The SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) market has surged in recent times with sales of this type of vehicle topping best-selling lists and rankings. Buyers across many classes are deserting the traditional body types in favour of the SUV option and car makers have responded accordingly. With few exceptions, car makers have introduced SUVs into their line-ups, many offering a range of options to cover large, family, work, medium and compact classes.
What has not necessarily increased in line with SUV sales is an understanding of the capabilities of the different types of SUV on the market. Just because you’re buying an SUV does not mean you can safely head off-road into rough terrain, through creeks and drive on the beach or through snow. SUVs come with different driving capabilities known as the drivetrain and buyers should fully appreciate the capabilities of the model they are considering and ensure it will be suitable for their requirements.
At Jade Car Loans we are intent on educating car buyers so we’re providing an overview of some of the terminology around SUVs and other aspects to add to your knowledge bank.
Definitions
Every SUV will be defined as either FWD, AWD, 4WD or 4x4 which determines its capabilities. What you may like to consider when purchasing is:-
- Towing capabilities if you plan to tow a boat, trailer or caravan.
- Sand: Do you plan to head to places like Fraser Island and drive on the beach?
- Alpine conditions: National Parks require chains to be carried and used by all non-4WD vehicles. Not all SUVs have 4WD.
- Rural properties: Agricultural operators usually know their vehicles and what they need very well. For novices, if you plan to drive in paddocks and fields, buy the right vehicle.
- Off-road driving is a popular recreation with many clubs around Australia. This pursuit requires a serious 4WD vehicle.
- Your driving skills – a compact SUV with FWD is great for city driving and business requirements and doesn’t require the skill of operating a 4WD.
As a guide, we’ve compiled a brief overview of SUV terminology for your general information:-
- AWD: This stands for all wheel drive and means that all four wheels engage to propel the vehicle. This set-up can be suited for many off-road, rough and more difficult terrains. May not have all the capabilities of a full four wheel drive vehicle but may have some similarities. Many Audi vehicles are set up as AWD. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure you know the capabilities.
- FWD: the F is for ‘front’ not ‘four’. A FWD vehicle signifies front wheel drive which is the most common set-up for most cars, both SUVs and other body shapes. It means the front wheels are utilised to propel the vehicle. Many compact and medium SUVs will have FWD and as such not designed to go off-road or safely drive through snow and sand. You usually get higher ground clearance compared with say a sedan, but these vehicles are usually more about the body shape style, convenience for business and fun recreational pursuits than serious off-road driving.
- 2WD is two wheel drive and is usually an alternative to FWD but may be RWD which is rear wheel drive.
- 4WD and 4X4: These both indicate the power is sent to all four of the wheels but differentiating is more complex. There are differences – think part-time and full-time 4WD for starters. If you are looking for a serious vehicle to take on off-road terrain or for use on your property, you will likely know what to look for. We recommend a deeper dive into the details and conversations with the dealers.
- ATV or All-Terrain Vehicle is usually used to describe what is commonly known as quad bikes.
Knowing your drivetrain is very important. The unsuspecting and uninformed can get caught in risky and treacherous circumstances. You may think your SUV is OK for the conditions only to find a snowstorm or massive rain event occurs and you are stranded. For example, the current top selling vehicle in Australia is the Toyota RAV4 and it is available in 2WD and AWD options.
Drivetrain
If you want a vehicle that allows you to drive say on the sand/beach or in alpine conditions without snow chains, then it is strongly advisable to know what you are doing! Driving courses are not just for learner drivers. There are driver training companies across the country that offer courses in many aspects of driving – advanced and 4WD included.
If you want to get off-road, joining a 4WD club can be a great way to go. They have regular events and members usually love to share knowledge and stories and proudly display their skills to tow/recover your vehicle if you get stuck.
Financing Different SUVs
While there are many differences across the SUV market, when it comes to financing to purchase, Jade Car Loans offers the same loan products regardless of your model choice.
Our full range of motor vehicle finance is available for AWD, FWD, 2WD, 4x4 and 4WD vehicles across all leading manufacturers.
- Personal Secured Car Loan for private buyers.
- Chattel Mortgage, Leasing and Hire Purchase Car.
All our SUV loans are based on business car loan interest rates and have fixed repayments and fixed loan terms. Use our business car loan calculator or lender comparison calculator for a rough repayment estimate on the different SUVs you are considering.
For a quote on any SUV contact Jade Car Loans at 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL INFORMATION AND IS NOT INTENDED AS FINANCIAL ADVICE OR THE ONLY SOURCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL DECISIONS. IF A READER CONSIDERS THAT THEY REQUIRE ADVICE ON THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION, PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY MISINTERPRETATIONS OR ERRORS IN DATA, CONTENT AND INFORMATION AS SOURCED FROM OTHER PARTIES. THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIVE PURPOSES AND READERS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW UP INDEPENDENTLY.
