When buying an SUV, it’s tempting to add on every available feature, but not all of them are worth the extra cost. Many options sound appealing but offer little practical benefit for most drivers. To help you decide, here are 19 SUV extras that you can easily skip without missing out on comfort or convenience.
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Roof Rails
Though roof rails can be useful for transporting large items like kayaks, most SUV owners never actually need them. They add unnecessary weight and increase wind resistance, which negatively affects fuel efficiency. For those rare occasions when you might need extra carrying capacity, rental options are available. Considering the cost and the fact that they often go unused, they’re an extra you can easily forgo.
Panoramic Sunroof
While a panoramic sunroof might make your SUV feel more open and bright, it comes with some downsides. It adds significant weight to the vehicle, which can reduce fuel economy. Over time, these large sunroofs are also prone to leaking, and they tend to increase cabin heat, making your air conditioning work overtime. A standard sunroof, if you really need one, is usually more practical.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
All-wheel drive is frequently marketed as a must-have for safety, but for most drivers, it’s overkill. Unless you live in a region with harsh winters or rough terrain, front- or rear-wheel drive will suffice. AWD adds both weight and complexity, leading to lower fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs. For the majority of daily drivers, it’s an extra expense that provides little benefit.
Third-Row Seating
Though third-row seating can be useful for larger families, in many SUVs, it’s cramped and uncomfortable. It also significantly reduces the available cargo space, a key benefit of owning an SUV. If you don’t regularly transport more than five passengers, you’re unlikely to use those seats often. For occasional larger gatherings, renting a larger vehicle may be a better option.
Built-In Navigation
With smartphones providing real-time GPS navigation through apps like Google Maps, the need for built-in systems has diminished. These in-car navigation systems are expensive and often require costly updates. A simple smartphone mount allows you to access up-to-date maps without the hassle. Most drivers find this a more convenient and economical option.
Rear Seat Entertainment System
While rear seat entertainment systems once served as a great way to keep kids occupied on long trips, they’re now largely redundant. Tablets and smartphones offer a wider range of entertainment options and are much more flexible. These built-in systems can be expensive and require regular updates to remain relevant. For most families, personal devices are the way to go.
Automatic Parking Assist
Automatic parking assist might sound helpful, but in reality, many drivers find it more of a hassle than a convenience. Modern SUVs already come equipped with rearview cameras and sensors that make parking easy. This feature also tends to malfunction, leading to frustration rather than convenience. In most cases, parking the old-fashioned way is quicker and just as effective.
Ventilated Seats
Ventilated seats might seem like a luxurious feature, but unless you live in an extremely hot area, they’re hardly essential. They can also increase the cost of your SUV while adding another point of potential mechanical failure. Air conditioning does a fine job of keeping the cabin comfortable, making ventilated seats an unnecessary extra. In many climates, they’re simply not worth the investment.
Heated Steering Wheel
A heated steering wheel can feel like a treat on cold mornings, but for many drivers, it’s more of a novelty than a necessity. The feature adds to the overall cost of the vehicle and provides minimal practical benefit in mild climates. For brief periods of cold, a pair of gloves can achieve the same result. Most drivers can easily skip this luxury without noticing its absence.
Wireless Charging Pad
While the idea of a wireless charging pad sounds futuristic, it’s often less efficient than a standard cable. Wireless charging is generally slower and can generate extra heat, which isn’t great for your phone’s battery life. Not to mention, if your phone isn’t compatible, the pad becomes useless. For faster and more reliable charging, a cable does the job better.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
A head-up display projects important information onto the windshield, but for most drivers, it’s more of a luxury than a necessity. Your dashboard already provides this data, and a quick glance is all it takes to stay informed. Additionally, the display can be distracting or cluttered for some. Most people find that a well-designed dashboard eliminates the need for this expensive add-on.
Adaptive Suspension
Adaptive suspension systems can adjust to road conditions on the fly, but for most drivers, the improvement is barely noticeable. If you mainly drive on highways or city streets, standard suspension will handle the job just fine. The added complexity and cost of adaptive suspension usually outweigh any minor comfort gains. This feature is best reserved for those who frequently tackle off-road or uneven terrain.
Sport Mode
Sport mode is designed to enhance your SUV’s performance, but unless you frequently engage in high-speed driving, it’s not particularly useful. It often reduces fuel efficiency without delivering noticeable benefits for everyday use. Most drivers rarely use it after the initial novelty wears off. In practical terms, it’s an extra that many can easily skip.
Premium Sound System
While premium sound systems promise better audio quality, most drivers will hardly notice the difference during normal use. Unless you’re a serious audiophile, the standard sound system is more than adequate for daily driving. Aftermarket solutions also offer affordable upgrades if you really want to enhance your audio experience. For the average listener, the cost of an upgraded system isn’t justified.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting creates a stylish, high-end feel inside your SUV, but its benefits are purely aesthetic. It doesn’t improve driving or comfort, and can even become distracting, especially at night. For most people, it’s an extra that doesn’t add enough value to justify the additional cost. Skipping this feature is a simple way to save money without losing anything essential.
Power Folding Mirrors
Power folding mirrors are convenient in tight spaces, but in everyday driving, manually folding your mirrors works just as well. The feature adds to your vehicle’s overall complexity and introduces another potential mechanical failure point. For most drivers, the added cost and maintenance aren’t worth the minimal convenience. Unless you frequently park in narrow spots, manual mirrors are just fine.
Automatic High Beams
Automatic high beams might sound like a helpful tool, but they often don’t work as seamlessly as promised. They can be slow to react, leaving you momentarily blinding oncoming traffic. Given the added cost and occasional malfunctions, manually controlling your high beams is often the better choice. For most drivers, it’s an unnecessary feature that doesn’t improve the driving experience significantly.
Leather Upholstery
While leather seats add a touch of luxury to your SUV, they require more maintenance than cloth and can be uncomfortable in extreme temperatures. They tend to get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter unless paired with additional heating or cooling features. For most daily drivers, cloth seats are more practical and comfortable. Skipping leather upholstery can save money without sacrificing comfort.
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry is convenient, but it comes with its own set of security risks. Thieves have developed ways to intercept keyless entry signals, making your vehicle more vulnerable. Additionally, keyless entry systems are expensive to repair if they malfunction. A traditional key fob offers similar convenience without the added cost and risk.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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