In today's time, whenever someone thinks of buying a new car, the first thought that comes to his mind is SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Due to high seating position, powerful looks and ability to move easily even on bad roads, the SUV craze is at its peak in India.
However, the real confusion starts when you have to choose between a small SUV (Compact/Sub-compact SUV) and a large SUV (Full-size/Mid-size SUV). Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let us understand in very simple language which SUV will be perfect for you according to your family, budget and parking space.
1. Mathematics of budget
Buying a car always starts with the budget. Not only the cost of buying a car, but also the cost of running it matters. If your budget is between ₹ 8 lakh to ₹ 15 lakh, then a small SUV is best for you. Their engines are generally small (1.0L to 1.5L), due to which they give excellent mileage (15-20 km/litre).
Their insurance and maintenance costs are also less. Large SUVs usually start from ₹18 lakh and go up to ₹35-40 lakh or above. Due to larger engines, their mileage is less (10-14 km/litre) and the cost of servicing and parts is also much higher than that of small vehicles.
2. Parking and Traffic
Finding parking in big cities of India is like winning a war. Before choosing a vehicle, measure the size of the parking space of your home and office. The length of a small SUV is around 4 meters. They are very easy to maneuver in narrow streets, maneuver in heavy traffic and fit into small parking spaces.
The length of a large SUV is more than 4.5 meters. A good amount of experience is required to operate them. If your house has a narrow street or limited parking space, then a big SUV can become a daily headache for you.
3. Family size and comfort (space)
How many members are there in your family and how you use the vehicle, this is the biggest factor. The small 5-seater SUV is perfect for a small family of 4 to 5 members. In this, the front and rear passengers get good legroom and there is also a decent boot space (dicky) for weekend trips.
If you have a joint family or you often go on long trips with friends, then only a big SUV will be useful for you. Its third row is best for children or short journeys. Also, its heavy suspension provides a very comfortable ride during long distance journeys. See quick comparison table-
| factor | compact suv | big suv |
|---|---|---|
| seating capacity | 5 seater | 6 to 7 seater |
| estimated budget | ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh | ₹18 Lakh to ₹40 Lakh+ |
| mileage | more (economical) | low (heavy engine) |
| parking and traffic | very easy | a little difficult |
| travel comfort | Best for city driving | Best for highway and long trips |
Final Verdict: If you mostly drive in city traffic, have a small family, less parking space and you want to enjoy the luxury of an SUV at a lower cost, then a smaller car is better. If you have a large family, you often take long trips on the highway, you need to carry heavy luggage (boot space) and budget and parking are not an issue, then you can choose a bigger car.