The Pros And Cons Of Owning An SUV, According To SUV Owners

4 min read By Kevin Joshua Ng on August 27, 2020

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have been slowly but surely making a mark on our nation’s roads. It’s a trend that has been fully realized in more developed countries, specifically the US, where some of their car makers have already stopped production of small sedans.

But make no mistake, we’re still a country dominated by subcompacts. However, the lead is not as comfortable as it used to—especially with the emergence of the very active crossover SUV scene.

To find out why SUVs have been winning the hearts and minds of consumers, we asked a few of our readers who own SUV vehicles what they love about their towering carriages.

Below are the pros and cons of owning an SUV.

Pros of owning an SUV

1. You have superior view of the road

“I am the eye in the sky, looking at youuuu… I can read your mind.” I don’t think the Alan Parsons Project are singing their hearts out about SUVs, but they might as well be.

One of the joys in driving an SUV is its visibility. Hop on to any full-size SUV and you can immediately see the difference.

You can spot everyone around you and everything that’s happening in the distance. Anticipating your co-drivers’ moves and reacting to them is almost predictive.

At times, it really does seem like you can read their mind.

2. High ground clearance

Clearance? Is this some sort of peasant joke?

The high ground clearance afforded by SUVs simply puts to rest many worries you may have on the road.

Potholes? Curbs? Humps? That annoying headlight staring directly to your eyes? You can just run through them like a hot knife through butter.

3. It’s weather-proof

We’re quite used to it by now. For the latter half of the year, Metro Manila roads are converted to rows of Olympic-size swimming pools. Just add water.

While this can stop most vehicles on their tracks, SUVs aren’t most vehicles. Some SUVs nowadays can plow through floods even on a stock setup.

Add to that several lift and customization options, like a snorkel and some 20 dubs, and you essentially have an amphibious vehicle prepared for anything.

4. Sturdier suspension setup

SUVs are the choice mode of transportation when you want to go where most humans don’t dare: high up rocks and mountains, deep in the jungle, and on slippery mounds of sand.

It’s the ultimate recreational vehicle for any outdoorsman worth their weight in dirt.

5. Additional peace of mind, especially for the ladies

According to one of lady SUV owner, what she likes most about her Mitsubishi Pajero she used to own is it’s an anti-boso vehicle. Having a taller, more physically imposing car makes her feel safe against numbskulls who might try to take a peek at places and stuff you don’t like to be seen.

SUVs also rate well in frontal collisions compared to sedans.

6. Instant road trip

More space and loading capacity, plus naturally torque-y diesel power plants, make SUVs an excellent people and cargo hauler.

Fancy a surfing trip to La Union? Call your best buds, pack your bags, throw them in, and relish the open road. (We really miss the beach.)

7. Powered by diesel

The price difference between diesel and gasoline fuels makes it hard not to consider SUVs as a daily driver.

While diesels usually have that “makupad” or “walang arangkada” stigma, recent improvements in diesel engine technology have put this to rest. You can now experience spirited driving even in “wheels on stilts.”

Cons of owning an SUV

1. Ride height can be a challenge

The higher clearance SUV owners enjoy on a daily basis can be a chore for our kids, senior citizens, and short-limbed friends when they’re entering or alighting SUVs. Thank God for floorboards then.

2. Not the first choice for formal events

According to some of our readers, they would rather take their luxury sedans to formal or “red carpet” events. Again, entering and alighting SUVs is harder compared to sedans when they’re in gowns and night dresses.

3. Parking can put you in a pinch, sometimes

To maximize parking space, some establishments pack their multi-level car parks to the point where SUVs barely fit height-wise. SUV owners are relegated to open parking, which is less secure and exposes their cars to the elements.

4. PMS is more frequent vs. gasoline engines

SUVs with diesel engines usually top out at 5000 kms until it’s time for an oil change. Gasoline has an interval twice that. And since diesel engines have a bigger displacement compared to gas engines, it takes more engine oil to fill it up. So the savings you get from a cheaper fuel just goes to PMS.

5. Car insurance is more expensive vs subcompact vehicles

Since comprehensive car insurance in the Philippines is dependent on the market value of a vehicle, SUVs tend to have more expensive insurance costs compared to smaller cars.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t find value with your budget. Shop and compare for car insurance in the Philippines here at eCompareMo.

We are partnered with some of the best car insurance companies that still continues to offer services, business-as-usual, despite of the community quarantine.