Why Choose an SUV for Traveling Around Florida: Trendy or Practical?

Florida isn’t just about Miami beaches and shopping malls. It’s also thousands of miles of coastal highways, national parks, scenic routes through the Everglades, and family road trips to other cities. That leads to a fair question: can a regular sedan handle all of this as confidently as an SUV? Let’s find out.

Space and Comfort: It’s Not That Simple

At first glance, a sedan — especially a full-size one — seems just as spacious inside as an SUV. And yes, both can comfortably seat five passengers.
But once you factor in luggage, car seats, beach gear, and other travel necessities, compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Chevrolet Equinox clearly offer more flexibility.

Need even more room? Models like the Volkswagen Atlas, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Suburban step in. These are borderline between SUVs and minivans — offering plenty of space for larger families.

All-Wheel Drive: Pro or Con?

Many assume SUVs always come with all-wheel drive. But in Florida, that’s not necessarily a must-have.

No snow or icy roads here. And AWD means higher fuel consumption and more maintenance. That’s why many drivers go with front-wheel drive versions — more than enough, even in rainy conditions.

If you don’t plan on leaving the pavement but still want extra ground clearance and a higher seating position, consider a “soft-roader” like the Ford Escape or Volkswagen Tiguan. They strike a great balance between comfort, price, and efficiency.

Higher Driving Position and Better Visibility

One of the biggest advantages of an SUV is its higher seating position. It’s not just more comfortable — it gives you better visibility of the road, crosswalks, lane markings, and other vehicles. Especially helpful on unfamiliar roads or in city traffic.

On top of that, most SUVs are built on sturdier frames and include advanced safety features — from electronic driver aids to multiple airbags. It all adds up to a safer, calmer driving experience.

SUVs Look Solid — And That’s a Bonus

Some people choose SUVs not just for practicality, but for how they look. Full-size models feel powerful, confident, and upscale.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a classic American road presence — long, bold, and incredibly comfortable.

And the BMW X5 offers a premium vibe: sleek lines, responsive handling, and that unmistakable brand prestige.

If you want something that looks bold and expensive — SUVs can definitely deliver.

Worried About Fuel Economy? Hybrids and EVs Are Here

Think SUVs always mean high fuel costs and frequent fill-ups? Not anymore.
CarForLong offers a range of hybrid and fully electric SUVs that deliver surprising efficiency:

• MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid — compact, stylish, and capable of short electric-only trips.

• Audi Q5 Hybrid — premium feel with great fuel economy and performance balance.

• Ford Escape SE Hybrid — spacious and efficient, with sedan-level fuel usage.

• Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 — fully electric with refined design and solid range.

These models are the perfect middle ground between comfort, efficiency, and eco-conscious driving.

Bottom Line: Do You Need an SUV in Florida?

The short answer — not always, but in many cases, it just makes life easier. Especially if you:

• Travel with family or friends
• Plan longer road trips around Florida
• Need extra space for luggage
• Prefer a higher driving position and more confidence on the road

And sometimes — you just want to drive something big and beautiful.
With CarForLong, you can choose what suits you best — from a compact RAV4 to a commanding Suburban.

Pick the one that fits you: carforlong.com/car-rental/class/suv