NEW YORK (WABC) -- In a rough and tumble driving world, buyers have been turning to the bigger muscle offered by trucks and SUVs, but new and varied models are now offering important safety features and fuel economy to meet those demands.
Consumer Reports director of auto testing Jake Fisher took a walk around the New York International Auto Show to offer a look at what you might consider if you're looking for one of these vehicles.
"This is the RAM 1500, econo-diesel," he said. "This is a first in the industry. This is the only one that has a six cylinder under the hood...We got 20 miles to the gallon in our testing, both city and highway...not only is it really roomy up front, the rear seats huge and roomy. Lots of room in the bed. Lots of utility too."
Like many of the sedan models across different price points, trucks and SUVs also now include many new safety features, like the Jeep Cherokee.
"This is a not a high-line expensive luxurious car, but you can get all those safety features in a car like this," Fisher said. "It has crash mitigation and crash detection, so what that means is that when you are going down the road and if the car senses you are closing in on the car in front you, it will let you know, and it will even apply the brakes.
It also has an additional feature that could help you avoid accidents.
"This is the lane departure warning," Fisher said. "Actually a situation where it will sense the lanes and actively, which will steer the vehicle and stay within those lanes...The cars that do have these features do save more lives."
There is also a line of smaller SUVs growing in popularity for their sporty styling, like the Mazda CX5.
"This one really does drive like a sports car, it's really fun to drive," Fisher said. "You get really good fuel economy too. We got 25 miles to the gallon in our testing. As a vehicle with that kind of utility, that's not bad."
And those safety features are also available on smaller SUVs.
"You can get that in a variety of manufacturers," Fisher said. "If you're looking for something sporty, you may want to check (the Mazda) out, but there are lots and lots of them available."
The Mazda is sporty and nimble, while the Jeep Cherokee comes with safety and styling. And the RAM truck is still brawny, but also economical. Buyers have many choices when it comes to SUVs and trucks.
For more on the safety features in SUVs and trucks, visit ConsumerReports.org/.