Ultimate Guide to SUV’s: Size, Seats and Style

Whether you’ve got the spirit of adventure or want a larger vehicle to accommodate your family, the go-anywhere-do-anything SUV may tick all your boxes when it's time to purchase your next car. At Al-Futtaim Lexus, we have a stunning range of new and Pre-Owned Lexus SUV models, but what type of “Sports Utility Vehicle” is right for you?
What is an SUV?

Robust, powerful, and offering a spacious interior, SUVs are loved by those who relish the thrill of off-roading, who need to tow, or who crave extra space in their family car. 

An SUV showcases a body-on-frame construction, a rigid chassis, and strong suspension, which, when added to the high off-ground clearance, means you can take many of these sturdy cars off the beaten track.  

With features designed for challenging terrains, such as crawler gears for steep inclines and split differential transmission for diverting power individually to wheels to push you through tough spots, an SUV is a dream for the UAE’s diverse and dramatic landscape.
Finding the right size of SUV

A compact SUV, such as our Lexus UX, makes a great urban vehicle, being light to handle and easy to park. This might not be your first choice if towing and bumpy dirt tracks are on your itinerary.

Mid-size SUVs provide great space for passengers and cargo, as the roomy Lexus NX demonstrates. With most having a bigger engine than a compact, these cars have the power to tow and to take on light off-roading.  The all-new RX 350 burst onto the mid-size SUV scene this year, offering a refreshingly elegant drive with its immersive cockpit and 2.4 litre turbo engine.

Full-size SUVs offer high performance and maximum interior space, often providing three rows of seating for welcoming more passengers. If you want the full spectrum of the SUV experience, consider one of the full-size models, a prime example being the Lexus LX.
SUV seats: Two rows or three?

Space for extra passengers can be a key draw for families buying an SUV. The Lexus GX boasts three rows of seats and, like other seven-seater SUVs, is ideal for growing families or people who like bringing their friends along for adventures. 

But these seven-seater models aren’t for everyone. Two-row, five-seater SUVs such as the Lexus UX are usually a little more compact, making them agile cars for urban living. Two rows of seats also often translate to a larger cargo capacity in the rear for those who can't pack light on their road trips.

SUV Styles

You’re spoilt for choice with styles, from the compact, mid-, and full-size SUVs you’ve already read about to luxury models that bring the practical prowess of an SUV with the high-end refinement you’d expect from a luxury car. 

The crossover SUV style is becoming increasingly popular, too. Bridging the interior space gap between a sedan and an SUV, crossovers like the stylish Lexus NX give you extra room and the ability to undertake some gentle off-roading. 

Book a Lexus SUV test drive online with Al-Futtaim Lexus. Whether you’re looking to buy a new SUV or are searching for used cars in UAE, we offer a range of premium after-sales services, ensuring your SUV purchase is well looked after.