the safest SUV.
The drawbacks of an SUV
SUVs cost more than hatchbacks and have a lower fuel economy too. This means that they can sometimes be a less ideal option for families on a tighter budget.
For families living in cities, some SUVs may also be overly large, making parking a nightmare. There are some compact models out there that are better suited to cities, but you still won’t have the flexibility when parking that you might in a hatchback.
Should you get an SUV?
SUVs are a good option if space and comfort are priorities. Their ride height also makes them more accessible for families with child car seats, as well as providing increased driver visibility.
You may want to stick with a hatchback if you want to save money or if you live in a dense city area. It’s also worth noting that there are larger options than SUVs such as MPVs for those who have bigger families and need more passenger space.
Of course, it’s worth noting that SUVs are incredibly varied in design – some are smaller and cheaper, while others are bigger and more luxurious. This makes it possible to find an SUV for your lifestyle.
