What to Know When Buying a SUV

It is beneficial for shoppers to gather as much information as possible about any vehicle they are considering buying. SUVs can come in many sizes and styles. One fantastic type of SUV is the mini Sports Utility Vehicle, otherwise known as the subcompact SUV or subcompact crossover. These smaller SUVs have many of the same advantages offered to consumers that larger and mid-size compact SUVs do, but are generally more cost effective and efficient in a few key areas. There are also some disadvantages to this type of vehicle and it is important that buyers understand what those disadvantages are before making a purchasing decision.

Some of the Benefits of Owning a Small SUV

There are quite a few benefits associated with the ownership of a small SUV. Many small SUVs on the market today have the same perks that standard SUVs do, while still maintaining a small size.

• Stylish Look Subcompact SUVs are undeniably cool looking. Newer models are available in such a wide range of trim and body styles that consumers are sure to find a subcompact SUV that they find stunning.
• Gas Efficiency These smaller SUVs are becoming increasingly more gas efficient. This can be very useful with today's rising fuel costs, especially for shoppers looking to save money over the course of a year.
• Hatchback Varieties Many if not most of these small SUVs and compact crossover SUVs come in hatchback varieties. Consumers find hatchbacks useful for a myriad of reasons.
• Off-road Capability The entire point of an SUV for many consumers is its ability to drive well in adverse road conditions. Though these SUVs are smaller, in most cases they perform very well on bad roads and in unfavorable weather conditions.

Some of the Drawbacks of Owning a Small SUV

As with any vehicle, there are bound to be some drawbacks of ownership. Due to their small size, there simply are a few things that subcompact SUVs are unable to do.

• Less Towing Capacity A few of these SUVs are capable of towing small loads, but for the most part, they offer little or no towing capacity.
• Not as Much Cargo Space Being smaller is going to cause some space issues. Though many compact SUVs still offer more cargo space than most sedans, they can not usually offer nearly as much cargo storage as a larger mid-size compact SUV.
• Less Torque This point is debatable, as some compact SUVs are equipped with impressive engines that can get up to speed pretty quickly, though many are simply not as powerful as larger SUVs. It really depends on the vehicle's make and model.
• Less Passenger Space Just like with cargo space, many smaller SUVs can not offer as much passenger seating as their larger counterparts. Still, many smaller SUVs actually do manage up to seat 5 passengers, with a few seating more.

Top Rated Subcompact SUVs

• Honda HR-V
• Mazda CX-3
• Buick Encore
• Jeep Renegade
• MINI Cooper Countryman
• Kia Niro
• Nissan Juke
• Nissan Rogue Sport
• Chevrolet Trax

Top 5 Routes for "Small SUVs"

1. Cars.usnews.com This site offers a side by side comparison of midsize and subcompact SUVs.
2. J.D. Power J.D. Power is a website that focuses on the automotive industry and ranks vehciles. The article in question looks at initial quality of produced small SUVs. 
3. Car & Driver This site has an extensive list of subcompact SUVs and how they are ranked from best to worst. This link is worth a look.
4. Carmax Carmax helps people shop for vehicles and even find financing. This article focuses on the best compact SUVs currently on the market. 
5. Consumerguide.com For general information on a wide variety of vehicles, check out this resource.