Your car is packed with kids, sports equipment, groceries, and pets. You think it may be time to trade it in for a bigger car. But is an SUV the right choice for your family?

First of all, as anyone watching the evening news knows, the price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are known for their low fuel consumption. Or are? Depending on the make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. For example, the 2004 Honda Element gets 22 mpg in the city, just 2 mpg less than the 2004 Honda Accord. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 mpg less than the Accord, a larger difference. But not huge. Also, more and more automakers are designing hybrid gasoline-electric SUVs that deliver better fuel economy along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs.

Another important consideration when choosing between a car and an SUV is safety. Most people assume that SUVs are safer than cars because of their larger size. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 showed that large SUVs were only slightly safer than midsize cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars. SUVs can also roll over when taking turns at high speed, something cars are much less likely to do. Drivers who switch to SUVs after many years of driving may need some practice to learn how to drive their SUV safely.

Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size, are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. To some extent, this is true, but it largely depends on the make and model of SUV you choose. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, although almost all have the power to haul a trailer. In terms of comfort, many drivers prefer to be higher up the road, but older drivers and people with disabilities may find it difficult to sit in booster seats. Also, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended center back seat position can be difficult for shorter moms and dads.

Finally, if you drive a lot in the city and more importantly park, SUVs are less maneuverable and more difficult to parallel park than traditional cars. Even in suburbs where most people park in lots, spaces may not be wide enough for certain SUVs.

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