5 Good Reasons You Should Choose A Small SUV

Kiwis love SUVs. That promise of adventure just around the corner makes them a huge crowd favourite and there’s no better way to cram everything you own and everyone you love into the one vehicle.

But, aren’t SUVs only big, cumbersome and uneconomical vehicles? The good news is you don’t have to go big to get the full SUV benefits of comfort, practicality and efficiency. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best things about owning a small SUV, and why they might be the ideal option for you. 

1. Upgrade to more space

If you’ve been driving a small hatchback or sedan style car, then moving up to a small SUV will seem like you’ve doubled the size of your wardrobe or pantry.

When you hop in behind the wheel, the extra headroom is immediately noticeable and when your kids clamber in the back, there’s room for their lanky limbs without digging into the back of the front seats. They’ll even be able to stretch out and enjoy the long distances without sharing so many of those ‘Are we there yet?’ moments.

The SUV’s high roof, low floor and wagon shape means you can fit more of everything in with loads more storage space.  Even a smaller sized SUV, like the Suzuki S Cross is surprisingly spacious,  giving you that extra needed space to comfortably pack the weekend camping or sports gear, or fill up with those last minute DIY or garden centre purchases.

You can even double down on the flexible storage capacity, by installing roof racks, a tow bar for pulling a trailer, or adding a bike attachment for your e-bikes or mountain bike adventures.

2. Enjoy the ride height

When you are looking to change up from a regular car to an SUV, take a moment to appreciate the process of getting in and out of the vehicle. It may not seem a big thing not having to pull yourself up or lower yourself down, but the ergonomically-positioned higher seat height is a small wonder, especially the older we get.

The higher seating position is dual purpose, allowing you excellent all-round visibility when cruising along and giving you added confidence when managing busy intersections and traffic situations. It’s also reassuring when navigating in and out of parking spots or your driveway. 

The higher ground clearance combined with the SUV’s longer suspension, even provides extra safety and protection to you and your vehicle when driving over unseen potholes, kerbs and bumpy road surfaces.

The Suzuki Ignis, while being the smallest in the range of Suzuki SUVs, is cleverly designed so you get the higher seating position and ground clearance alongside the benefits of smaller vehicle handling.

3. More economical than ever

In the past, SUVs were known for poor fuel efficiency due to their added weight and off-road capabilities. With fast-changing technology and the introduction of hybrid and EV systems, SUVs are now more efficient than ever before.

With a small SUV such as the Vitara Hybrid, you not only save money at the pump with it’s Smart Hybrid system, you also get the added genius of  Suzuki's Boosterjet Technology. This brilliant example of innovative engineering delivers more power and torque from a smaller fuel efficient engine, compared to a much larger engine in a regular car or larger SUV. 

In other words, you get more grunt and get up and go, without needing to have to pay the cost and the fuel bill of a large SUV. The lower fuel efficiency of a small SUV means that you can now use it for your daily runabout instead of exclusively for occasional events or when driving off-road. 

4. An affordable and safe transition

Affordability is crucial for most of us when it comes to buying a car and getting the most bang for your buck is equally important.  A small SUV is the perfect step up from a smaller hatchback or a logical choice when downsizing due to lifestyle changes. 

Generally the price of a small SUV will be less than a larger SUV, even though more often than not they have similar safety equipment.  Keeping you and your passengers safe is a really important consideration, so when doing your research and comparing vehicles, check what latest car safety features they have, such as AEB, reverse camera or adaptive cruise control.

While a small SUV may be more expensive than a small car, the practical comforts of the extra space coupled with the larger and safer body size of an SUV should be worth considering. It’s important before making your final decision, to know your budget and find the safest vehicle you can afford that also fits your lifestyle requirements.

5. Make every road an adventure

SUVs are designed to handle anything thrown their way, and to shine while doing it. While not all SUVs come with AWD or 4WD capability, those that do, open up new roads to adventure. 

With improved traction due to the SUV’s adjustable drive transmission, high ground clearance and a stronger frame and chassis, you’ll find shifting from city to country roads, managing weather conditions and conquering various road surfaces a breeze. If you regularly drive up a steep gravel driveway, commute on icy roads, or tow a caravan or boat, it would be well worth considering an SUV with all-wheel drive capability.

Suzuki has a long history developing 4WD vehicles, especially ingenious smaller sized ones and you’ll find their SUV range includes it’s very easy to use ALLGRIP technology. In the case of the Suzuki Jimny, its smaller size, low transfer gear and sturdy ladder frame are a real advantage in navigating some gnarly 4WD conditions. The manual Jimny also doubles as the perfect vehicle to flat-tow behind your motorhome, so you’ll have more flexibility when you’re out exploring New Zealand’s best kept secrets.

Wherever you go, town or country, you will see all kinds of people enjoying the benefits of owning an SUV. By owning a small SUV, there is no need to compromise on safety and practicality, and for the extra comfort and value for money, they win hands down.  Check out our complete Guide to Buying a New Car to figure out whether a small SUV is right for you!