Before you head to the dealership to sign on the dotted lines for a brand-new family SUV, there are several factors you need to consider. Ultimately, doing your research upfront will help ensure you end up in a vehicle your whole family will love for years. Take time to consider what matters to you.
1. Safety Features
Look for vehicles with high safety ratings and the latest advanced driver assistant features.
Crash Test Rating
Check the overall crash test ratings from the NHTSA. The higher the ratings, the safer the vehicle.
Standard Safety Features
Must-haves include multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. These features are ideal for avoiding accidents as well as minimizing injuries.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Look for a vehicle with advanced safety techs such as lane-keeping assists (LKA), blind spot monitoring (BSM), and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your family is well-protected on the road with these safety features. Do your research and choose a vehicle with proven safety to give you confidence behind the wheel.
2. Passenger and Cargo Space
When considering a new family vehicle, you’ll want to ensure it has enough space for passengers and gear, now and in the future. Check the dimensions for headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in both the front and back seats.
Also, see how much cargo space is behind the rear seats and how much expands when the seats are folded down.
A spacious, flexible interior will ensure your new family vehicle adapts to changing needs and lifestyles over the years. The last thing you want is to feel confined and cramped, especially on longer drives or vacations.
3. Fuel Efficiency and Drive Performance
Test driving different vehicles will show you how they accelerate and handle curves in the road. Look for a model with an all-wheel drive for better performance. Check the mpg rating and fuel tank capacity to determine the potential range per fill-up and annual fuel costs. The more efficient the vehicle, the less it will cost to operate.
4. Size of the Seats
Ensure you consider the size and number of seats you need to accommodate. Choose a vehicle with forward-facing convertible seats, boosters, and enough room for rear-facing infant seats.
5. Budget
Think about how much you can afford for a down payment. Also, factor in additional costs like insurance, potential repair costs, fuel, and maintenance to ensure the total cost of ownership fits your budget.
Do some research on varying models and trims to compare prices. Buy a vehicle that will meet your needs for many years without straining your budget.
6. Warranty
Warranty is essential, as it can save you money on repairs if anything goes wrong. Look at the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty. The bumper-to-bumper covers warranty for up to 3 years. The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drive axles for five years.
7. Safety Ratings
Check independent safety ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway (IIH) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA scores vehicles with 5-star ratings based on frontal and side crash tests and rollover resistance. The IIH conducts frontal side, frontal, rear, and rollover resistance tests. IIH rates vehicles as “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal,” or “Poor.” Look for “Good” and 5-star-rated cars for maximum safety.
