The New Shopper’s Guide to Entry-Level SUVs

Tall and boxy, fuel hungry, and higher costs. Sport utility vehicle skeptics aren’t convinced about the beauty, power, and practicality of SUVs. But automotive technology has improved a lot of the features, and newer automakers have entered the market, offering a variety in price and size. As a result, the SUV’s popularity has soared.

With the space, comfort, and variety they offer, SUVs are now becoming quite an attractive vehicle of choice. If you’re in the market for one, where should you start? Do you search for the best Chinese SUV or the more popular U.S. models?

What Do You Need?

Before you explore the list of the best-selling SUVs, think about your needs first. What are the main purposes of the SUV? 

Most parents might use it to drive the kids to and from school and run errands. Individuals or couples might need an SUV to get to work and for weekend adventures.

Your answers will determine the features you need from an SUV. For example, if it’s for daily commuting and hauling equipment, your priorities would be fuel efficiency and cargo space. 

What Can You Afford?

The next consideration is your budget. When setting your budget, factor in the other costs on top of the sticker price of the SUV. These will include auto insurance, which is mandatory in the UAE, value-added tax, and registration fees.

If you don’t have enough funds, consider financing options through a bank or dealership. Always read the fine print and shop around the way you would shop around for SUV models.

If you prefer to pay for your new vehicle in one go, opt for affordable models. For example, new Jetour cars in the UAE would be easier on the pocket than new models from American or Japanese manufacturers. The Chinese automaker’s SUVs are competitively priced, with new models starting at AED 73,000, whereas models from Jeep would be double that price (or higher).

Consider the total cost of ownership as well for your new SUV. These would include fuel, ongoing costs to keep the SUV in good condition, interest payments on the loan (if you’ve chosen a financing option), potential repairs, and even parking fees if you don’t have a garage.

Once you’ve figured out the numbers, the SUV shopping begins.

What Features Should You Prioritize?

Here, you’ll factor in what you’ll use the SUV for; if you’ve got kids, maybe an infotainment system is necessary for those long drives. In addition to entertainment technology, safety features are essential.

Among the safety features to prioritize are:

• HD cameras that manage the surrounding environment

• Comprehensive airbag system

• Advanced sensors for safe and effortless parking

• Cruise control to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles

• Automatic emergency braking system for collision avoidance

• Electronic stability control system

• Pedestrian detection

For a family-friendly SUV, you’ll also want to look for room, such as larger seats and more cargo space. If you happen to travel a lot on the road, you might also want an SUV that features other storage options, like a folded third row for extra cargo space.

Other key features to look for in your SUV are fuel economy and consumption, engine performance, size and ground clearance, off-road capabilities, and comfort features (e.g., heated seats, power adjustable seats, soft-touch surfaces, etc.). 

Size and ground clearance are particularly crucial because you need to make sure the SUV will fit in your garage.

How Does It Feel Behind the Wheel?

You can check out the vehicle on-site, read the brochure, and fall in love with its features. But the best way to truly evaluate any vehicle, new or used, is to test drive it. 

A test drive should be easy, right? Head to the dealership, talk with the salesperson, and take out the SUV for a 30-minute drive. That approach might not give you the full experience.

Here is a better strategy.

• Make an appointment with the dealership and discuss how you’re going to test drive the SUV. The appointment also ensures the dealership has the SUV model available for a drive.

• Choose the routes you’re going to drive on, with varying road conditions and surfaces, to really see how the SUV handles.

• Bring items you frequently carry, such as your child’s stroller, camping gear, sports equipment, and the like. This will allow you to determine whether the SUV has sufficient space.

• Connect your phone to the car to see how you can make calls and play music.

• Bring your family or a friend along for the test drive to see if they enjoy the ride.

• During the drive, use all the typical controls you need. Get a feel for how the brake responds; evaluate the acceleration, and put the steering wheel to the test.

Finally, listen to the SUV. At some point during the drive, turn off the radio or music and pay attention to the engine as you cruise and accelerate.

Every new vehicle purchase deserves your full evaluation. It not only has to appeal to you visually but also ensure your comfort and safety on the road. Take your time shopping. And see how the price and cost of ownership will work for you.