Electric Vs. Gas-Powered SUVs: Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Garage?

Deciding on your next SUV isn’t as easy as it used to be. Gone are the days when you’d simply select the coolest-looking ride and be done with it. Now, you have a new question to address: Electric or gas-powered?

Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice is a matter of lifestyle, budget, and priorities. But fear not—we’re here to simplify it all for you, served up in an easy way. Get ready because we are jumping into the world of electric and gas-powered SUVs!

Why SUVs? Let’s Talk Popularity

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of electric vs. gas, let’s briefly discuss why SUVs are so popular. SUVs are like the Swiss Army knives of the automotive world—they’re versatile, spacious, and ready for anything. An SUV is reliable whether you're transporting kids to soccer practice, embarking on a weekend camping trip, or simply cruising around town.

But now, with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), SUVs are getting a high-tech makeover. So, which one should you choose?

Electric SUVs: The Future Is Here

What Makes Electric SUVs So Cool?

Electric SUVs are gaining popularity due to their sleek, modern design and constant innovation. Here's the reason they're gaining attention:

Zero Emissions: Electric SUVs draw power from batteries, so they have no tailpipe emissions. If you’re eco-minded, this is a big win.

Instant Torque: Electric motors provide immediate power, meaning you get that gratifying “zoom” sensation when you press the pedal.

Lower Operating Costs: Charging up an EV can be considerably cheaper than filling up a gas tank, and electric vehicles require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.

Tech Galore: Electric SUVs tend to be loaded with the latest tech features, such as huge touchscreens, advanced driver-assistance systems, and over-the-air software updates.

The Challenges of Going Electric

Of course, electric SUVs aren’t perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Range Anxiety: Despite better EV ranges, running out of juice on long road trips is still a concern for some drivers.

Charging Infrastructure: Finding a charging station might not always be easy, depending on where you live.

Upfront Cost: Electric SUVs generally have a higher sticker price than their gas equivalents, but incentives and lower operating costs can help offset this.

Re-fueling Time: Filling a gas tank takes minutes, while charging an EV can take 30 minutes or several hours, depending on the charger.

Introducing the Stars of the Electric SUV World

Tesla Model Y: The rock star of electric SUVs, with absurdly fast acceleration and archaic-in-the-best-way interior decor.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: Sporty and stylish, the Mach-E proves EVs can be both fun and functional.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Built with retro-cool styling and ultra-fast charging, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

Rivian R1S: Designed for adventurers, this rugged EV can take on off-road trails like a pro.

Gas-Powered SUVs: The Tried-and-True Option

Why Gas-Powered SUVs Still Rule the Road

Gas-powered SUVs date back decades and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here’s why they remain a good bet:

Proven Reliability: Gas engines have been developed for over 100 years, so you know what you’re getting.

Feeding Convenience: Gas stations are ubiquitous; filling up only takes a few minutes.

Towing and Hauling: Tons of muscle—most gas-powered SUVs have it to spare, so you can tow a trailer or haul heavy loads with relative ease.

Lower Upfront Cost: Gas SUVs are generally more affordable than electric ones.

The Downsides of Gas-Powered SUVs

While gas-powered SUVs have their perks, they’re not without their drawbacks:

Fuel Costs: Gas prices can be unpredictable, and filling up can get expensive over time.

Environmental Impact: Gas engines produce emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

Maintenance: Gas-powered vehicles have more moving parts, which means more opportunities for things to break down.

Noise and Vibration: Gas engines can be louder and less smooth than electric motors.

Worse Depreciation: As EVs gain popularity, gas-powered SUVs may depreciate.

Introducing the Stars of Gas-Powered SUVs 

Toyota RAV4: A reliable, fuel-efficient choice for families and commuters alike.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: New advice, rugged, stylish, and ready for off-road adventures.

Honda CR-V: Ample room for both passengers and cargo, practical, comfortable.

