What to Think About Before Buying an SUV

You've seen the latest Toyota Land Cruiser, and you've fallen in love. We don't blame you – Toyota SUVs are incredibly popular, and it's easy to see why. Rugged good looks, elegant and comfortable interiors, spacious design and a go-anywhere-do-anything ability, make them just as good off-road as on the city streets.

Before you get in touch with your nearest Al-Futtaim Toyota branch and book a test drive, there are a few things you need to think about before buying an SUV in the UAE.

1. Is your garage big enough?

This may seem odd to start with, but if you spend your money on an FJ Cruiser but have only room for a RAV-4, that could be a costly mistake. Make sure that the SUV you buy quite literally fits in with your lifestyle. When browsing the selection of SUVs at Al-Futtaim Toyota, check out the Technical Features section, which will give you the vehicle's dimensions.

2. 4WD or 2WD?

The type of SUV you buy will depend on your driving experience. If you're a regular off-roader, you'll need an SUV capable of tackling rough or challenging terrain. If that's the case, go for a vehicle with permanent four-wheel drive, such as a Land Cruiser. For a more urban experience, two-wheel drive is sufficient, such as the sporty little Toyota Raize 1.0L.

3. Crossover or pure SUV power?

While the thought of dune-bashing in a full-size Land Cruiser may appeal, it may not be the best fit for your everyday driving needs. A crossover may be more suitable if you're more likely to be running the kids to school or tackling the daily commute rather than scrambling through a dry wadi or up a steep, rocky incline. These have the styling, the looks and some of the capabilities of a bigger SUV but are more compact, making them ideal for the urban landscape. The RAV-4 is the perfect choice if a crossover would be more suitable for daily driving and weekend adventures.

4. Family-friendly safety

One strong bonus point in favour of SUVs is that they are powerful and robust cars. That means they offer a little more protection in the event of an accident. Look for an SUV with a high-quality safety package that includes both driver-assist features and key safety elements such as Toyota's Ecall Emergency Call System.

5. Luggage space

While a roomy interior for passengers is a key feature of any SUV, you'll also need to look at the luggage space. Remember that a smaller, more compact crossover like the Raize will have a little less luggage space than a full-size FJ Cruiser. But in many cases, you’ll find that the rear seats are a 40/60 ‘split’ design, which means you can drop part of the rear seat down to extend your cargo area. Again, it’s a matter of thinking about what you want to use your SUV for – month-long camping trips or a shopping trip to the Mall? Weekend surfing adventures or the school run? How you use your SUV will determine what kind of vehicle is best for you.

6. Take your time choosing

After your house or property, your car is the most expensive investment you’ll make. So it’s sensible to take your time choosing the right car for you. The best way to do this is to test drive SUVs in the UAE with Al-Futtaim Toyota.

With a vast selection of new and pre-owned SUVs, you can book a test drive with us and find out which one really ticks all the right boxes for you. And with great finance deals on offer too, there’s never been a better time to upgrade to an SUV in the UAE with Al-Futtaim Toyota.