First time driving an SUV?

I have always driven cars, and have never driven an SUV. I have had 3 front wheel drive cars, 2 of them sedans, and one of them a coupe. Currently, I drive a rear wheel drive mustang. I just purchased a Jeep Liberty with 4 wheel drive, and have no idea how to drive it? Can anyone tell me if driving an SUV is that much different than driving a car, or in my case, a mustang? If y'all do think it's alot different, can someone please give me some tips on how to handle a larger 4 wheel drive vehicle? Thank you!
Additional Details
I am originally from Detriot, when I first purchased my Mustang, so I am used to snow. Currently, I live in Southern Mississippi and this Jeep has never seen snow. In December we are moving to northern South Dakota and there WILL be alot of snow.

The other people gave appropriate answers. The only additional bit of advice is driving in snowy weather. Not sure where your climate is but I am in northern Ohio and we tend to have a higher number of SUV four wheel drive vehicles involved in crashes because the drivers overestimate their capabilities. Yes four wheel drive allows you to accelerate faster but do not allow you to brake any quicker and because you might be heavier than a car you will not stop as fast as a smaller vehicle under the same conditions. Congratulations on your Jeep purchase.

Uh Huh

Corner slower. The Lib's not much bigger than the 'Stang in overall footprint. It seems bigger because you're not sitting an inch from the roadway.
The Liberty's got a higher center of gravity and if you corner really hard, you'll feel some body roll. Also, over chooppy roads, potholes, washboardy gravel, you will find it tends to dance around a bit and get a bit unruly. This is due to the more ballooney tires and the stiffer suspension.

Good luck

UCANTCME

Remember that a SUV is not a small car. Do not drive it like one. Drive carefully and wear your seatbelt.

Drive slower than you normally would, and remember that due to the SUV's height, it feels like you are moving slow.

Avoid sudden and quick steering changes. The high center of gravity makes SUV's prone to flipping when taking a corner too quickly.

Cargo and/or passengers further raise the center of gravity, so drive even slower when you have passengers. Do not carry too much weight.

Always avoid passing vehicles or changing lanes around curves.

Maintain the desired manufactured tire pressure. Lack of proper tire pressure can lead to blowouts.

Have your vehicle serviced monthly and pay special attention to the tires.

Driving at a high speed for an extended period of time is a common reason for heat related tire failure.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: