Are you ready to buy a new SUV? Whether you're looking for a full-size or midsize SUV, you're probably worried about the size of the spare tire. After all, you don't want to be rolling around on a donut or stranded with no spare at all.
Many SUVs do not come equipped with full-size spare tires, and it's becoming more common for new vehicles not to have a spare at all. However, we have done the research for you and compiled a list of all SUVs with full-size spare tires. While there aren't any full-size SUVs on the list, it includes several excellent midsize choices.
- Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT
- Toyota RAV4 GX
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- All Land Rover Discovery Models
- Range Rover Sport
- Land Rover Defender 110
We've gathered additional information on each of the above vehicles. Now that you know your options, keep reading to help you narrow your search for the perfect SUV with a full-size spare tire, along with insight on why spares are important and more.
Midsize SUVs Equipped with Full-size Spare Tires
When purchasing a new vehicle, safety and preparedness are likely at the top of your list. That's why it's important to make sure you choose a vehicle with a proper spare tire and not one that has a donut or no spare at all. Not all versions have the full-size spare, but it is sometimes included on special editions.
Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT
Do you want an SUV but not the horrible gas mileage that typically comes with a full-size model? The Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT features an amazing 260 horsepower with 30 MPG on the highway. In addition to its full-size spare tire, it also comes with X-MODE All-Wheel Drive Symmetrical System and Hill Descent Control, giving you the best possible traction on muddy and slippery surfaces. With a seating capacity of five, you can load up your kids and head out for a day of family fun.
If you purchase a 2021 model, you'll get added security with its Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. Sensors on the vehicle let you know when you cross a line or get too close to another vehicle or object. Use the lane-centering feature to help you maintain control, and automatic braking can help prevent collisions. Check out all the great aspects of the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT here.
Toyota RAV4 GX
Are you looking for a vehicle that will fit your family's needs while also looking sporty and is able to go off-road? The Toyota RAV4 GX does just that. It holds five people and has plenty of leg and cargo space. The full-size spare does take up a little extra room, but you'll still have plenty of space and peace of mind.
You can choose either the petrol/hybrid 2WD or electric AWD. The Toyota RAV4 GX, like the Subaru Outback, also has an extra measure of safety. With Toyota Safety Sense, you'll get pedestrian and cyclist alerts as well as lane departure alerts. Take a look at all the details here.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Sometimes five seats just aren't enough. Maybe you have a big family, or maybe you always have a few extra kids around. No matter the reason, the Outlander can seat up to seven people. You won't sacrifice mileage either. With 31 MPG highway and 24 MPG city, you can spend more time going to ball games and ballet recitals and less time filling up your gas tank.
Have you ever brake-checked someone for following too closely? If you choose the new Mitsubishi Outlander, you won't have to brake-check drivers anymore because the SUV will do it for you. It has a sensor on the back that will alert the system if someone is too close. The vehicle uses Rear Automatic Emergency Braking to send out an audible warning to the other driver.
During long road trips, it can be difficult to stay awake. The Outlander keeps track of your driving patterns, deploying a warning sound to wake you up if it appears that you may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. You can check out all aspects of the Mitsubishi Outlander here.
Land Rover Discovery
All Land Rover Discovery models are equipped with full-size spare tires. The Discovery Sport is another excellent choice for families looking for extra seating. With 5+2 seating, you can fold the third row down when it's not in use. Unlike other third-row seats, this one folds completely into the boot floor, adding to the SUVs functionality. It offers an outstanding 33 MPG highway and 26 MPG city. You can choose either the 4WD option or the AWD, depending on your needs and preference.
Do you have a tendency to speed? Traffic tickets can get really expensive, and Land Rover understands this. Not only is speeding illegal, but it's also dangerous. Land Rover is here to help with its Traffic Sign Recognition Technology and its Adaptive Speed Limiter. When the Discovery detects a speed limit sign and you are going beyond the maximum speed, it will automatically slow down, protecting you from fines and potential crashes. Learn more about the Land Rover Discovery's capabilities here.
Range Rover Sport
Have you ever seen an SUV with only four passenger seats? While the Range Rover Sport only holds four people, that's not the wow factor of the vehicle. The optional third-row seat folds completely down, allowing for extra storage space when only one or two seats are needed. Therefore, if you're finally going on that romantic getaway with your significant other, you can trade the kids' seats for extra luggage capacity.
