Making the best choice when it comes to purchasing your first car gets more overwhelming and a lot more confusing as the day goes by and technology progresses.
In this blog post, we’d shed more light on the question “is an SUVs a good first car?” and visit the age-long debate of SUVs vs Sedan and present you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision whether SUVs are suitable as first cars.
Each vehicle type possesses its own set of advantages and appeals to different individuals based on their unique needs and preferences. However when considering whether SUVs are suitable for first time cars, it becomes evident that they offer several compelling features. With spacious interiors, enhanced visibility, ample passenger and cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, off-road abilities and modern day safety features. SUV’s can be an excellent choice for first-time car owners.
Before diving into the sea of choices, it’s very crucial to decide on one fundamental aspect. The type of vehicle that best suits your needs.
5 Basic Needs A Car Should Provide
1. Space and Storage Needs:
One of the key considerations when choosing a first car can be the requirement of ample space. If you frequently transport a significant amount of cargo or embark on weekend road trips carrying gear such as camping equipment or skis, an SUV might be the perfect fit for you. SUVs generally offer more storage capacity than other car designs, providing abundant room in the back to accommodate all your belongings.
2. Optimal Visibility and Road Awareness:
For drivers who prioritize a full view of the road ahead, an SUV holds a distinct advantage. With their elevated seating positions, SUVs allow for improved visibility, making it easier to spot obstacles like potholes or road cracks in advance. This heightened awareness not only ensures a smoother driving experience but also helps to maintain your car’s condition over the long run.
3.Consideration for Passengers and Cargo:
If you have a large family or frequently travel with a group of people, the passenger capacity of a sedan may not suffice. SUVs, on the other hand, often boast a generous seating arrangement, accommodating more passengers comfortably. Additionally, the added advantage of expansive cargo space in SUVs ensures that you can transport both passengers and their belongings without compromise.
4. Fuel Efficiency Advancements:
While SUVs may have carried a reputation for being fuel-guzzlers in the past, advancements in technology have greatly improved their fuel efficiency. Modern SUVs now offer reasonable fuel economy, allowing you to save more on each trip as long as you diligently maintain your vehicle over the years. This progress in fuel efficiency makes SUVs a viable option, even for those conscious of their carbon footprint.
5. Off-Road Capability and Adventure:
For adventurous souls who yearn to explore the great outdoors, an SUV shines brightly. Sedans are typically ill-equipped for off-road escapades, but SUVs are designed to conquer challenging terrains. Many SUV models come with four-wheel drive capabilities, offering ample power to traverse steep roads with confidence. Additionally, advanced traction control systems further enhance the off-road prowess of modern SUVs, providing you with peace of mind during your wilderness ventures.
Advantages of owning a SUV as a first car
Let’s talk about SUVs (the most popular car). SUVs offer several advantages, particularly in terms of comfort, versatility, storage capacity, grip and handling, ruggedness, visibility, and ground clearance. Here’s a closer look at each of these points.
1. Comfort and cabin space:
SUVs typically have more headroom, legroom, and overall cabin space compared to other car designs. This provides a more comfortable and luxurious experience for both the driver and passengers.
Additionally, SUVs often come with additional compartments and storage spaces to keep belongings organized and easily accessible.
2. Versatility:
SUVs are designed to handle various road surfaces and driving conditions. They often come equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems, which provide better traction and stability on slippery or uneven terrain. This makes SUVs well-suited for outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and off-road adventures.
3. Visibility:
One of the notable advantages of SUVs is the higher seating position they provide. This elevated view of the road offers better visibility, allowing drivers to spot potential hazards like potholes, debris, or fallen items in advance.
Additionally, the elevated position can make it easier to find parking spots in crowded areas.
4. Ground Clearance:
SUVs generally have higher ground clearance allowing them to navigate obstacles like speed bumps or uneven terrain more effectively. These features also enable SUVs to drive through deeper waters without damaging the engine. However, it’s important to exercise caution and prioritize safety in situations involving flooded streets or bridges.
Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation, exploring the great outdoors, or simply looking for a vehicle that can handle diverse driving conditions, an SUV is your ideal companion.
Disadvantages of owning a SUV as a first car.
1. Price:
SUV’s generally come with a higher price tag compared to smaller cars. The larger size and additional features of SUVs contribute to their higher cost.
