How do you choose a new car that’s great for off-roading but also suitable for your commute to work? Even the most dedicated off-roaders often need to drive around a city on smooth, tarmacked roads. Unless you live in a rural or remote area where there are few finished roads, you need a car that can do both. Some SUVs and all-wheel-drive vehicles may seem too bulky for driving around a city, and they might not have good fuel economy, either. So what should you be looking for if you want a car that you can take off-road but is also a good choice for when you’re on the straight and narrow?

 

Keep It Small

 

When you’re driving around a city or another urbanized area, you might not want to be driving a particularly large vehicle. It can make it difficult to get around some obstacles or access certain roads and areas. It also might mean that you’re not very well-liked by other drivers on the road in some places. A smaller vehicle can be just as good for off-roading while still being easy to handle when you’re driving to work, picking up groceries, or doing any of your other usual activities.

 

Take a Look at Fuel Economy

 

In the past, many SUVs and off-road vehicles were gas-guzzling monsters. But huge improvements have been made in fuel economy, which is excellent for the environment and also for your wallet. Fuel economy is an important thing to look at if you want a car that’s not just for off-road adventures but also for your daily commute or other regular trips. Any car that you’re going to be driving a lot needs to offer you value for money, and you don’t want to spend too much on fuel. Look for cars that offer good fuel economy whether they’re on smooth roads or rougher terrain.

 

 

Pick a 4×4

 

A 4×4 is a great choice if you really want to focus on off-road features. You’ll get more off-roading capability by choosing an all-wheel-drive, rather than selecting a standard SUV which might not be a 4×4. You can find a broad range of options from dealers like Norristown CDJR so that you have your pick of 4x4s. You’ll be able to handle slippery tracks and mud, but you’ll also have a car that’s capable of handling normal roads too. You get a sturdy car that’s practical and suitable for different aspects of your life.

 

Buy a Powerful Engine

 

Of course, you’re going to need some power in your engine to get you around town and to get you over difficult terrain too. Even when you choose a smaller vehicle and you’re focusing on fuel economy, you can still get plenty of power from your engine. There’s a lot of choice if you’re looking for a car that can handle city driving and off-roading, giving you enough power and performance to handle both. With different trim levels and upgrades available, you can often choose a more powerful engine too, allowing you to step things up if the standard model doesn’t offer enough power for you.

 

Look for a Roomy Interior

 

Having a lot of space in your vehicle is beneficial for both the everyday and for when you want to drive off-road. Even if you choose a smaller vehicle, you can still get plenty of space in the interior to use as you need it. When you’re going off-road, you might want to pack up gear for camping or other equipment, so having that space is essential. When you’re driving around town, you might need that space for your kids, your pets, or anything you might need to transport or take with you to work or elsewhere.

 

Choose a Decent Entertainment System

 

Wherever you’re going and no matter what sort of roads, paths, or trails you’re driving on, you want to be entertained. Driving off-road can be entertainment on its own, so perhaps you choose not to listen to music so often. However, if you get bored during your commute or you have kids in the back who need to be entertained, it’s important to have that entertainment system in place. Fortunately, most modern cars have decent entertainment systems. Of course, if you want something that’s particularly fancy, you always have the option to upgrade too.

 

 

Make Sure You’re Comfortable

 

Comfort is key when you’re driving too, both for you and your passengers. You don’t want to feel every bump and shock, and you don’t want to be too hot or too cold. Some of the most important elements to consider are suspension, seats, and the air conditioning and heating. These things will keep you comfortable, whether you’re sat in traffic in the morning or riding over a dirt track. Your car’s interior doesn’t have to be luxurious, but it should offer you all of the comforts that you need.

 

Focus on Handling and Maneuverability

 

Of course, your car needs to handle well, no matter what type of surface you’re driving on. You need to be able to turn corners on narrow streets or overtake another car, while also being able to handle your car well when you’re off-road. As well as looking at reviews for cars when you’re shopping, make sure you take a test drive when you can to really get a feel for how a car handles and how it feels to you.

 

Don’t Neglect Looks

 

While the performance of your car is important, there’s no shame in caring about looks. You might not care so much when you’re off-road and getting muddy, but looks can matter a little more when you’re commuting to work or driving around the city. You’ll find a broad range of different styles if you’re looking for an SUV or 4×4 that’s suitable both for off-roading and everyday driving.

 

You don’t have to choose a vehicle that’s best-suited to either off-roading or city driving. Look for the right factors to balance out your needs and you’ll be able to choose the best car to meet them.

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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