The ultimate SUV buying guide

Our Ultimate Guide to Buying an SUV

You might be familiar with the term 'SUV', but do you know what really makes a car an SUV, or does it technically count as a crossover? Well, wonder no more! We've put together the ultimate comprehensive SUV buying guide, including a full rundown on the best SUVs on the market, both new and used. 

What is an SUV?

The initials SUV stand for Sport Utility Vehicle and became popular in the late 1980s. Before then, SUVs were sometimes known as four-wheel drives, jeeps or station wagons amongst other things. However, the name Sport Utility Vehicle doesn't really explain much about the car.

Traditionally an SUV is a larger car, with a spacious interior, and sometimes comes with four-wheel drive. Due to their robust nature, they were a popular choice for people who needed, or liked, to go off-road and take everything they needed with them. However, as they've become more popular and mainstream, manufacturers have made them more stylish and like other cars, sometimes neglecting their off-road abilities.

What's the difference between an SUV, a crossover and a 4x4?

Good question! Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, an SUV, crossover and 4x4 are all different cars with their own unique features.

A crossover is generally smaller than an SUV as they are often built off the same framework as a smaller hatchback, whereas an SUV often has a larger framework to begin with. Therefore, although they may look like a similar car, a crossover can also be less capable than an SUV when it comes to towing heavy loads or venturing off-road.

A 4x4 vehicle is a general name for a car with four-wheel drive; all four wheels are driven by the engine. This makes them great for tough terrain and for towing heavy loads. Because of this, some SUVs are technically 4x4 as they have four-wheel drive. However, not all do and therefore, if this is something you need in an SUV, double-check the specific car's capabilities.

What to look for when buying a used SUV

Used SUVs are a popular choice for many and can be more affordable than their new counterparts. But, as with any used car, there are things you should be looking out for when trying to purchase a used SUV, including if you're looking for particular features like having 4-wheel drive. Here are some example questions you should be asking yourself when you start looking for your next used SUV:

• Is the car 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive?
• Are there any obvious signs of wear and tear, both outside and inside of the car?
• Does it have the towing capabilities that meet your needs?
• Are the tyres in good condition, and are they the correct specifications? 
• Is the car's documentation up to date?

5 reasons to buy an SUV

There are several reasons that we would recommend buying an SUV, such as:

What to consider when buying an SUV

When shopping for a new SUV, there are a few things you should take into consideration: 

Best used SUVs on the market currently

SUVs are as popular as they've ever been, and the range of used models currently up for grabs confirms that. Here are some of our top picks for the best-used SUVs on the market right now: 

How do car magazines rate SUVs?

So, we may have our favourite SUVs, but what do the tip car magazines have to say??

All four magazines differ in their top SUV but top manufacturers include Audi, Volvo, Skoda, BMW and Land Rover, though many offer their own SUV style vehicles.  

Looking for certain features? Here are the best SUVs on the market

Every SUV is unique in its own way, meaning no matter what your preference for specific features, there's guaranteed to be a manufacturer and model to suit you.  

Affordable SUVs

Although SUVs seem expensive, there are some on the market which offer an affordable solution! Plus, it doesn't mean they scrimp on technology, performance and quality. Here are just a few of our favourites: 

Best 4-wheel drive SUVs

Those looking for that extra injection of power and stability can opt for a 4-wheel drive SUV, giving you the best driving experience on any road and in any weather condition. Here are a few of our favourites: 

Best 7-seater SUVs

Giving you extra levels of adaptability, 7-seater SUVs are ideal for larger families who could use an extra seat or two! Here are some of our picks: 

SUVs with the biggest boot

A benefit of an SUV is the cargo space and finding the one with the biggest boot space can be very important. Here are some SUVs with the biggest boot space, with the seats down:

Best electric SUVs

With more focus on electric and hybrid cars, there are already some great SUVs on the market with green credentials, including:

Most reliable SUVs

If you're on the lookout for an SUV that you can rely on, look no further than these top models: 

Find out more

If you are looking to buy to a new used SUV and need more help and advice, contact Carbase today. Our expert team of friendly staff are more than happy to help you select your next used vehicle today.

General information Sources

Top 10 Best Family SUV >

Auto Express - Best SUVs >

Car Magazine - Best SUVs >

What Car - Best SUVs >

BuyACar - SUVs With Biggest Boots >

Auto Express - Best 4x4s >

What Car - Best SUVs & 4x4s >

Auto Express - Top 10 Reliable SUVs & 4x4s >

Electric Vehicle Database >