SUVs are becoming increasingly popular because they offer high flexibility, whether for daily use in the city or long trips out of town. With a modern and robust design, spacious cabin, and equipped with up-to-date features, SUVs deliver both comfort and toughness in one package.
If you’re also interested in buying an SUV, there are several factors to consider in order to choose a car that truly fits your needs. In Indonesia, SUVs come in various types, ranging from compact SUVs and mid-size SUVs to full-size SUVs. Each brand and model has its own price range and specifications.
Since everyone has different needs and budgets, choosing an SUV shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why it’s important to understand the key factors to look at so your SUV purchase matches your requirements, whether for family or personal use.
Let’s take a look at some tips for choosing the right SUV that fits both your budget and needs.
1. Setting a Budget
The first essential tip for choosing an SUV is setting a budget according to your financial capacity. Avoid buying a car beyond your means just because of trends or prestige. Instead, choose an SUV that fits within your budget while still offering value for money.
There are plenty of SUV options available in Indonesia at various price points. By matching the price with your budget, select an SUV equipped with comprehensive safety features, modern technology, and reliable after-sales service.
Some automakers even offer engine warranties of up to 10 years or 1,000,000 km along with regular maintenance. These services can help reduce long-term maintenance costs. By choosing an SUV that offers the best value, you can save money while enjoying the satisfaction of a useful vehicle.
2. Understanding SUV Types
SUVs come in several sizes or categories: compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and full-size SUVs. Compact SUVs are smaller in size, making them ideal for city driving. Their dimensions allow easier maneuverability, which feels more convenient in heavy traffic.
Mid-size SUVs provide a balance between spacious cabins, comfort, and capable engine performance for long journeys. Meanwhile, full-size SUVs offer larger dimensions, roomier cabins, and more premium features, though they are generally priced higher.
Understanding the differences between each SUV category is crucial to avoid making the wrong choice. Choose an SUV that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s for daily urban mobility or long-distance travel.
3. Fuel Efficiency
Another important consideration when choosing an SUV is fuel consumption. Larger vehicles typically require more powerful engines, which in turn means higher fuel usage.
Therefore, it’s essential to research or ask about the official fuel consumption data from the manufacturer before making a purchase. Nowadays, many automakers offer SUVs with efficient engines powered by hybrid or electric tecnology, ensuring fuel savings without compromising performance.
By paying attention to fuel efficiency, you can reduce long-term operational costs. Especially if the SUV will be used daily, even a difference of 1–2 km/liter can significantly impact your monthly expenses.
4. Checking Safety Features
Safety is a critical factor when choosing an SUV, especially if you often take long trips and carry many passengers. Make sure the SUV you choose is equipped with adequate active and passive safety features such as airbags, ABS, ESC, parking sensors, and more.
Modern SUVs are often equipped with advanced technologies like ADAS, which includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features minimize accident risks while ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
By choosing an SUV that prioritizes safety, you’re protecting not only yourself but also your family and others on the road. So don’t just focus on design or price—make safety features one of your top priorities before buying.
5. Cabin Comfort and Passenger Capacity
SUVs are known for their spacious cabins, but comfort levels may vary between models. Check the interior design, material quality, and seating positions for both drivers and passengers. Seat comfort, legroom, and headroom are crucial, particularly for long-distance journeys.
Also, consider the passenger capacity of each SUV model. Some compact SUVs only seat five passengers, while mid-size and full-size SUVs usually provide seven seats. Choose according to your family size or lifestyle needs. For frequent trips with larger families, a 7-seater SUV is more practical.
Don’t forget about cargo space. A flexible SUV often has foldable seat configurations to expand luggage capacity, making it easier to carry more items. This cabin space and flexibility allow you to choose an SUV that maximizes comfort and practicality.
6. Technology and Entertainment Features
Technology and entertainment are also important factors when choosing an SUV. Features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity, and premium audio systems can enhance comfort for both drivers and passengers.
Beyond entertainment, some SUVs are equipped with advanced connectivity features that allow you to monitor vehicle conditions via a smartphone app. Others even come with voice assistant functions, enabling you to operate various features hands-free.
With complete entertainment and connectivity features, your SUV trips become more enjoyable and less monotonous. These technologies also help drivers stay focused on the road without fiddling with controls manually.
7. Spare Parts Availability and After-Sales Service
Many buyers focus only on car specifications without considering after-sales service. In reality, this factor greatly affects long-term ownership comfort. Ensure that the SUV brand you choose has an extensive network of authorized service centers and easily available spare parts.
Reputable manufacturers usually provide free service packages for the first few years or comprehensive warranty programs. These can reduce early maintenance costs and give owners peace of mind. You don’t want to struggle finding service centers or spare parts when your car needs attention.
By considering after-sales service, you ensure your SUV purchase brings long-term peace of mind. Always choose an SUV brand with a solid reputation for service support and spare parts availability.
What Are the Advantages of SUVs Compared to Other Types of Cars?
The reason many people choose SUVs is because they offer advantages that other types of cars don’t. Here are some of the key benefits of SUVs compared to sedans or hatchbacks:
- Higher Ground Clearance: This makes SUVs more comfortable and safer when driving over potholes, damaged roads, or even shallow floods, without worrying about the underbody getting easily hit.
- Spacious Cabin: SUVs generally offer larger cabin space, accommodating both passengers (some models seat up to 7) and cargo. This capacity makes them ideal for families, long trips, or carrying lots of items.
- More Powerful Engines: SUVs are designed with stronger engines to support flexible use on city roads as well as challenging terrains like steep inclines or rocky paths. This makes them tougher compared to city cars.
- More Comprehensive Safety Features: Mid-range to premium SUVs often come equipped with advanced safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, ESC, and even ADAS technology. These features provide maximum protection for both drivers and passengers, enhancing safety on every trip.
- Bolder and Modern Appearance: SUVs are known for their rugged and commanding design, with larger and sturdier bodies. This gives them a more modern look and a prestigious impression that suits a dynamic lifestyle.
- Flexible Cargo Capacity: SUVs usually come with flexible luggage space, thanks to foldable rear seats. This allows owners to carry larger or bulkier items with ease, making them perfect for vacations or business trips.
What Type of SUV is Most Suitable for Families?
When choosing an SUV for family use, it’s important to consider cabin space, seating capacity, and the size of your family. For smaller families, a mid-size SUV is often ideal as it offers a good balance of size, comfort, and efficiency.
However, if you’re looking for an SUV for a larger family, a full-size SUV is more recommended since it provides seating for 7 or even 8 passengers. Its bigger size supports families who often take long trips with plenty of gear.
Full-size SUVs are also commonly equipped with premium safety features and modern entertainment technology, making every journey both safe and enjoyable—especially on long drives. A full-size SUV is the right choice for families who need large capacity, strong engine power, and complete features.
That concludes the tips for choosing the right SUV according to your budget and needs. Carefully consider factors such as budget, type, fuel efficiency, as well as safety and comfort features. With all its advantages, an SUV stands as the ideal solution for those who need a tough, powerful, and versatile vehicle.
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Whether you’re aiming for a mid-size SUV or a full-size SUV, Chery has models like the J6, Tiggo 8 CSH, Tiggo 9 CSH, and more. Visit chery.co.id and discover the best electric SUV that fits your budget and lifestyle needs.