Technologies for Active Driver Assistance Systems and Safety
Consumer Reports’ safety ratings include evaluations of crash-avoidance capabilities and crash-test outcomes based on the federal government and insurance sector tests. In addition, our road tests cover topics like child seat installation and headlight function.
CR feels that front collision warning (FCW), automated emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition, and blind-spot warning (BSW) should be standard on all vehicles. And these should be included in the next new or used vehicle you purchase.
FCW technology alerts the driver of an impending collision with a car or an item immediately in its path via visual, audio, and tactile signals. AEB reacts to an impending collision by braking if the driver fails to react in time. AEB systems are available at both city and motorway speeds. In addition, BSW monitors a vehicle’s sides, alerting drivers of the presence of another vehicle nearby, which may be difficult to spot. This is especially useful in an SUV, which may have many blind zones.
Other modern safety advances include telematics systems, such as GM’s OnStar service, that can alert emergency personnel if an airbag deploys; lane departure warning systems, which sound an alert if a driver changes lanes without signaling; lane-keeping assistance, which maintains the vehicle’s position in the lane if the driver begins to drift; and rear cross-traffic warning, which monitors the sides of the vehicle when a driver is backing out of a parking spot and can even apply (Learn more about automobile safety.)
2WD against AWD versus 4WD
Most SUVs based on cars employ a front-drive basis and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. On the other hand, truck-based vehicles have a rear-drive arrangement and four-wheel drive, some of which can be engaged permanently.
AWD and 4WD both deliver power to all four wheels, but they are not the same thing. AWD is a lighter-duty technology that either stays engaged permanently or automatically transmits power between the front and rear wheels as needed. Some newer systems allow the driver to make modifications on their own via drive modes or differential locking. AWD is usually enough for dealing with chronic severe weather conditions and navigating unpaved roads.
SUVs with standard 4WD are becoming increasingly rare these days. Instead, they often have strong low-range gearing for tackling tough off-road terrains like boulders or steep dirt hills. Instead, look for automatic 4WD, which enables the system to engage automatically according to the conditions. Drivers who travel nearly entirely on pavement without encountering snow or ice should choose a two-wheel-drive vehicle; it will save money on the purchase price and most likely deliver greater fuel economy.
Towing
Except for pickup trucks, truck-based SUVs have far more towing capability than any other vehicle. Most full-size models can tow up to 9,000 pounds, roughly the weight of a big boat. Some powerful midsized models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is adequate to tow a small boat or camper. Buyers should consider the tow rating to ensure they obtain a vehicle that can easily manage the amount they need to tow.