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Everytime your SUV hits the road, it’s vulnerable to damage. In fact, even when it’s parked, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get dinged, scratched, or watermarked. The best SUV covers enable you to protect your ride against the elements. Instead of scratching the paint when woodworking in your garage, an cover stops the damage. Parking outdoors? Going on vacation? Not only will SUV covers ensure that your ride’s paint and windshields aren’t vulnerable to hail, dust, and ultraviolet radiation, but they are also a deterrent against thieves.
The best SUV covers offer ample protection for the exterior of your ride. It’s no secret that SUV covers are critical for medium- to long-term parking, there is also no shortage of options. Coming in a host of colors, materials, and shapes, it can be tricky to find the right fit. To simplify the process, we’ve detailed the best SUV covers on the market, along with everything you need to know about picking the best option.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Autsop SUV Car Cover
- Best Value: Novashion Universal SUV Cover
- Best Heavy-Duty: Car Covers Platinum Shield SUV Cover
- Easiest Maintenance: Day to Day Imports Executive SUV Cover
- Best for Garage Parking: Car Covers Satin Shield SUV Cover
Best SUV Covers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Autsop SUV Car Cover
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof design keeps elements out
- Access hatches to doors and windows
Cons
- Not the best fitment
Parking outdoors while prepping for precipitation? Check out the Autsop SUV Car Cover for its lightweight design balanced with tough function. It is built to resist all types of damage, thanks to the six layers of textile. Complete with zippers to allow access to the hood and the windows, this cover is surely worth a look. Entirely waterproof, it is thick enough to prevent hail damage or debris from the wind. It is built to fit SUVs between 193 and 200 inches long, making it compatible with most common rides. The silver color reflects the sunlight, keeping the car cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. In fact, the rainproof fabric is also flame-resistant and features anti-freeze technology. Equally as easy to install and store, this waterproof cover is handy for both indoor and outdoor parking.
It warrants a mention that, though the cover is purportedly universal, the placement of zippers and side view window protrusions relies on you picking the best-suited model. You can find a fit for any SUV size and design, but be sure to check the specs before you pull the trigger.
Best Value: Novashion Universal SUV Cover
Pros
- Affordable
- Protects against scratches and sunlight
Cons
- Not waterproof or water-resistant
- Works better for outdoor parking in arid areas
Protecting your SUV is supposed to save you from expensive body work, and the Novashion Universal SUV Cover lets you do exactly that. Not only does it come at an affordable price point, but the accommodating design also enables it to fit on just about any SUV. Whether your ride is classed as a standard or XXL model, this cover fits the bill. Bold silver in color, it reflects the sun’s rays. It not only adds to UV resistance, but it also offers a level of thermal control. The SUV cover is made out of 190T polyester, a hardy material that remains sturdy despite exposure to the elements. Infused with aluminum, it is meant to remain breathable while offering protection against scratches, dust, and smaller-scale hail. Lightweight and easy to set up, you can remove it in a jiffy, rolling it into a compact structure to store in between uses.
It’s worth a note that, because of the material, it can be a bit tricky to wash and dry the cover. The best approach is to hose it off and leave it to hang-dry on a clothesline. A machine dryer will damage the cover quickly, so be sure to keep it old-school when doing upkeep.
Best Heavy-Duty: Car Covers Platinum Shield SUV Cover
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maintain
- Completely waterproof
- Silver color repels sun’s rays
Cons
- Vehicle-specific design (with many available options
- Aluminum is vulnerable to heat and cold fluctuations, speeding wear and tear
Complete with a lifetime warranty, the Car Covers Platinum Shield SUV Cover is equipped to protect your ride against any potential damage. For starters, it comes with reinforced grommets to deter theft. The reflective silver design adds thermal regulation while the cable and lock prevents issues with wind. This cover is entirely waterproof and extremely sturdy. The tightly woven textile is entirely waterproof, preventing pesky stains and watermarks. Treated for UV protection, the cover itself is hardy against dirt and debris without being too heavy. Standing out for its ability to withstand both heat and cold, this SUV cover is a great pick for intense climates. Whether your area is prone to heat waves or hurricanes, this premium cover can offer the protection you need.
Bear in mind that, though this is one of the best-reputed and most durable options, it is also one of the more expensive models. However, the durability means you can use it for longer, so the value does equivocate.
Best Value Runner-Up: Coleman Executive SUV Cover
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Includes storage bag and repair patch
Cons
- Poor durability
If your priority in getting an SUV cover is to save money while protecting, the Coleman Executive SUV Cover is definitely worth checking out. Meant to fit SUVs up to 170 inches, it offers potent security against everything from wind to rain. It is effective whether used indoors or outdoors, thanks largely to its ability to withstand extreme heat and cold. The set also comes with a repair patch. By including a storage bag and affixing cord, this set gives you everything necessary to protect the car. Not only is the waterproof cover easy to clean, but it also prevents wear and tear to the paint on your ride. Since it’s so lightweight, you can simply whip it off the ride, tuck it in the carry bag, and store it for next time.
