When an SUV that usually carries just one person is filled with 7 adults, the driving experience feels quite different, even though it's the same vehicle.

For someone who has been driving for a long time, the difference can be felt within minutes of starting. The main reason is, of course, the weight.

If we estimate the average weight of an adult at around 70-80kg, 7 people add up to about 500kg. Compared to when only the driver is in the vehicle, the additional passenger weight can exceed 400kg.

When you add luggage or bags, depending on the vehicle, you may be very close to the load limit.

From the engine's perspective, it's like suddenly having to pull several hundred kilograms more.

The first noticeable difference is during acceleration. Even if you press the gas pedal the same way as usual, the vehicle feels a bit heavier.

Especially in smaller SUVs or turbocharged vehicles, you may notice that the transmission uses lower gears for longer or that the engine RPM increases more than usual when accelerating.

There's also a difference when entering the highway. When driving alone, you can easily reach 60-70mph with just a slight press on the gas pedal, but with 7 people onboard, the acceleration time can be longer than expected.

Therefore, it's advisable to start accelerating earlier than usual on short entry ramps. In short, you need to develop a habit of utilizing the vehicle's momentum and flow effectively.

However, I believe that braking is even more important than acceleration. When the vehicle is heavier, it requires more energy to stop at the same speed. Although the initial response when pressing the brake may seem similar, it's safer to allow more time to come to a complete stop.

This is why you need to maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you. Especially on American highways where you might suddenly encounter traffic or accidents causing abrupt stops, following too closely with the same mindset as when driving alone can be quite dangerous.

The feeling also changes when cornering. SUVs are inherently taller than regular cars.

When several adults are onboard, the overall movement of the vehicle becomes heavier, and you may feel more pronounced lateral movement during lane changes or turns.

If the third row is fully occupied and there's a lot of luggage in the back, it's best to avoid making sharp turns.

It's also important to check the tires. If you're going on a long trip with 7 people, it's a good idea to check the tire pressure before you leave. When doing this, don't just inflate the tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall; instead, refer to the tire pressure label located inside the driver's door frame.

Another thing to check is the vehicle's load limit. Just because it's a 7-passenger SUV doesn't mean you can load it with 7 adults and all their luggage without concern. The label on the door frame indicates how much weight can be carried, including both passengers and cargo.

For example, if the combined weight of 7 passengers is around 500kg and you add another 100kg for luggage, that totals about 600kg, which is over 1,300 pounds.

This can be a significant load depending on the type of SUV. Therefore, when traveling long distances with 7 people, it's advisable to drive a bit differently than usual.

Avoid sudden starts, ensure you have enough distance when overtaking, maintain a greater gap from the vehicle ahead, and reduce speed in corners.

When going downhill, instead of just pressing the brakes continuously, it's helpful to use lower gears or the engine brake function appropriately.

Surprisingly, the driver's mindset is also quite important. With more people in the car, there tends to be more conversation, and if there's chatter from the back, the driver naturally becomes more distracted. Even with 7 adults, this can be a significant distraction for the driver.

Ultimately, it's best to think of driving an SUV with 7 adults as the same vehicle you usually drive alone, but with some differences in how you operate it.

With the added weight, accelerate gently, allow for longer stopping distances, and drive smoothly through corners.

Especially on the highway, remember this one thing: make decisions a beat earlier and apply the brakes a beat earlier.

When driving with 7 people and their luggage, it's important to remember that the weight of the vehicle has changed, and to maintain your condition as if you were a commercial driver.