SUV buyers today are presented with an array of dealer-installed accessories, packaged features, and options to choose from. While one might be tempted to grab them all, it is important to understand what are the must-have SUV features that buyers should look for.

1. Safety features

• Automatic emergency braking
  The SUV you’re looking to buy should have automatic emergency braking where the system applies the brakes on its own for reducing the force of an unavoidable impact or for preventing collisions when it senses vehicles in its way. Such systems should also include pedestrian detection.
• Forward collision warning
  This system gives drivers an audible and/or visual warning that a collision could be imminent.
• Blindspot alert
  SUVs have huge blindspots, so this feature is important as it gives drivers an audible and/or visual warning that a vehicle is alongside the SUV in a blindspot.
• Automatic high beams
  This SUV feature makes driving safer, automatically turning the high beams on when there’s no oncoming vehicular traffic and switching back to low beams as soon as traffic appears to not blind oncoming drivers.
• Rear cross-traffic warning
  The commonest accidents with SUVs happen when the car is being reversed. This system notifies the driver when the sensors detect an object that is not in the camera range approaching the SUV from behind when the car is in reverse.

2. Convenience features

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  Drivers will find it easier to navigate the SUV’s infotainment system with these familiar smartphone interfaces, encouraging them to not use their smartphones and focus on driving.
• Knobs for audio and climate systems
  Physical knobs for audio and climate control systems are much better than touch-sensitive ones which are distracting and tedious, especially while driving.
• 360-degree surround-view camera systems
  SUVs are huge in size, so a good view of the surroundings is required while driving, especially while reversing. A 360-degree surround-view camera system is a great SUV feature as it offers drivers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making driving and parking easier.
• Auto-dimming mirrors
  Auto dimming mirrors help prevent the driver from getting distracted and/or blinded from the bright lights flashed on the rearview mirror. When the mirrors sense the light, they will automatically darken to prevent the glare from distracting the driver.
• Seats with lumbar support
  Driving an SUV isn’t easy as it is a powerful vehicle. The driver’s seat in an SUV should be high as well as have flexible lumbar support, which could help them get a comfortable driving position.
• Keyless entry
  Most people use SUVs either if they have a large family with kids and/or they need to haul many things in the vehicle. Keyless entries are a blessing in such cases, with the car unlocking when it senses that the fob is somewhere nearby without the driver having to press any buttons. It’s a nifty way to lock/unlock vehicles.