Sport utility vehicle (nonfiction)
Sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a category of motor vehicles that combine elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive.
There is no commonly agreed definition of an SUV, and usage varies between countries. Some definitions claim that an SUV must be built on a light truck chassis; however, broader definitions consider any vehicle with off-road design features to be an SUV. Crossover SUV is defined as an SUV built with a unibody construction (as per passenger cars), however in many cases crossovers are simply referred to as SUVs. In some countries—such as the United States—SUVs have been classified as "light trucks", resulting in more lenient regulations compared to passenger cars.
The predecessors to SUVs date back to military and low-volume models from the late 1930s, and the four-wheel drive station wagons and carryalls that began to be introduced in 1949. The 1984 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is considered to be the first SUV in the modern style. Most SUVs produced today use unibody construction (as per passenger cars); however, in the past many SUVs used body-on-frame construction.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the popularity of SUVs greatly increased, often at the expense of the popularity of large sedans and station wagons. More recently, smaller SUVs, mid-size and crossovers have become increasingly popular. SUVs are currently the world's largest automotive segment and accounted for 36.8% of the world's passenger car market in 2017.
Due diligence
Top 10 Best Compact SUVs for Towing
- 2015 Jeep Cherokee: 4,500 pounds. ...
- 2015 Audi Q5: 4,400 pounds. ...
- 2015 Chevrolet Equinox/2015 GMC Terrain: 3,500 pounds. ...
- 2015 Ford Escape: 3,500 pounds. ...
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK250/350: 3,500 pounds. ...
- 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander: 3,500 pounds. ...
- 2015 Lincoln MKC: 3,000 pounds. ...
- 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: 2,200 pounds.
- 2015 Kia Sportage: 2,000 pounds
- 2015 Mazda CX-5: 2,000 pounds
https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10-best-compact-suvs-for-towing-1420680544464/
2015 Mazda CX-5: 2,000 pounds
- 2018 Ford Escape is a sporty and attractive crossover that drives well on curvy roads and is available with Ford's easy-to-use Sync technology. Those are just a few reasons to consider the Escape for your outdoor excursion, maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
- 2018 Subaru Outback: 2,700 pounds with the optional six-cylinder engine.
- 2018 Toyota RAV4: With the optional Tow Prep package, you get some additional engine-cooling hardware and a maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds.
Subaru Outback
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V4 versus V6
Comment about V4 versus V6 engine @ subaruoutback.org
The reason you see so few 6 cylinder Outbacks is because they are only available in the Limited and Touring packages, and I believe that the majority of Outbacks sold are in a lesser trim level. Plus, the 6 cylinder is a $3000 option even in the upper trim levels, and it comes at a loss of several MPG as well.
That being said, the 6 cylinder is a smoother, quieter engine ("more refined" is a term you'll hear used often) and definitely has more pickup. However, the 4 cylinder, in my opinion, is more than adequate unless you're carrying a heavy load (extra passengers or gear). It will cruise well at interstate speeds, although you'll have to be careful when passing - the vehicle won't take off like a jackrabbit. If acceleration is your priority, get the 6. If economy is priority, get the 4 and save yourself a few bucks. Either way, you'll be happy.
As for me, I chose the 4 cylinder and I don't regret it. Many people on this board swear by the 6. I suggest you drive both and make an educated choice. Cheers.
Toyota RAV4
Standard Toyota RAV4 configurations have the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds. An upgrade to the all-new 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure trim level will improve the available towing capacity of the Toyota compact crossover.
An upgrade to the all-new 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure trim level will improve the available towing capacity of the Toyota compact crossover. Fitted with a standard Tow Prep Package, the RAV4 Adventure adds an upgraded radiator, a heavy-duty engine oil cooler and upgraded transmission fluid coolers to improve towing. With the tow hitch receiver and wiring harness, the front-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 Adventure will tow an impressive 2,900 pounds. When you add Dynamic Torque Control AWD to the equation, the RAV4 Adventure will tow 3,500 pounds – 2,000 pounds more than standard models.
https://www.downeasttoyota.com/blog/how-much-can-the-2018-toyota-rav4-tow/
In the News
Fiction cross-reference
Nonfiction cross-reference
External links:
- Sport utility vehicle @ Wikipedia