Consider Fuel Consumption
Before buying a car, you must first consider the cost of ownership. While some consumers prefer SUVs with large engine displacements and high power outputs, these vehicles generally have high fuel consumption. For city driving, a fuel-efficient SUV is a more economical choice; unless you are a professional off-road driver, a "city SUV" is likely the more suitable option.
Examine the Chassis
When selecting a vehicle, look beyond the exterior and focus on the chassis. A significant number of budget SUVs on the market do not use dedicated SUV chassis; instead, they employ the same leaf-spring structure found in pickup trucks, which lacks true off-road capability. Key indicators of a genuine off-road SUV include a front axle featuring a high-strength, independent suspension with large control arms, and a rear axle featuring a split four-link suspension with non-independent coil springs.
Evaluate the Manufacturer
As of October 2009, there were numerous SUV manufacturers, but many smaller ones had very low annual production and sales volumes. Amidst fierce market competition, these non-specialized, small-scale enterprises risk being forced out of the market; despite aggressive marketing, their long-term viability is uncertain. Generally speaking, publicly listed companies possess greater financial strength, maintain standardized production and operations, and offer reliable after-sales service.
Assess the Price-to-Performance Ratio
"Price-to-performance ratio" is essentially a fraction: performance and quality form the numerator, while price forms the denominator. Changes to either value will alter the overall ratio; therefore, a high price does not automatically equate to a premium product, nor does a low price necessarily imply a low-end one. When choosing an SUV you like, it is important to comprehensively evaluate the vehicle's overall price-to-performance ratio.