Who doesn’t want to be behind the wheel of a brand-new luxury SUV? Whether you’re looking to replace your current vehicle or are in the market for your first SUV, it’s important that you thoroughly test-drive a luxury SUV before committing. Here are some must-haves for your checklist.
Appearance and Comfort
Even before you start driving, you should be able to detect signs of luxury. Does the SUV have a light display or puddle lights to welcome you? Open and close the door. Does it close with a loud, solid thunk? Check the cabin’s noise level. How loud are the external sounds? Assess the areas you touch the most, such as the steering wheel, door armrests, and center console lid. Go beyond usual touchpoints as well, though.
Where your knee meets the center tunnel, is it padded? Do the switches and buttons seem firmly installed? The headliner, is it soft? Do the bolsters seem roomy and sturdy? Next, move to the second and third rows to assess how comfortable the passenger seats are. Additionally, if the SUV has heated, cooled, or massager seats, test those features to determine if they work efficiently.
Power and Responsiveness
When you drive a luxury SUV, you should feel confident and in control. Is it smooth on bumpy roads and quiet inside? Pay attention to how power is delivered. The acceleration shouldn’t be sluggish, and you should feel quick responses when you press the accelerator pedal. To achieve a smooth ride, look for a transmission with well-timed upshifts and quick downshifts. Braking is also important. The vehicle should stop quickly without jolting passengers.
Tech Features
When buying a luxury SUV, you want to be sure the technology inside is just as impressive as the vehicle itself. Check out the infotainment system and see if it’s intuitive and easy to use while driving—it should also be compatible with your smartphone. Premium sound systems are standard in luxury SUVs, so play some of your favorite tunes to hear how good they sound. Parking cameras and 360-degree views of the lot help you avoid curbing your wheels. Some cars even have semi-autonomous parking aids that can park for you, so try that on your test drive.
