Say what you want about SUVs being big and bulky, but they serve a purpose for modern Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Millennials. In fact, you might be able to use an SUV yourself to make life easier, not to mention more convenient.
Take this simple quiz to see if you should head for your nearest dealership to test out a 2017 Dodge Durango or 2019 Ford Explorer.
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Do you live in an area with tricky winter weather?
It’s no surprise that people living in northern parts of the United States tend to want vehicles that travel more efficiently and safely during the winter. Although plenty of four-wheel-drive sedans do well under snow and icy conditions, so do their SUV counterparts. And the SUVs allow drivers to not only tackle whatever Mother Nature throws at them but to carry their wintry recreation gear to boot.
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Do you carry a lot of equipment for your work?
Certain professionals constantly need to carry items for work. These include everyone from salespeople to DJs. Rather than stuffing the trunk of a Honda Civic until it seems like it will burst, buying an SUV may be a wiser choice. An added bonus is that your belongings won’t get crushed all the time.
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Do you have a large family?
It’s not unusual to see families with four, five, or more children hustling into SUVs. After all, who wants to go back to the heyday of the wood-paneled station wagon? It’s so much roomier in an SUV, especially a newer model with Internet connectivity and infotainment options for every member of your clan.
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Do you have at least two children in car seats?
Every parent knows that car seats take up plenty of room in the back of even a spacious sedan. However, in an SUV, they don’t feel as cramped. Plus, you’ll have less trouble taking them in and out of the vehicle when needed because of added head and leg room.
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Do you like to drive bigger cars and trucks?
Some individuals always seem to gravitate toward the ride of a bigger vehicle. For them, it’s a feeling of comfort as well as control. Can you relate to this desire? You may be tempted to just get a larger four-door, but test out an SUV anyway. You might be shocked at how at-home you feel in the driver’s seat.
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Do you have a few enormous pets?
We’re not talking teacup poodles but Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds. Hauling those types of breeds around in an ordinary car just won’t cut the mustard. Not only will they be completely out of their elements, but you’ll be squished every time you take them to the vet, beach, or dog park.
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Do you need a vehicle that can tow a trailer?
Maybe you have a boat trailer or an ATV trailer. Your best option if you aren’t thrilled at the notion of purchasing a truck that you can only use some of the time? Get an SUV instead. You’ll be able to confidently tow your items while enjoying a luxurious ride.
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Do you dream of off-roading?
Let’s face facts: You can’t your mid-sized sedan into the mountains. On the other hand, your Dodge Durango will get you off the grid with speed, agility, and toughness. Unless you plan to walk the path less traveled to get to your favorite climbing spot or remote fishing hole, buy an SUV — pronto.
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Do you want more cargo room than you currently have?
If you’re constantly in a battle over what to bring on vacations, or you always feel like your car’s trunk is filled to capacity, you’re probably longing for a vehicle with more space. That’s where SUVs come into the picture. You’ll be able to store more items than you ever could with a typical automobile. And that makes life so much simpler!
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Do you want to lease a vehicle rather than buy?
Many consumers are leaning toward considering leasing a vehicle, as opposed to buying one outright with an auto loan. After looking through the pros and cons of leasing, you might decide that it’s the perfect solution for your needs. And SUV manufacturers are offering some great lease deals to allow you to stretch your budget without hitting any snags.
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Do you wish you had a roomier vehicle interior?
Be honest: Do you feel cramped in your current ride? Many consumers long for a more luxurious vehicle that offers leg room and head room galore. In addition, some drivers just like to be head and shoulders above the road when they’re commuting to and from work and play. SUVs offer precisely what people need to feel safe and comfortable simultaneously.
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Do you simply like the way SUVs look and feel?
Maybe you didn’t grow up with an SUV in your family (in which case you probably grew up in a sedan) but you’ve since been able to drive one or ride in one. To your surprise, you really loved the way it functioned. Plus, you’ve begun to gravitate toward the appearance of a roomier vehicle. In other words, you’re in a sweet spot to take an SUV like a Dodge Durango for a spin.
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Do you want to be part of the “in” crowd?
Keeping up with car and truck trends is important to many customers because they know that manufacturers put quite a bit of time and innovation into the latest, trendiest vehicles. For instance, SUV makers are always upping the bar on their trims and upgrades. If that’s exciting to you as a driver, you should lean in the direction of at least hopping into an SUV to see what all the fuss is about!
Think you might want to try an SUV? Dealerships are happy to have you take a test drive. Just take your place at the wheel and see how cool being in a commanding position can be.