Ford Explorer: This SUV has three rows of seats and is ideal for larger families or anyone who needs extra seats.

Power and Performance: Who’s Got the Edge?

Electric SUVs: Instant Torque, Smooth Acceleration

Have you ever driven a vehicle that feels like teleports when you hit the pedal? That’s an electric SUV. EVs don’t have traditional transmissions, so there’s no lag, no revs, but just immediate acceleration.

Want proof? Tesla Model X Plaid: 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. This is the realm of supercars, a feat made possible by the power of electric motors.

Also, electric SUVs drive quietly, as in whisper quiet. For those who love that smooth, futuristic feeling of an EV driving experience, an EV is tough to top.

Gas-Powered SUVs: That Classic Grit and Growl

On the other hand, gas-powered SUVs bring the drama. The deep, rumbling exhaust note, the sensation of a combustion engine rumbling to life—there’s something visceral about piloting a powerful gas SUV.

Gas-powered SUVs continue to excel in towing and off-road power. A Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe will tow well over 8,000 pounds, while even the best electric SUVs will lose range and power while towing, making that kind of job a challenge.

If you want muscle, gas-powered SUVs still have their place.

Winner: Electric SUVs for speed and smoothness, gas-powered SUVs for towing and off-road grunt.

Cost: What’s the Better Long-Term Investment?

Electric SUVs: Higher Upfront Cost, Cheaper in the Long Run

Electric vehicles tend to have a higher sticker price but compensate with lower running costs.

No Gas Expenses: Charging at home costs much less per mile.

Less Maintenance: No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and fewer trips to the mechanic.

Tax Incentives: Many governments offer tax credits and rebates to make EVs more appealing.

Still, it’s worth mentioning that EV batteries degrade over time and can be costly to replace. Most will last 100,000 to 200,000 miles, but a new battery could set you back thousands once the warranty is up.

Gas SUVs: Cheaper Upfront, But the Pump Will Hurt

Gas-powered SUVs typically cost less upfront, and many used options are available. But here’s the catch:

Fuel Costs are High: The average SUV driver spends thousands yearly on gas.

More Maintenance: Oil changes, transmission problems, exhaust systems—it all adds up.

Winner: Electric SUVs for long-term savings, gas-powered SUVs for short-term affordability.

Range and Convenience: Is EV Charging a Dealbreaker?

Electric SUVs: Charging Takes Time, But It’s Getting Better

Range anxiety is real. Even with the best electric SUVs available today, you’re talking 250-350 miles per charge. The real issue? Charging infrastructure. A home charge (Level 2 charger) is a 6-12 hour affair. Fast chargers (DC fast charging) will give you 80% in 30-40 minutes, but you can’t find them at gas stations.

For city drivers, who can charge at home? No problem.

For off-road trippers or people who don’t have home chargers? It’s a challenge.

Gas SUVs: Fill Up in 5 Minutes and Keep Rolling

This is where traditional, gas-powered SUVs win. You can pull off the road at any gas station and be back on the road five minutes later—no apps, no planning, no waiting.

Gas-powered SUVs still provide convenience for long-haul drivers, off-roaders, and rural dwellers.

Winner: Gas SUVs are for convenience, and electric SUVs are available if you have a home charger.

Environmental Impact: Which One’s the Greener Choice?

There is no debate here—electric SUVs are better for the environment.

Electric SUVs: Zero Tailpipe Emissions, But…

EVs significantly reduce pollution because they don't emit any emissions while driving.

However, battery production has an environmental cost. Mining lithium, cobalt, and nickel requires energy and resources. But overall, an electric SUV still has a much lower lifetime carbon footprint than a gas-powered SUV.

Gas SUVs: Fossil Fuels Take a Toll

Burning gasoline produces CO2, contributing to climate change. Even the most fuel-efficient gas-powered SUVs emit more pollution over their lifespan than an EV.