One really cool feature of the Range Rover Sport is the optional Activity Key. Have you ever been to a water park or somewhere else where you really didn't want to take your keys with you? Now, you can leave your keys in the car. That's right! With the Activity Band, you can leave your keys in the vehicle and wear the waterproof band which allows you to unlock your SUV. Learn more about this cool feature here.
Land Rover Defender 110
The Land Rover Defender 110 comes with a side-hinged tailgate and AWD. Its 5+2 third row seating allows for extra passengers. Ensure that you and your family make it safely to your door upon arrival with Follow Me Home Lighting that shines a path after the car doors have been locked. Hill Launch Assist and Terrain Response make this the perfect SUV for taking less traveled paths. Have a look for yourself here.
Before purchasing, you may want to read this blog post to find out which SUVs have plenty of towing capacity. Once you buy your new ride, find out how long it will take to get your new license plate here.
Why Do New Cars Not Have Spare Tires?
While you were searching for SUVs with full size spare tires, you may have noticed that most new cars don't come with spares. You are probably wondering why, and we asked the same question. This is what we found - vehicle production companies are under a lot of pressure to produce cars that get better gas mileage. Because extra weight means less miles per gallon, their solution is to lighten the vehicle by leaving out the heavy spare tire and jack. Instead, many auto dealers are equipping their cars with tire repair kits.
Do You Really Need a Spare Tire?
Do you really need that spare tire? What are the odds of you having a flat anyway? You may be able to ride around without a backup for a while, but at some point, you will likely need a spare. What about the tire repair kit? The reality is that not all flats can be repaired with Fix-a-Flat and tire patches. Therefore, don't skip the spare. It's better to be prepared and get less gas mileage than to be stranded on the side of the road.
What Should I do if My Vehicle Doesn't Have a Spare Tire?
If you have purchased a vehicle that didn't come with a spare tire, don't panic. For many SUVs, there is an option to add a spare tire rack to either the back of the vehicle, such as those you see on Jeep Wranglers, or on the underside. You can purchase this kit along with a full-size spare tire, so you can be ready for emergencies. If your car doesn't have this option, you can purchase a donut or full-size spare and keep it in your car at all times.
What is the Difference Between a Donut and a Spare Tire?
Technically, a donut is a spare tire. However, a donut is only a temporary spare. Donuts are much smaller than full-size spares, which are the same size as the other tires on your vehicle. As long as your full-size spare matches the rest of your tires, you can drive on it indefinitely. With a donut, however, you will need to get your full-size tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible because you cannot get very far on the donut without messing up your car.
How Much Does a Spare Tire Cost?
Spares, just like normal tires, vary greatly in price. You can purchase a full-size replica of your current tires, but make sure to get it put on a rim. This should cost the same as your other tires. You can also buy a cheaper spare that is the same size as your other wheels. You should be able to do this for as little as $100. However, you will only be able to drive on it for a short time. If you wish to purchase a donut for your SUV, it is possible to get one for as low as $50, depending on brand, style, and size.
Summary
It's becoming more and more popular for automakers to leave out the spare tire. However, the above SUVs not only contain spare tires but they are full-size spares. Before making the decision to skip it altogether, you should heavily weigh the pros and cons. Not all flats are fixable with repair kits. Ultimately, just choose the SUV and spare that is best for you and your family.
I outfitted my Subaru Impreza with a full-size spare. Stowing it in the spare tire compartment required me to elevate the cargo floor about 3″ with foam inserts, sacrificing a bit of cargo space overall. I expect this solution would work the same with a Crosstrek.
For my driving style, a full size spare is essential. I do a lot of cross-country driving, where one leg of a trip could be as much as 700 miles and at times I could be hundreds of miles from a town where I could expect to get a replacement tire in the event of a flat.
Most donuts are limited to 50mph with a range of 70 to 100 miles (so they’re useless), and you can’t even install them on the front of the Subaru, so if you have a front flat, you have to change TWO tires… remove a good rear tire and install the donut on it. Remove the flat front tire and install the good rear tire on it.
It’s a joke.
Jeeps come with a full size spare tire.
@Rick H, I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. I bought it new. That did not come with a spare tire. I’m wondering how you can say all jeeps come with spare tires?