Most offerings come in a wide range of trims, each with its own set of features and capabilities. To choose the right model, you need to focus on how you plan to actually use the vehicle.

To help,

Consumer Reports

(CR) lists five factors to keep in mind: seating, cargo space, safety features, towing capacity, and off-road capability. Once you decide what you need in each of these categories, choosing a model becomes much easier.

Jerry

went a step further and paired these aspects with popular new models with high ratings to help start you on the right track.

SUV buyers have a ton of options to choose from.

Consumer Reports’ 5 factors for SUV buyers

Buying an SUV requires you to make a lot of decisions. But for people just getting started in their search, deciding what you’ll need for seating and cargo is a good place to begin. Seating will determine which sizes and segments will work for you.

Most people only need the five seats found in subcompact, compact, or some midsize SUVs. Families who need a third row will need to look at full-size models. A few midsize options offer seven seats as well, but for the most part, the jump from a smaller SUV primarily gives you cargo space.

Two other factors (towing capacity and off-road ability) have more to do with the type of driving to plan to do than the capacity of your vehicle. Anyone wanting to tow a boat or a large trailer, for example, will be limited to larger models with legitimate truck frames.

But the hardest decision of the process might be between 2WD, AWD, and 4WD. People who plan on sticking to pavement might think AWD and 4WD are not necessary, but it isn’t that simple. If winter road conditions get dicey in your area, having AWD can really come in handy.

Finally, it’s important to compare and contrast safety features when SUV shopping. While all modern cars come with impressive safety features, not every feature will be standard. Different companies offer different standard safety features.

Shopping around to find the best balance between price and safety features is always a good idea.

MORE: Consumer Reports Only Recommends 5 2021 2-Row Midsize SUVs

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SUV models that match CR’s five factors

For the majority looking for an SUV with five seats and a decently sized trunk that you can take nearly anywhere, there are a lot of options. But not every crossover or small SUV is made equal.

Some models come standard with AWD, but some are more prepared for handling muddy trails than others. For something that gets you through a snow day, CR rates Subaru’s Crosstrek and Forester as the two best compact options, and critics also love the Mazda CX-5.

If you need a little more clearance for off-road excursions, the new

Ford Bronco

and two-door Jeep Wrangler are built for the job. The Toyota 4Runner and Chevy’s Tahoe Z71 will crawl over rocks while providing more seating, cargo space, and towing capacity.

If Costco trips, soccer teams, and motorboats are more your speed, the GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and a less aggressive standard Tahoe might suit you better. Or, for a more luxurious experience, look into offerings from Land Rover, BMW, and Volvo.

Finding the right car insurance for your new SUV

MORE: Honda Pilot: The Best 3-Row SUV According to Consumer Reports

Obviously, not every great SUV was mentioned in this article. Electric options weren’t covered at all. Some top-tier luxury models were left out of the picture. But the options and factors listed offer a good start for anyone looking for a new sport-utility vehicle.

Whatever model you choose, shopping with Jerry will help you save on

car insurance

. A licensed broker, Jerry can collect quotes from more than 50 top insurance companies, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds!

Once you’ve made your pick, Jerry will help cancel your old policy. And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, you’ll be sent new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.

This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.

Car Buying

Written By

Andrew Koole · Expert Insurance Writer

"B.A., English Literature, MedAndrew Koole is an insurance writer who specializes in writing automotive news articles. Andrew’s mission is to create informative and instructional content car owners can use to reduce costs, master repair skills, and learn more about the automotive industry. Andrew has published over 600 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from automaker history to car insurance deductibles. Before joining Jerry in 2021, Andrew split his time between freelance writing in the entertainment and travel industries and creative writing in poetry and fiction. His writing is featured on a variety of arts and travel websites, including his own Ponytail Press.

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