Winner: Electric SUVs (but with some battery production concerns)

The Middle Ground: Hybrid SUVs

Hybrid SUVs offer a compromise between electric and gas vehicles. These vehicles combine a gas engine and an electric motor to provide a balanced solution.

Types of Hybrid Cars

Regular Hybrids: Use gas and electric power to increase gas mileage.

Plug-In Hybrids: They can drive short distances on electric power before switching to gas, offering the versatility of an EV with the range of a traditional gas-powered SUV.

So… Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s the deal: both electric and gas-powered SUVs have their place.

Go Electric If:

• You primarily drive in the city or have a home charger.

• You want instant torque, a smooth ride, and lower running costs.

• You care about sustainability and reducing emissions.

Stick With Gas If:

• You take long road trips and don’t want to deal with charging.

• You tow heavy loads or go off-road often.

• You want a lower upfront cost and don’t mind fuel expenses.

An electric SUV is a future-proof choice if you can handle charging. But for now, gas-powered SUVs still offer unbeatable range and convenience.

How Does Pedal Commander Enhance Gas-Powered SUVs or Electric Vehicles? 

Customizability and User Control

Pedal Commander leads the game in accelerator control technology among all available options. Among the key advantageous features, it comes with fully customizable settings. You can adjust the throttle sensitivity precisely to your driving style. The Pedal Commander has four driving modes: Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+ for gas powered vehicles, and Range+, City, Dynamic, and Hyper for EVs. Each mode fits for a particular driving situation. What separates the Pedal Commander from similar units is that each mode has nine additional settings to adjust throttle sensitivity, meaning there are 36 ways to customize your SUV's performance.

Eco or Range+ Mode is ideal for those seeking extra efficiency. The throttle response is toned down to encourage smoother, more linear acceleration or save some range where possible. This mode is primarily useful on long road trips or city driving, where fuel savings or extending the range over time can rack up quite a bit.

On the other hand, Sport+ or Hyper modes offer aggressive, high-performance drive with an instant response at the slightest touch of the accelerator. The wide range of settings in between allows drivers to find their perfect balance, whether they prefer a more relaxed or more intense driving experience.

Pedal Commander also offers an Anti-theft mode, a simple but effective vehicle security feature. When anti-theft mode is activated, the SUV’s pedal response is entirely disabled so the vehicle won't respond to inputs from the accelerator pedal.

DIY Installation and Compatibility

The Pedal Commander surpasses its competitors in ease of installation. Thanks to the plug-and-play design, installation will take less than 15 minutes and won't require any special tools or even professional installation. That is one of the many reasons the Pedal Commander gained such popularity with car enthusiasts and casual drivers.

In addition to being user-friendly, Pedal Commander is compatible with over 7,000 vehicle models, including a wide range of vehicles, trucks, and gas-powered SUVs.

Seamless Connectivity with Bluetooth

In today's tech-driven world, Bluetooth connectivity has become almost obligatory in every electronic upgrade part, and Pedal Commander delivers on this front. The Pedal Commander app enables users to change settings on their smartphones—whether Android or iOS. In this respect, it does provide a whole new dimension of ease concerning user comfort and convenience. It allows you to switch between Pedal Commander’s driving modes with only a few touches while driving or fine-tuning settings without reaching the Pedal Commander controller.

Reversible and Safe

Want to go back to the original settings? Just unplug the Pedal Commander. It won’t void your warranty or harm your vehicle’s electronics.

Ready to Elevate Your Drive with Pedal Commander?

If acceleration is your priority, the Pedal Commander is the perfect way to enhance your SUV’s performance. It's a low-cost, easy-to-use upgrade that delivers immediate results. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily driver, this device will make every ride more exciting.

So, what are you waiting for? Pedal Commander gives you immediate throttle control so you can jump off the line and feel the power of quicker acceleration. If you want gas-powered SUVs or EV upgrades, don’t forget to check out Pedal Commander. Head here to find the right Pedal Commander unit for your SUV and experience next-level driving!