Sport utility vehicles have become a popular choice among many people. And why not, it’s convenient, strong, and safe. But SUVs manufactured today have so much more to offer. Here are 8 features you need to look for when you get your next SUV.

1. Ground clearance
What’s an SUV without high ground clearance, right? SUVs are known for offroading on rough, lofty trails. You need to have a high ground clearance to be able to maneuver through such trails smoothly. Make sure to check the SUV’s approach angle, departure angle, and breakthrough angle to understand its extent of off-road capabilities.

2. Blind spot detection
This is a very important feature in SUVs. Because of the large nature of an SUV, it’s very easy to miss another vehicle in your blind spot. SUVs with built-in blind spot detection will alert you when there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.

3. Heavy duty axle
The axle is responsible for transferring high torque from your SUVs engine to the wheel. So what’s the point of having a powerful engine with an axle incapable of transferring such high torque to your wheels? Make sure that the SUV you are about to purchase has a heavy-duty axle for efficient driving.

4. Hands-free liftgate
Other than off-roading, you will probably also have to use your car for errands. The hands-free liftgate SUV feature lets you easily access your trunk, even when you have your hands full with groceries. Thanks to this, you only have to swing or swipe your foot under the rear bumper to open the trunk.

5. ESC, TSC, and HSA
These features are important to have, especially if you plan on going off-roading often. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) automatically senses if you lose control over the brakes and employs assisted brakes in order to bring your vehicle back on track. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) lets you smoothly take turns while having another trailer attached to the hook of your SUV. The Hill Start Assist (HSA) helps you stay in control when driving on a steep road.

6. Skid plates
Skid plates protect the sensitive parts located under the car (like the fuel tank). Which is why you need to ensure that the skid plates are made of metal and not fiber or plastic that can be damaged easily.

7. Rear cross-traffic alert
This feature is particularly helpful as it’s difficult to see cars coming on your rear when backing up your SUV. The “rear cross-traffic alert” feature monitors rear cross-traffic and senses an approaching car long before you do. When it does so, it alerts you to stop and wait until the car passes.

8. Heavy duty brakes and off-roading tires
Make sure you check your tires before you purchase your SUV. Depending on how you want to use your SUV, there are different kinds of tires. All-terrain tires are the best option if you go off-roading a lot on rocky terrains, dirt roads, shallow rivers, etc. These have higher traction and grip as compared to highway performance tires that are meant for premium SUVs and are ideal for comfortable on-road drives.