SUV and 4x4 How to choose an SUV or a 4x4

Some, 4x4, are fighters for thinking outside the box; others, SUV, MPV are closer offering a good habitability and a significant load volume. They are doomed to walk the streets of urban centers and are not always four-wheel drive.

TWO OR FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE?

Some models in this class, including SUVs, are available in version 2 or 4 wheel drive. This is for example the case of the BMW X1, X3 or X5 (including sDrive versions are two-wheel drive and xDrive 4WD, the Ford Kuga, the Skoda Yeti or the Opel Mokka. The advantage of a four-wheel drive is to have better traction, so an increased road holding, especially in difficult traffic conditions: rain, snow, winding roads ... Their drawback is to display a fuel consumption and a cost to the often higher usage. And for the true off-road, they provide unparalleled agility that allows them to overcome difficult obstacles. Choosing a version with two or four wheel drive is dictated by the types of trips you make. If you ride in town, and very occasionally the interest of the 4x4 is limited. Conversely, if you are staying in the mountains or are often on the road, a four-wheel drive will bring you more security.

MODULARITY: SUV's ADVANTAGE 

Rather than being true adventurers, SUVs have the same characteristics as a minivan: a good habitability and a significant modularity. They are therefore particularly suitable for family use. So this will be an axis of comparison for finding the most versatile vehicle every day. As for minivans, it will then compare the weight of the seats if they can retire to facilitate handling and storage, the number of places available and loading volumes. Some SUV models may also be offered in version 7 seats.

Finally, it is wise to know whether, once folded, the seats offer a flat floor: a good point for easy loading. Conversely, the real all-terrain generally do not offer the same performance in terms of modularity, seats may not be retractable.

CROSSING THE TECHNICAL DATA IN LIEU

If you plan to use your 4x4 off the beaten track, expand the technical characteristics of the vehicle including the front and rear clearance angles, ground clearance, wading deep, its towing capacity and is fitted with a locking system differential and a transfer case. This makes it possible to have a short range of speeds necessary to clear obstacles. The high-end models like the Range Rover even have electronic equipment that can automatically manage the characteristics of the vehicle depending on the type of terrain or adjust the firmness of the suspensions according to the road conditions.