The car must be reliable, and for Russian reality - also passable. In this regard, the urgent question is: “Which SUV to choose?”. This article will discuss various options for these cars.
Briefly about the device of SUVs
On this type of car, most often installed mechanical gearboxes (PPC), although there are automatic (automatic transmission). Following the checkpoint mounted transfer case (RC). It is attached either to the rear of the first, or connected to it with a cardan. Less vibration when moving will be in the first scenario. With the help of the RK, torque is distributed to the gearboxes of the main gears of the axles from the gearbox. If all-wheel drive is turned on, the RC distributes torque evenly between the rear and front axles.
In the absence of a built-in differential on the RK, only rear-wheel drive is constant. The front axle is connected rigidly. When it turns on, the torque is distributed evenly. This scheme is used on domestic UAZ cars. Most SUVs have two main gears, or two axles. There may be more. They provide this class of cars with better cross-country ability. In this case, they talk about a dependent suspension. Its working moves in comparison with cars are very large.
Modern cars of this type have a mixed suspension scheme with the installation of a rear axle, independent front suspension, final drive gearbox on a subframe. This provides a smoother ride than a fully dependent suspension.
On the cross is affected by clearance, which is currently understood as ground clearance. Although, strictly speaking, these are not the same thing, in most cases these terms are used as synonyms.
Thus, before looking for the answer to the question “which SUV to choose”, you need to decide what exactly you want to receive.
Cost classification
All cars of this class can be divided into several categories depending on the cost:
- up to 1 million rubles;
- 1-1.5 million;
- 1.5-3 million;
- over 3 million rubles.
The first two price segments
Due to the fact that most of our compatriots do not have free cash in an unlimited amount, the question arises: "Which inexpensive SUV to choose?".
This category presents cars of both domestic and foreign production. The first include: Lada 4x4, UAZ Patriot, UAZ Hunter, Niva Chevrolet. These machines are widely used by fishermen and hunters.
From Chinese SUVs you can look towards Renault Duster or Great Wall Hover H3. There will be no sophisticated electronics and a chic interior, everything will be limited to the most necessary basic functions. These cars can be considered if you are interested in which one to choose an SUV for a million.
In the second classification group above, mainly urban cars are located. These include cars of Korean origin Kia Sorento, Japanese Mitsubishi Pajero, Germans Audi Q3 and BMW X1, as well as a number of other models. Basically, these off-road vehicles are characterized by a low-power engine, front-wheel drive transmission, rag upholstery, air conditioning. The stronger the car will be equipped with additional functions, the higher its price, and the sooner it will be transferred to the next classification group.
Expensive cars
The third category is represented by fairly expensive SUVs. This includes luxury cars such as the Audi Q5, Lexus NX, BMW X3 and others, but for the most part without additional functions. These cars are intended mainly for the city, although for the most part they have four-wheel drive and good ground clearance.
The last price group includes the most expensive SUVs. Accordingly, they are the most prestigious. This, in particular, Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Range Rover, Mercedes G and GLS and others. This class is equipped with any available functionality, depending on how much money the buyer is willing to pay.
A brief overview of some cars in this category
In order to give a complete and reasoned answer to the question: “Which SUV is better to choose?”, You need to consider the most popular models today.
Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi AT-LE
The volume of the diesel engine is 2.5 liters, four-wheel drive, automatic transmission. Capacity - 7 people. The basic equipment includes 6 airbags, climate control, seat heating, stabilization system and Bluetooth.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3.0
The volume of the diesel engine is 3.0 l, the driver has a separate knee airbag, electric front seats, a decent size color monitor, good cross, a built-in camera.
Mitsubishi Pajero Ultimate 3.0
The engine can be diesel or gasoline. It has a built-in navigator, Bluetooth, additional clearance options compared to the Mitsubishi Pajero Install model.
Volvo XC 90 Executive 2.4
Capacity - 7 people. But the clearance is only 21.8 cm, which characterizes it as not the best terrain. In expensive versions, leather chairs with the effect of ventilation and massage, a high-quality music player and heated rear seats.
With the given models, the answer to the question: “Which SUV to choose?” Is not exhaustive. There are a lot of them, and within the framework of one article it is not possible to consider all existing cars today.