2. Cost of parts:
The parts for SUVs also come with a higher price tag compared to those for smaller cars. Additionally, the added weight of SUVs can lead to faster wear and tear on components such as tires and brakes, necessitating more frequent replacements compared to other car types which can be managed with proper maintenance.
3. Fuel costs:
Although, manufacturers have been working on improving SUVs fuel efficiency, SUVs will require more fuel to operate due to their larger size and weight.
4. Weight and bulk:
If you are not regularly utilizing the seating capacity or cargo space offered by an SUV, the extra bulk may be considered wasted space.
5. CO2 Emissions:
SUVs usually have higher carbon dioxide, emmissions compared to smaller cars due to their greater fuel consumption.
5. Parking:
The larger size and bulk of SUVs can make parking more challenging especially in tight spaces or when parallel parking is required. On the flip side, it can help to prevent scratches as the occasional maneuvers small cars allow in tight corners can be prevented.
SUVs, Hatchbacks, MPV, Sedan, and Luxury cars as first cars.
SUVs for a First Car.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It typically has a 4-wheel drive, which means engine power flows into the 4 wheels of the car to help with steering. It’s suitable for any kind of terrain because It stands tall and has a high ground clearance. It may be a 5 to 7 seater depending on the length of the car. SUVs offer good enough headroom and leg rooms, they offer comfortable rides over bad roads.
SUVs can be a good choice for first-time car buyers, as they provide good visibility, superb sitting position, and excellent technology that provides safety, especially for new drivers.
Hatchback for a First car.
Hatchbacks are usually 4-5 meters long and do not have a stretched boot. They are used to carry 4-5 people and are much smaller in size compared to an SUV. It is easy to maneuver in congested areas because of its size.
MPV for a First Car
MPV stands for Multipurpose Vehicle. It also has a long length and can take 7-8 people. It’s not as tall as an SUV but has a good ground clearance
Sedan for a First Car.
Sedans are usually longer than 4m and can take 4-5 people. They are longer than hatchbacks and have more extended boots that project out of the body.
Luxury cars for a first Car.
Luxury cars can either be sedans or hatchbacks and are known for their luxury interior features. They will provide a comfortable In the rear end and other features like adequate legroom, brilliant suspension for a smooth ride, a high-quality music system, leather seats, and many others.
Top 5 Best SUVs to Consider for your first car.
Finding the best pick in the SUV department can be a lot to chew on, but the most important features to look out for in first-time car buyers are ease of maintainability, great fuel economy, and comfort. These 5 SUVs will afford you that.
5. MAZDA CX-5
The MAZDA CX-5 is regarded as one of the safest small SUVs for first-time car buyers. It received a TOP Safety Pick + Award from IIHS. The CX-5 offers a good sitting position and excellent visibility for first-time car buyers and does not make it challenging to maneuver corners, control, or park.
Compared to other midsize SUVs the CX-5 has a low maintenance and service cost.
4. Honda CRV
The Honda CRV promises a hassle-free ride experience. Its features include side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, advanced front airbags, an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, vehicle stability assist, a multi-angle rear-view camera, and child-proof rear door locks. Its pressure monitoring makes it easy to drive and own as a first car.
3. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage prioritizes safety and convenience with its features and it’s quite evident from the safety systems installed in the electronic stability control, Blind-spot collision warning, Driver attention warning, Rollover sensor, Lane departure warning, Anti-lock brakes, Pedestrian detection assist. This makes it a good fit as a first car, especially for new drivers without risking their safety.
2. Hyundai Kona
The most efficient when it comes to fuel economy is the base SE model version. Like other Hyundai models, the Kona has a list of standard features which makes it easily one of our faves. It’s driver assistance and infotainment technologies at a good price.
1. Subaru Ascent.
The Subaru Ascent is a 4-wheel drive powered by a torquey turbocharged 269-hp flat-flour engine. The base Ascent and premium have better EPA fuel economy ratings compared with the base model.
It’s a good pick as a first car because it doesn’t break down easily. It has a light and accurate steering that responds easily to quick maneuvers and feels relaxed at high speed. The Subaru Ascent prioritizes safety and will make a great car for first-time car owners.
Closing the curtain
Ultimately, the decision rests in your hands. Take into account your lifestyle, specific requirements, and personal preferences before making a well informed choice. Whether you opt for the versatility of an SUV or the timeless appeal of a sedan, the key is to select a vehicle that perfectly aligns to your needs, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable driving experience.
