In the last number of years, SUVs have become increasingly popular with Australian drivers. Offering drivers more space, a 7 seater SUV offers ample room for carrying passengers and cargo alike. What’s more with a raised vantage point on the road, drivers have better visibility of the road ahead for a smoother, safer and more comfortable ride.
While the term SUV gets thrown around a lot, many drivers don’t understand what differentiates these vehicles from other cars on the road. SUV stands for sports utility vehicle but this doesn’t really give a true definition of what these vehicles are. While SUVs started out as rugged four-wheel drive off-road vehicles, they have transformed into everyday vehicles used for everyday tasks like picking the kids up from school, taking family trips to the beach and doing the weekly shopping. SUVs offer owners a practical, convenient driving solution but what exactly are sports utility vehicles?
Let’s take a close look at what an SUV really is and why these vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with Australian drivers.
More Interior Space
Whether you are a farmer transporting feed, a parent collecting the kids from footie practice or you are a sports enthusiast dragging equipment with you everywhere you go, a 7 seater SUV provides far more interior space than other car types. With more room at your disposal, you and your passengers will be more comfortable on every journey that you take. While SUVs are an obvious choice for large families, they can also be a great choice for anyone looking for a little extra comfort and vehicle with some extra space that drives smoothly.
Four-Wheel Drive
Strictly speaking, an SUV should have four-wheel drive to allow it to tackle rugged off-road terrain and maintain friction with the road in extreme conditions. However, the reality is that not all modern SUVs are equipped with four-wheel drive in order to minimise the weight of the vehicle and improve fuel efficiency. Changes like this have made SUVs more accessible to the average driver as they don’t need to have an understanding of four-wheel-drive use.
SUVs Are Tall
As SUVs were originally designed to drive over rugged terrain, the driver needed to be positioned high in the driver’s seat to have a clear view of the road ahead. The vehicle also needed more clearance from the ground below to allow it to climb over rough terrain when necessary without becoming grounded. These design features are still present in today’s SUVs. When you are viewing SUVs, you will notice that they are significantly taller than a regular saloon style car. If you take it for a test ride you will also notice how much higher up you are on the road which gives you a much better view of the road ahead, allowing you to drive safer.
Built For Durability
SUVs are typically built from parts that are designed to stand up to adverse weather conditions and more wear and tear than your average vehicle. These materials can make the vehicle heavy and decrease fuel efficiency. Although SUVs were originally designed for rugged use, not all modern SUVs are built with the same type of driving in mind. Nowadays, there are many crossover SUVs that are built with the same parts as regular family cars but that have many of the same design features and functionalities as their true SUV counterparts.
Find An SUV That Meets Your Needs
Nowadays, there is a huge range of SUVs to choose from with different design features. If you are in the market for a new SUV, be sure to consider your needs before you start shopping around. If you will be driving through the bush, going on camping trips, or using the vehicle for work, a traditional SUV will be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want a safe family vehicle that has plenty of space and is comfortable to drive, a crossover SUV might be a better choice. With a little thought, you can ensure that you choose the right SUV for your needs and have a vehicle that you can rely on for many years to come.
