What You Should Know Before You Buy An SUV

Size/Market Segment: Sport-utility vehicles are generally classified into three groups: mini/compact, midsize and full-size. As you move up in size you also move up in engine power, towing ability, passenger room and price.

Price: Compact SUVs are the most affordable, with prices for base models starting at less than $20,000. Mid- and full-size sport-utility vehicles vary greatly, with base models starting in the mid-$20Ks and going all the way up to the mid-$40Ks. Luxury SUVs start around $40,000 and top out over $100,000.

Engine/Fuel Economy: Compact SUVs offer both four- and six-cylinder engines, while midsize sport-utes typically come standard with six-cylinder engines, with V8s as options. All full-size SUVs use V8 engines. The most economical four-cylinder compact SUVs can achieve mileage figures in the mid-to-upper 20s, while most six-cylinder sport-utes average in the upper teens (though the handful of gas-electric hybrid models do much better than that). Full-size vehicles generally get between 12 and 20 mpg.

Safety: Increasingly, important safety features like side curtain airbags, rollover protection systems and stability control can be had on all sizes of SUVs and in all price brackets. Even if you're shopping for a budget sport-ute, you should be able to get full airbag coverage and stability control, at least as options. One thing to keep in mind is that even with all of today's technology, the vast majority of SUVs still don't stop or handle as well as cars. Savvy buyers should read up on the braking and handling performance of the models that interest them.

Luxury Features/Convenience: Most compact sport-utility vehicles offer basic amenities along with simple upgrades like CD changers, automatic climate control and leather. Midsize SUVs typically come packed with convenience features, while offering additional luxury amenities as options. The full-size category offers the widest array of luxury SUVs, although several models also come in less opulent versions for more rugged use.

Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: All but a few SUVs are designed to carry at least five passengers. The rear seats in most compact SUVs are tight for three adults (although many offer fore/aft adjustment to maximize the available legroom), while most midsize and full-size sport-utes offer comfortable second-row accommodations. Many SUVs, from compact to full-size, now offer the option of adding a third-row seat for additional passenger capacity — these rows are usually intended for use by small children only.

Cargo Capacity: All sport-utes allow you to fold or remove the rear seats for more cargo capacity. (Many SUVs with third-row seats allow you to fold them into the floor.) Compact sport-utes top out at about 70 cubic feet of capacity, while midsize SUVs can expand to as much as 100 cubic feet. Full-size SUVs offer cargo areas in excess of 100 cubic feet.

Car-Based vs. Truck-Based: Car-based SUVs generally provide sharper handling, a more comfortable ride and, in some cases, more interior room. Truck-based sport-utility vehicles are able to tow more weight, are more capable off-road and are generally sturdier all around due to their truck-derived hardware.

2WD/4WD/AWD: Two-wheel drive means that only the front or rear wheels provide power to the vehicle. Four-wheel-drive vehicles allow the driver to select between two- and four-wheel drive, and provide low-range gearing for off-roading. All-wheel-drive vehicles automatically distribute power in varying degrees to the wheels with the most traction.

Operating Costs: Since compact SUVs are generally smaller, lighter and have less complex four-wheel-drive systems, their maintenance and fuel costs are generally lower. With higher sticker prices and larger engines, midsize and full-size sport-utes generally get poor mileage and are more expensive to insure.