subject: Top 5 SUVs - What to Buy and Why [print this page] Top 5 SUVs - What to Buy and Why Top 5 SUVs - What to Buy and Why
People are still buying SUVs even with today's higher gas prices. Although the main reason many buy SUVs are for the size and safety, there are many that are for different needs. You can easily find not only larger SUVs, but small and midsized ones too. Picking the top 5 SUVs wasn't easy given how many makes and models are out there.1. Honda Pilot 2011
The new Honda Pilot is definitely safe. It was given 5 stars in both the front and side crash test ratings in tests conducted by the government and earned a very good 4 stars for rollover. When there's a family inside, that's important. It can comfortably hold eight people. There's a 5-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5 liter engine, with the capability to shut down half the cylinders for increased fuel economy. The overall rating of the Honda Pilot is 19 mpg. It carries the features you'd expect, with stability, traction control, and antilock brakes, all for a base price of just over $28,000.2. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is possibly the best of the budget midsize offerings to look for if you want to buy an SUV. It holds five passengers and does exactly what an SUV should do - that is, carry people. The cargo bay can expand to an impressive 78 cubic feet, and with a combined mileage of 23 mpg it's economical to run. There's a four cylinder engine, although a V6 is optional and delivers very similar gas mileage. Compared to other SUVs it might not be the sportiest on the block, but the base price of $21,695 is certain to win it plenty of fans and represents excellent value.3. Lexus RX350 2010
Lexus is synonymous with luxury, and it delivers that in its SUVs too. Starting at over $37,000, this model has that luxury, but at a price. It's surprisingly economical to run, offering 20 mpg combined, and is probably the most comfortable offering on the market. There's plenty of room for 5 to ride in comfort and the cargo bay expands to 80 cubic feet also. It's won many best buy stickers, and being a Lexus, it keeps its resale value well.4. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has been around for many years now, but for those who use SUVs for off-roading it remains the vehicle of choice. Many think the optional V6 not only works better if you will be towing (4Runner can tow up to 5,000 lbs.) but also with using the 90 cubic feet of cargo space. With 20 mpg combined mileage, it's still very economical, a real workhorse of a vehicle.5. 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
Among compacts, the recommended SUV to buy is the Equinox. There are options for AWD as well as a V6. With it being a smaller SUV, it has less cargo space (about 64 cubic feet). Reviews claim it rides like a sedan and has excellent fuel economy. It is big on safety, having received excellent on the crash test.Everyone is looking for something different when looking for SUVs to buy. Price, safety and gas mileage are what most consider when buying an SUV while others look at comfort and the interior space. With SUVs, some may like the sportiness while others will want the off-road capabilities. Finding the SUV to meet all your needs and wants shouldn't be hard considering all the different types available.
