Notes for new utility vehicles

Will this be your year to get into a new utility vehicle? Whether you’re be considering a truck, a crossover, an SUV or anything in between, automakers have ensured you’ll have no shortage of features, options, powertrains and promises to sift through in the process.

Utility vehicles are big business, and automakers are working harder than ever to make sure there’s one that’s just right for you.

While gathering data ahead of your test-drives, you’ll likely have plenty of questions, and plenty of considerations.

Below, we’ll look at some of the common questions, concerns and contemplations that face new utility vehicle shoppers, and check out a few things to bear in mind while shopping for the machine that most interests you.

Two, four or all-wheel drive: Canadians love four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles for added confidence in the face of a plethora of driving conditions, winter-related and otherwise.

For general use on slippery roads, light to moderate off-road use and added all-surface confidence for some drivers, an AWD system fits the bill, requiring no driver decision-making to enhance traction. A vehicle with AWD has all four wheels engaged, virtually all the time, with no driver input required.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) is more commonly found in larger truck and SUV models, where drivers can engage it into one of several modes, depending on the task at hand. Four-Wheel Drive may fit the bill for more severe use — like challenging off-road conditions, or frequent hauling of a heavy boat out of a lake.

Just remember two things: driving all four wheels can use more fuel and command higher costs in the short and long run, and a two-wheel drive truck or SUV model with proper tires and a locking rear differential, if available, can be just great in a multitude of challenging driving conditions, too. As your new AWD or 4WD vehicle collects miles, don’t forget maintenance and fluid change requirements for the associated driveline hardware, for a long and trouble-free life.

Truck or SUV: There are countless reasons that shoppers prefer one of these over another. Aside from obvious differences to seating layout and cargo capacity and security, many shoppers prefer a pickup for a feeling of safety, ruggedness and toughness. A high-up driving position and sensation of extra durability on rough roads is a common reason to opt for a pickup, too. Conversely, some shoppers prefer a crossover model for a more car-like and comfortable ride, an easier time parking, and more on-board, out-of-the-elements space for occupants and gear.

Remember that trucks and utility vehicles offer levels of size, toughness, traction, power and capability that comes with an associated fuel cost you’ll be paying every time you use the vehicle. Therefore, for many shoppers, sizing the vehicle, and its capability, to their needs and lifestyle, can be important. Remember: most crossover models will tow a trailer that can tackle hauling jobs as needed.

Big truck or small: Leaning toward a pickup? You’ll need to decide between a full-sized pickup, or something smaller. Full-sized models can typically haul more, tow more, and have more room on board for your people and things, but they’re bigger, less maneuverable, and typically thirstier. Today, handy mid-sized trucks from Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Chevrolet offer varying levels of flexibility for small families or active couples.

Diesel power: Diesel engines are winding up in more crossover and pickup models than ever these days, with more on the horizon. Does opting for a fuel-sipping, torque-beast diesel engine make sense for you? Numerous factors are at play in deciding: you’ll need to consider the added cost of the diesel engine, the average year-round price of diesel where you live, how, how often and how far you drive, and more. You might be a good candidate for diesel power if you frequently tow a trailer, or partake in lengthy highway trips.

Hybrid power: Hybrid-powered versions of many popular SUV and crossover models are available. Like a diesel engine, a hybrid powerplant is typically up-sold as a fuel-saving alternative. Hybrid powerplants boost the output of a typically-downsized gasoline engine with self-generated electricity, reducing the load on the gas engine, saving fuel, and reducing emissions. You’re a good candidate for hybrid power if you frequently travel in a busy city locale, and especially, with plenty of stop-and-go driving.

The off-road package: Key in deciding whether or not you’ll want to opt for the sort of off-road upgrade packages offered on some models is understanding what they offer. Will you need rock-smashing skid-plates, increased ride height, trail-tested shocks and noisier, less fuel-efficient off-road tires if you’re spending most of your time in the city or on the road? Remember that the Off-Road package, if available, can dial up confidence considerably on the road less travelled, but that the added capability typically comes with added costs, and can compromise fuel efficiency and comfort.

Lease or buy: Is leasing better than buying? Or vice versa? As it tends to go, that all depends on the shopper.

Leasing can be the better choice if you’re willing to fore go the pride of ownership to be in a newer model that’s covered by warranty the entire time you drive it — but you’re typically limited in how many kilometres you can drive per year, and you won’t be able to modify the vehicle in question. If you’re not a high-mileage driver, and if a worry-free ownership experience is a priority, Leasing might be best for you.

Buying outright is best if you’re big on owning the vehicle, planning to modify it, or planning to put on a lot of miles. As such, purchasing, new or a few years old, can be the best choice if you’re a high-mileage driver, someone who will modify their truck or SUV, or if the pride of ownership is a priority.

The options: Will you use your new truck, crossover or SUV as amobile office? A rolling fortress of high-tech safety? A family getaway cruiser? A luxurious towing rig? Today’s latest utility vehicles give shoppers more ways than ever to fine-tune to their exact lifestyles. Virtually any model you’re considering will offer the latest in connected-car technology, Smartphone connectivity, advanced outward-looking safety systems, high-end audio systems, rear-seat entertainment consoles and plenty more. Be sure to investigate any and all that interest you.

Remember that premium Xenon or LED headlight systems are worth their weight in gold if you frequently travel after dark, since they make life easier on your eyes by dramatically reducing strain, increasing safety in the process. Also, note that features like Bluetooth hands-free calling, radar parking assist, a collision warning system or an emergency calling or telematics system, like OnStar, can add confidence, no matter who is driving the new family truck or SUV.

More rides than ever are also being offered with sophisticated hazard-detection systems that can warn drivers of a possible collision situation up the road, a vehicle hiding in their blind-spot, an unintended departure from their lane, or even an unseen vehicle approaching in the laneway they’re backing into.

Hill control confidence: Automakers are working harder than ever to deliver the confidence demanded by today’s utility vehicle shopper, and two features that deal with steep hills are helping out. Downhill Brake Control, Hill Descent Control or Hill Assist all work to maintain vehicle speed automatically, by selectively applying brakes and regulating the throttle on steep declines, no driver input required. Once the system is switched on, the result is less driver stress, as the vehicle self-manages its various systems to keep speeds to a crawl, even on the most slippery down-grades. Hill Start Assist works toward a similarly-confident goal, holding your vehicle in place if you stop on a hill to prevent rolling backwards, and to make it easier to get up and over the hill in question.