Your Complete Guide to Buying the Perfect SUV

By: Anas Assaf

December 18,2018

6 min read

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Tags:

vehicle specifications

car reviews

Introduction

The Middle East is a high-demand market for SUVs, with buyers captivated by these spacious vehicles that combine practicality and performance in attractive designs. In fact, as buyers move away from traditional hatchbacks and sedans, there has been a clear response to the increasing demand for SUVs that cater to every budget in the market.

Purpose of the Article

With the multitude of options available, the aim of Your Complete Guide to Buying the Perfect SUV is to assist you at every step, from finding the vehicle you seek and comparing it with competitors to explaining the technical terms that many are unfamiliar with when faced with a knowledgeable salesperson at car dealerships.

Research Phase

If you are searching for a new SUV, it's likely that you have started your research online. This may include the brands' official websites, dealerships, video platforms like YouTube, or various social media channels.

At YallaMotor, we provide you with comprehensive details on every vehicle available across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Taking the Ford Expedition as an example, you will be provided with an overview of the model, accurate pricing for all trims, a list of competing vehicles, insurance estimates, and even monthly installment costs. Of course, this is just the beginning, as the ability to compare vehicles makes the process easier and easier.

By using the Comparison Tool, you can easily learn about vehicles and highlight the differences among them. The information is divided into four main categories (price, engine, power, dimensions, and features) to allow for a straightforward comparison regarding the power generated by the vehicle and its size, helping you narrow down your selection based on individual features to choose your next SUV.

Understanding Technical Terms

Whether during your research or while at the dealership, you will likely encounter many terms that can complicate the SUV purchasing process. Having a better understanding of these terms will position you to comprehend your upcoming SUV, its capabilities, and limitations.

1. Cylinders

When discussing engine specifications, two important factors typically come into play: the number of cylinders and engine size. Cylinders play a role in the internal combustion process by receiving fuel and burning it to generate power, while the second term refers to the internal size of the engine.

For instance, the Ford Expedition features a 3.5-liter V6 engine: the 3.5 liters refer to the engine size, while V6 indicates the number of cylinders and their arrangement in the engine in a 'V' shape. Generally, engines with more cylinders produce more power, while fewer cylinders indicate better fuel efficiency.

2. Horsepower and Torque

Horsepower and torque are common terms that many overlook or do not understand. While both refer to the power generated by the engine, they focus on very different aspects of power.

In simple terms, horsepower refers to the maximum speed of the vehicle, while torque focuses on acceleration. A vehicle with high horsepower and low torque means you will feel a lag when accelerating from a stop, but it will gain strength as it speeds up. Conversely, a vehicle with low horsepower and high torque will accelerate strongly from a standstill but will lose that acceleration at higher speeds.

3. Differential Lock

This feature is crucial for off-road driving, as a differential lock distinguishes between novice off-road vehicles and seasoned ones, making you a more experienced off-road driver. A standard differential lock divides torque to the wheels by sending more torque to the wheel with greater resistance. This means if one wheel is elevated off the ground, all of the vehicle's torque will be directed to the wheel that is in contact with the ground.

In such situations, the differential lock system will assist you in overcoming obstacles by smartly distributing torque among all wheels, directing it to the wheels with better traction. This allows skilled drivers to navigate difficult off-road scenarios without needing assistance from another vehicle.

SUVs typically have two types of differential locks: the central differential lock, which distributes torque evenly between the front and rear wheels at 50% each, and the rear differential lock, which distributes torque to the rear wheels at 25% each. Most modern SUVs on the market come equipped with a central differential lock, while a few designed specifically for off-roading may feature either front and rear differential locks or just a rear differential lock.

4. Towing Capacity

This term needs little explanation, but it is significant. Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that the vehicle can tow—this can include a trailer, boat, or another vehicle. With a towing capacity of 3,765 kg or 8,300 pounds for the Chevrolet Suburban (the Ford Expedition's largest competitor), it's impressive, yet it does not match the Expedition's capacity of 4,218 kg or 9,300 pounds.

As is the case with most things in the automotive industry, the higher the towing capacity, the more convenience it provides. Higher towing capabilities offer comfort and ease for towing boats or ATVs to enjoy during the cooler months in the region without worrying about potential issues with the engine or transmission.

5. Transmission

This refers to the type of gearbox used in the vehicle, whether automatic or manual, as many manufacturers compete to provide as many transmission systems as possible. Typically, gearboxes with more speeds are designed to minimize engine RPMs as much as possible, thus improving fuel efficiency.

6. Turbocharger

Simply put, a turbocharger is a device used to enhance engine power. Smaller engines can achieve the power of larger engines and even more with the help of a turbocharger. In the newly redesigned Ford Expedition, the old naturally aspirated V8 engine has been replaced with a V6 with a turbocharger for added power and fuel efficiency.

7. Wheelbase

Attention to this detail is crucial, especially for those looking for a full-size SUV to transport large families. The wheelbase refers to the distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel. The reason this number is important is that the longer the wheelbase, the greater the space available for passengers within the cabin.

The Purchasing Process

After narrowing down your options, visiting several dealerships, and conducting multiple test drives, it's time to proceed with the purchase and sign the contract. However, the question that many may find important is: what is the best place to buy your next SUV? If money is not a major concern, you can always head to the nearest dealership and drive away with a brand new vehicle featuring a new engine, a great warranty, and possibly a service contract as well.

For those seeking a good deal, most new car dealerships have a dedicated section for certified pre-owned vehicles. These cars undergo a series of inspections under the dealership's certified pre-owned program, come with a complete service history from the dealer, and are typically much cheaper.

Whatever option you choose, we wish you the best of luck in your search for your next SUV.