Frame constructions
In order to increase assembly strength, this type of machine can be equipped with a frame structure. This means that the body is mounted on top of the frame through the damper cushions. The engine and the main transmission units are attached to the latter. On some vehicles, frame spars are welded directly into the lower body. This makes production easier for the manufacturer, since it carries lower costs. The design of the car becomes less stable.
The advantages of using a frame are as follows:
- she has a simple design with calculation methods;
- better noise and vibration isolation;
- can act as a base for various cars or models of the same brand;
- facilitates assembly of the machine in the enterprise;
- various bodies can be fixed on the same frame;
- repair of the latter, fixed on the frame, in the event of an accident, does not present any particular difficulties.
In connection with the existence of such cars, the question arises: "Which frame SUV to choose?".
Choosing a used car
Consider some cars of this type, released over the past half century. They were the cars with frame structures.
Toyota Land Cruiser
He began to gain popularity in the 60s of the last century, and reached a peak in 1987 with the release of the Land Cruiser 70. Everything that was embodied in it is still used in the automotive industry of modern Toyota. The car is reliable, with good cross, comfortable. These machines of model 100, when they are in good condition, do not lose in value, and each year they win more and more.
Hummer
At first it was a fully military car. General Motors released the H2 model, which was rather bulky, but had a large engine, a frame and continuous bridges, and later the H3, which became the smallest model among the Hammers. In 2006, the H1 Alpha was assembled, which is appreciated by brand admirers.
Land rover defender
The design and appearance of this car has not changed for 30 years. The car has a powerful engine, was not created for trips around the city, so the comfort is reduced. Designed Defender for travel on wilds.
Jeep wrangler
For a long time, all SUVs were called “jeeps”. Four-wheel drive, large exit angles, dependent suspension. Compared to the previous brand, it is more manageable on asphalt. The interior is more comfortable, especially in the Unlimited model, which has 5 doors. On this car, you can move around without a roof over your head, or you can mount a soft roof.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
It has a large clearance, a small base on a frame structure, powerful engines. Salon comfortable premium. Four-wheel drive car, equipped with various equipment.
Nissan Patrol
Capacity - 8 people. Powerful engine. It has an elegant appearance, but easily copes with the difficulties of impassability.
Mercedes G-Class
The famous "Gelendvagen." Since the time when this car was made exclusively for military purposes, and to this day remains one of the famous frame SUVs. It has high-torque engines and rigid axles. It has the status of a prestigious car.
Suzuki escudo
It was produced in 1995-2000. It has excellent cross-country ability, reliability and endurance. When the question arises: “Which one to choose from used SUVs?”, You can stop on this model, since the cost of cars of the first releases reaches only 250-300 thousand rubles. At the same time, you can conquer deaf impassability on the Escudo, go hunting and fishing.
Rating of the most compact cars of the type in question
Basically, the question: “What to choose a compact SUV?” Is more interested in the female half of the drivers.
1st place - Renault Duster
Reliability is combined with a pleasant appearance.
2nd place - Jeep Renegade
A somewhat rude appearance, but the car allows you to climb off-road, having an angle of inclination of 30 degrees.
3rd place - Suzuki Jimny
Has a pleasant appearance, refers to frame. The drive is full.
4th place - Mitsubishi Pajero
Differs in unpretentious service, does not demand special leaving. High cross. 4 generations have come out, everyone is popular in Russia.
5th place - Daihatsu Terios
Economical SUV, consuming only 8 liters. The machine is easy to operate, the change in the quality of the road surface is imperceptible.
Choosing tires
They must be durable, with an original tread. When the question arises: “What tires to choose for an SUV?”, It should be assumed that for summer varieties a higher density of rubber is needed, which will contribute to its minimum wear when moving on various road surfaces, that is, good adhesion to different sections is also necessary which are moving.
The product is of quality and price. So, tires for Bridgestone SUVs have a lower price. At the same time, Continental and GoodYear summer tires have a higher price and are in demand among owners of luxury cars of this type.
Winter tires should freely remove water and pulp from the snow. Good grip should also be ensured. The leaders include the same companies that produce summer tires. Tires also vary in price and quality.
Finally
Each one should decide which SUV to choose. Some people prefer compact models, while others like gigantic ones. Someone has sufficient financial means and can afford some surplus, but for others the most important thing is good traffic or low fuel consumption. Potential owners need to evaluate their capabilities and think about whether or not to buy such a car at all. After all, a car is quite enough for city driving.