Sports utility vehicles or SUVs remain quite popular among car buyers primarily because of the versatility these vehicles offer. Meanwhile, pundits at Cars.com predict that compact SUVs are likely to be the best-selling cars for spring as opposed to full-size SUVs.
"The growth of the small SUV segment is undeniable and it's extremely likely that the future lists -- starting this spring -- will include more small SUVs as well as higher rankings for the existing ones. Models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue now appeal to a much wider consumer base due to their functional nature, affordable price points and low cost of ownership," said Jesse Toprak, chief analyst for Cars.com.
Full-size SUVs, which are built on a truck chassis and have large frontal areas, were originally designed with superb towing capabilities for boats and other equipment. As such, these vehicles are ideal for fishing enthusiasts in Baton Rouge who frequent top fishing spots like Lake Crest. Some modern SUVs from trusted car dealerships near Baton Rouge perform equally well in outdoor activities and in everyday motoring situations.
Compared to standard-size vehicles, driving SUVs often meant high air resistance and considerable weight. As a result, some drivers report a dragging sensation when turning on rough terrain. In addition, because of their weight and size, older SUVs often received failing marks when it comes to fuel economy.
On the other hand, compact SUVs from Baton Rouge area car dealerships are lighter and are, thus, more fuel-efficient. Drivers can effectively handle small SUVs as they would a car, making these vehicles suitable even for newbie drivers. In addition, compact SUV owners only have to worry about minimal operating costs.
A good example of a reliable compact SUV is the Subaru Forester, which a trusted car dealership like Baldwin Subaru offers. This vehicle topped Consumer Reports' list of small SUVs back in May 2013. Among other things, this compact SUV posted an impressive fuel economy of 26 mpg overall and 35 mpg highway. In addition, the Forester is the only compact SUV that has received a good rating in all 5 of the crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Deciding between a full-size and a compact SUV can be rather tricky. However, if market trends are any indication, more buyers are embracing compact SUVs for the reasons mentioned above. After all, compact SUVs offer superb benefits like easy handling, fuel economy, and overall comfort.
(Source: Cars.com Predicts Strong Sales within Small SUV Category this Spring, Online.wsj.com, March 24, 2014)
