Luxury SUV Test-Drive Checklist: Three Things to Look For

Luxury SUVs are gaining popularity these days. If you’re looking to buy one, it’s important to get a vehicle you like and trust. There are many different manufacturers to look at, and most dealerships will have a few options. It can be challenging to know which SUV is best for you. But there are a few things you can go over while taking a test drive that will help you make an informed decision.

Read more to see what you should keep in mind while taking your potential luxury SUV for a test drive.

First Impressions

You should notice luxury cues even before you start driving. As you climb in and shut the door, see if the door closes with a substantial, weighty clunk. Check how quiet the cabin is. Are the sounds from outside very loud? Poke and focus on the common touchpoints like the center console lid, the steering wheel, and the door armrest. Check beyond these points of contact too. Check if the headliner is plush, if it’s padded where your knee touches the center tunnel, and if the switchgear and buttons are firmly installed. What might seem like trivial details are actually an indication of the extent of the vehicle’s luxury. Since these vehicles are about indulgence, you should test and like how everything feels.

Get Comfortable

Since you’ll be spending lots of time in your seat, make sure to check if it’s comfortable. Determine if you can adjust it to a comfortable position, and see if the bolsters feel supportive without eating up space.

Additionally, check the second- and third-row seating to gauge how passengers will feel. If the SUV comes with massaging, cooled, or heated seats, try those features too.

Roll Out

Check if the luxurious ambiance of your potential vehicle continues even when you’re on the road. Wind or tire noise should be minimal, and its suspension should minimize road imperfections effectively. When choosing a car, it’s important to consider how the engine delivers power. Acceleration might not be a priority, but it should always be available. The transmission plays an important role in this; feel for quick downshifts when you want to increase the speed and smooth upshifts as you pull away.

Pay attention to braking. Ideally, your vehicle’s brakes should be able to stop the car with minimal jostling. Overall, your luxury SUV should drive with a confident, refined, and effortless demeanor.