A Few SUVs That Excel as Commuter Vehicles

If you’ve visited any SUV dealership near Atlanta, you know there are an overwhelming amount of choices available to you. So, how do you decide which SUV to purchase? Are there specific things you should be looking for? Many SUV drivers look for similar attributes, like fuel efficiency (for those who are commuting daily to work, errands, school, and home), comfort and convenience (for those with longer commutes or smaller children), and great handling (those who appreciate a smooth, quiet ride no matter where they’re going). Does this sound like you? Would you like some help figuring out which SUVs to look for?

Soon enough, you’ll be able to identify which features matter the most to you and which SUVs measure up to your expectations. Our exploration of these attributes will make it much easier for you to look at what’s available on the market. You may not be most interested in a quiet ride, for example, but what if there’s an SUV with an attribute you do want—like generous standard safety tech—that also offers a quiet ride? These are things you need to know prior to finalizing your choice for your next vehicle. So, without further adieu, let's discuss...

Fuel Efficiency

One of the easiest ways to hone in on an SUV you want is to categorize them by fuel efficiency. If you have a daily commute, a busy social life, a part-time gig that requires your vehicle, or you have kids with full schedules, you want something that can handle all of that with as little fuel as possible. While full-size SUVs are not typically thought of as fuel-efficient, several subcompact and compact SUVs are incredibly fuel-efficient. Along with fewer trips to the gas station, these SUVs can also be quiet, safe, and have plenty of tech.

Hybrid SUVs are sought after for their excellent fuel efficiency as well as for their quiet ride. The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover that is available as a gas-only model or a hybrid. With the latter, you could get up to 43 MPG in the city, which means less time and money spent at gas stations to fuel up. Another popular fuel-efficient model is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which can give you up to 36 MPG. A bonus of driving a hybrid car is that your cabin will be much, much quieter, so you won’t be too distracted by the noise of travel; instead, you can listen to your favorite tunes or podcasts without having to blast your stereo.

Comfort & Convenience

While it might seem minor to some people, comfort and convenience features are vital for those driving, whether your trips are long or short. Who wants to sit in a seat with cramped legroom? Wouldn’t it be nice to have heated and cooled seats made of comfortable materials? If you’re looking for an SUV that is decked out in comfort and convenience features, you should take a look at the Kia Telluride, a modern marvel decked out with all the latest comfort and convenience features, including support for each seat, an adult-sized third row, and extra cargo space.

You will also want to take a peek at the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which boasts power-reclining second and third rows, as well as front seats that can be heated, cooled, or set up for a massage—and all of these seats are upholstered in Nappa leather! It’s a truly luxurious SUV without all the fuss of a designated luxury vehicle. You’ll have plenty of room to stretch out, along with space to store your groceries, luggage, sports equipment, or outdoor gear. If you want something that will take your driving experience to the next level, the Kia Telluride and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer are both poised to take your breath away.

Safety Features

There are several SUVs that have a full roster of safety features, but one in particular is the Hyundai Tucson and its hybrid version. Both have received excellent safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Tucson comes equipped with a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control (which is not always standard on SUVs), automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-seat alert, driver-attention monitoring, and forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection; these are all standard across all Tucson trim levels!

The Mazda CX-30 also makes the list as one of the safest SUVs on the market today, with standard safety features like pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control. Another option is the Subaru Solterra, an all-electric vehicle that received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It comes with emergency steering assist, intersection collision avoidance, vehicle exit warning, and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking. If you regularly drive with small children, these tools can help you ensure their protection.

Minimal Road Noise

Are you looking for an SUV that keeps outside noises outside? Many people look for a quiet ride, especially if road noise in your area or the areas you often travel through are known to be loud with traffic, construction, or the like. While this issue might seem trite to some, it is astonishing how much noise you actually experience while on the road. A quieter ride tends to be much more pleasant (as well as easy on the ears) since no one will have to turn their phone, tablet, or stereo volume up enough to cover the road noise. If you’re in the market for an SUV that minimizes noise and provides a serene cabin for all your trips, take a moment to consider a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Once again, the Hyundai Tucson and its hybrid version deserve mention. Noise-dampening materials combined with a quieter powertrain means you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of peaceful calm. The Honda CR-V is also noted for its quiet cabin, as is the Kia Telluride. If you’re interested in other options, you can also take a look at the Ford Expedition or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, both of which come highly rated due to their calm, silent interiors. Meanwhile, some Buick models have QuietTuning tech that insulates them from exterior sound.

Choose the SUV That Most Excites You

The bottom line is that there are some SUVs you’ll love and others you won’t. The important thing is that you get one you’ll love driving day after day. There are dozens of options to choose from, all with ample comfort and convenience features, safety tech, and fuel efficiency, so find the one that works best for you, whether it’s a subcompact like the Subaru Crosstrek, the compact Hyundai Tucson, the midsize Lincoln Nautilus, or the full-size Cadillac Escalade.

When you know what you want—fuel efficiency, lush comfort, minimal road noise, and plentiful standard safety features—you’ll be able to narrow down your options to just those that check everything off your list. It’s much easier than looking at all sorts of SUVs and hoping you stumble upon one you like!

If you’ve been looking for an SUV, turn to a Hendrick Automotive Group dealer; you can tell one of our salespeople what you’re looking for, and they can provide you with a whole slate of suitable options, which will cut down considerably on the time you spend searching for your next SUV!