Should Your Next Vehicle Be An SUV Or Sedan?

So you’re looking for a used vehicle – as your choices narrow, what type are you looking for? Do you need a commuter? A family vehicle? A vehicle that has storage and passenger space? How much of each will you need? The answers to these questions often depend on the individual, where they live, what they do, and what they want to do in their spare time. If you live in an urban area with limited or narrow parking, you won’t want a full-size SUV. If you live in a suburban area and are looking for an affordable vehicle, you may want to look at used SUVs for sale, especially when inclement weather arrives.

How do you decide which vehicle will be the best fit for the next several years? People can sometimes struggle with this decision. Do you want a sedan? Do you want an SUV? Which one will last longer? Sedans used to be incredibly popular with families from the suburbs, but that has changed over time. Now, SUVs are what many suburban families drive due to space considerations, an SUV’s capabilities, and improved efficiency over the last two decades. If you’ve stalled out on a decision, perhaps it’s time to create a short pros and cons list to help you decide.

The Pros And Cons Of A Sedan

The sedan is a tried and true vehicle for a variety of drivers and locations. Driving around town can be easier in a smaller vehicle, not to mention a much easier time finding a parking spot to maneuver into. They are narrower than SUVs, making them perfect for navigating older towns and cities. Sedans provide space for up to five people; some even have a surprising amount of cargo space. They’re mostly efficient, and many automotive brands offer hybrid sedans for those looking for a way to cut down their carbon footprint as well as their time spent at gas stations.

However, the issues people have with sedans boil down to lack of space, particularly in the back row (three kids can sit in the back with little issue but forget trying to cram five adults into a sedan). If you’ve got a growing family, eventually, you’ll need to upgrade to something a bit bigger with more elbow room. If you’re used to delivering packages, flying for work, or shopping for the holidays, you might find there just isn’t enough cargo room in the trunk. Suffice it to say that sometimes, not even a hybrid can entice a driver to purchase a sedan.

The Pros And Cons Of An SUV

SUVs come in a range of sizes, which means you can choose between a compact or subcompact crossover, a midsize crossover, or a full-size crossover, depending on your needs. There are also hybrid SUVs available, as well as used SUVs that are still quite efficient, even when fueled by gasoline. You’ve got extra space to stretch out, there tend to be additional safety features overall, and you’ll be able to fold the second and third rows flat for maximum cargo space. These are just a few of the reasons that drivers have gravitated toward SUVs since their arrival in the 1990s.

On the other hand, some people prefer a smaller vehicle, especially if they’re just looking for a regular commuter vehicle. They may not need the extra storage space or additional seating, and they don’t mind being low to the ground. With an SUV, you might encounter less efficiency on some of the older models, and you may have difficulties finding a wide parking space occasionally. But are those truly reasons to forego an SUV? All things considered, if you haven’t made the leap yet, perhaps it’s time to find a used SUV to test out. After all, it might surprise you with all the benefits!

Popular SUV Models And Sizes

There are many automotive brands known for the quality of their SUVs: Jeep, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, Mazda, and others have all introduced SUVs into the market at one time or another. SUVs remain a popular staple for American drivers because of their versatility, safety ratings, and spacious interiors. While some might prefer one brand over the other, it’s a good idea to test out a few different brands to see which appeals to you the most. If you’re looking for a full-size SUV, take a look at the Ford Expedition, the Kia Sorento, or the Chevy Tahoe. These large SUVs can seat up to eight people and have plenty of cargo room for all the necessities of life.

Looking for something midsize? Take a look at the Toyota Highlander, the Nissan Pathfinder, or the Honda Pilot. While they typically have less cargo space, passenger space is not compromised by the reduction from full-size to midsize. Many suburban families prefer midsize SUVs due to their size, efficiency, and flexibility. If you want something similar in size to a sedan, you can take a peek at compact or subcompact SUVs like the Subaru Crosstrek, the Toyota RAV4, or the Chevy Trax. These small SUVs still provide plenty of room but improve in efficiency ratings over their larger siblings.

Additional Benefits Of Driving An SUV

Since SUVs are so popular, brands are very competitive when it comes to offering additional features as well as new innovations. Many newer SUVs, even used ones, come with a backup camera, multiple USB ports, and sometimes even Wi-Fi capability or a wireless charging pad. SUVs also typically have traction control, which can help prevent the SUV from turning over in the case of an accident. They can even be more efficient than a sedan, particularly if you’re looking at a smaller SUV or one with a hybrid option. Wouldn’t you love the capability of an SUV, particularly when it’s paired with high efficiency and modern tech?

Some young drivers are more comfortable inside SUVs because they aren’t as low to the ground, while older drivers find it easier to enter and exit SUVs rather than having to crouch down to enter a sedan. SUVs can be utilized in many different ways, from hauling musical instruments to bringing baby goats back to the farm, to car camping and more. If you want a vehicle that will be with you through it all, don’t look for a sedan to be able to do that job. Leave that to an SUV.

Consider Buying A Used SUV Today

Jotting down the pros and cons of types of vehicles can help you see the big picture. While a sedan might be a nice commuter, it won’t be able to give you the space you need if you want to do almost anything else. Sedans aren’t as highly sought after today simply because they are rather narrow in their abilities. People love SUVs because they aren’t just good for one thing – they’re great for outdoor types, indoor types, families, solo drivers, new drivers, and seasoned drivers, too. SUVs are more flexible and can last quite a long time if taken care of properly, so you may end up having more time with an SUV than you would with a sedan.

If you’ve been debating getting a sedan versus an SUV, take a look around. Who is driving an SUV? Who is driving a sedan? What can they do in each vehicle? Do you really want to be limited in where you can go and what you can do? If you’d rather have a vehicle that can play multiple roles in your life, it’s time to consider buying an SUV. There are plenty of high-quality used SUVs for sale, so take a look and see which brands you like most, and then take a few for a test drive here at DriveHubler Certified Pre-Owned. Just be warned – once you drive one, it’s unlikely you’ll ever want to drive anything else.

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