Of course, nothing is perfect. When it comes to the textile itself, the vulnerability to tears and rips leaves something to be desired. Even the included patch can’t make up for the durability concerns of many.
Best for Garage Parking: Car Covers Satin Shield SUV Cover
Pros
- Excellent warranty
- Perfect fit
- High durability
Cons
- Not intended for outdoor use
With an impressive 10-year warranty, the Car Covers Satin Shield SUV Cover is a great way to go. It stands out for the soft satin material. Meant to be gentle on even the most vulnerable paint jobs, this cover keeps your SUV looking its best. The main idea is to prevent the buildup of dust, a material that can cause damage to the clear coat finishing on your SUV. In terms of the design, it provides full coverage that fits snugly onto the body of your ride. Thanks to the elastic hems at the front and rear, it holds firmly in place. The satin is flexible enough to get a proper fit on the ride while remaining durable against snags. Thanks to the double stitching on the seams, this SUV cover is a fantastic way to protect your ride long-term.
There is a clear downside to this SUV cover: It isn’t meant for outdoor use. It protects against the bumps and bruises of garage storage. The cover won’t let dust build up while you’re on vacation. However, it won’t protect against outdoor elements. Pick this option when your precious vehicle is going into cold storage for the season.
The Verdict
After careful review of all the top contenders, we’ve settled on the Autsop SUV car cover as the best SUV cover around. It balances strength with price, protecting against all types of potential damage. Need something on a budget? The Novashion Universal SUV Cover is a great way to go. It protects your pocketbook and saves you down the line on bodywork.
The best SUV cover is meant to fit like a glove and protect your SUV long-term. Has your cover ever saved you from disaster? Tell us your near-misses or coverless SUV horror stories in the comments below — we’ve got you covered.
What to Look for When Shopping for SUV Covers
Types of SUV Covers
Outdoor Covers
When it comes to SUV covers, there are two key types. The most popular, due largely to their resilience, are outdoor covers. These are made with multiple layers, built to weather environmental damage rather than dust. Used to protect against hail damage, water stains, and dings, these covers are usually made with polymer paired with a metal like aluminum. Look for 75D polyester paired with a reflective material. This optimizes UV resistance and thermal control.
Indoor Covers
This type of cover is less common, simply because it is meant for indoor storage. In most situations, the garage provides the necessary protection. However, if you’re protecting a luxury ride, then it is certainly worth the investment. These come in a fine, gentle material that is meant to preserve a delicate top coat. By its own virtue, this means it isn’t resilient to as much as dense polymer. If you are storing your car indoors and the garage doubles as a workshop, these are worth a look. But, if you aren’t protecting a high-end car, then you could just as easily use an outdoor cover and pay the same amount.
Key Features
Cover Design
Among the important features is the actual structure of the cover. Does it protect the tires? How do you affix it to the vehicle? Most rely on elastic straps at the front and back, but some feature grommets to secure it in place. Look for access to the hood, trunk, and the door, unless you plan to remove it every time you need to get into the vehicle.
Cover Material
The standard material is 75D polymer. Because of the water-repellent nature of plastics, if the threads are woven tightly enough, the fabric is waterproof. The 75 refers to the thread count, meaning the threads are inherently thinner. When woven together with a metallic component, particularly aluminum, you can get added benefits of UV resistance. Check the quality of the weave and the seams to ensure best results.
Protective Features
Be sure that whatever elements you’re battling, the cover can keep up. Whether that’s hail, snow, sawdust, or wildfire smoke, it needs to perform properly. The must-have features include thermal resistance (hot and cold), UV protection (to prevent fading), and waterproof abilities. As long as all these boxes are ticked, the SUV cover meets the essentials for outdoor parking. If you’re picking an indoor cover, focus more on the gentleness of the fabric protecting the top coat.
SUV Cover Pricing
Many top-end covers list well over the $100 mark, with most custom-fit SUV covers listing for $300-$400. However, you can find a lot of budget-friendly options around the $50 mark that offer decent protection. You just won’t get the same level of protection, nor will durability be equal.
FAQs
A: Yes, Walmart has a decent selection of car covers, especially on a budget. Take the Novashion Universal SUV Cover, an affordable, snug-fitting model that gives excellent protection.
A: SUV and car covers protect the exterior of your ride from all sorts of damage. It’s literally a barrier between your car and the world. From windshield damage to paint issues, covers are a low-cost way to prevent likely damage that’s far costlier to fix.
A: The best car cover fits properly and resists sun, water, and debris. If in doubt about the size or quality, check out the Car Covers Platinum Shield SUV Cover. Straight from manufacturer to your SUV, it’s hard to go wrong with these warrantied covers.
A: First, make sure it fits. Next, check that it is secured properly. Check that the material is waterproof, ultraviolet-resistant, and durable. Reinforced seams and breathability are both important traits. Lastly, be sure that it is suited for the parking location (indoor versus outdoors). As long as it checks those boxes, you should be all set.
