SUVs vs. Crossovers - What's the Difference
April 24, 2023
4 min read
"What's the difference between SUVs and crossovers?" you might be wondering. In truth, there are many differences to consider when choosing a vehicle. If you're looking for something that has better off-road capabilities than your average sedan or hatchback, but don't want to sacrifice on space in the cabin or fuel economy, then an SUV is likely what you're after. On the other hand if you want a more nimble feel with less ground clearance and greater fuel efficiency without much of a tradeoff in passenger room, then a crossover would suit just fine.
In this article we'll explore some of these differences in detail so that by the end of it all will have made up your mind about which type suits you best.
The Differences
There are many differences that you will want to consider before making a decision. SUVs and crossovers can both be considered 4x4 vehicles, but they operate in different ways. Crossovers have less ground clearance and are not as capable off-road vehicles as SUVs which means that they are better for drivers who don't want to go off-roading or drive on rough surfaces. Crossovers have the advantage of being smaller and lighter in weight than SUVs making them a little easier to maneuver.
The fact that crossovers are not as heavy or as high means they also get improved fuel economy compared to some larger SUV models. Crossovers can be considered "compact" vehicles, but when you compare them to standard SUVs, they are still larger and heavier. In some cases the maximum cargo area on a crossover may even be smaller than what you would find in an SUV.
In terms of passenger capacity, crossovers have more room for passengers in the second row while also offering improved headroom and legroom compared to their SUV counterparts. It's worth mentioning, though, that even SUVs have more cargo capacity than crossovers. If you're looking for a vehicle that can be used to transport lots of gear and equipment around with ease then an SUV is probably the better choice.
When it comes to price, crossovers are generally cheaper than SUVs. The initial purchase price isn't the only factor of course, but it is something to consider. Where crossovers definitely do have an edge over SUVs is when it comes to fuel economy. Crossovers get significantly better gas mileage than SUVs because they are generally smaller and lighter in weight.
Here's what you need to know before making a decision between buying an SUV vs. a crossover:
Why You Might Want an SUV Over a Crossover
An SUV may be a better choice over a crossover for many reasons, most notably the higher ground clearance and off-road capability when compared to crossovers. The higher ground clearance means you'll be able to tackle more rugged terrain with an SUV than a crossover would be capable of. Off-roading is pretty much out of the question with a crossover because they don't have the same off-road capability as SUVs.
SUVs also have more cargo capacity than crossovers which is why they are often the preferred choice for people who want something that can be used to transport lots of gear or equipment. You won't find any headroom or legroom issues in SUVs, either, and this is especially true if you get the larger models.
Why You Might Want a Crossover Over an SUV
If you don't care about off-roading then there are some very good reasons to consider a crossover instead of an SUV, especially considering that they are more fuel efficient than SUVs. The low ground clearance means you won't have to worry about going off-roading when you get behind the wheel of a crossover. Crossovers can be used to transport goods and equipment but they usually have less cargo capacity than SUVs. The main thing that ties crossovers back to their size is the fact that crossovers tend to have more room for passengers in the second row, better headroom and legroom, and they tend to get better gas mileage.
The Final Decision
Both vehicles are equipped with 4-wheel drive capabilities, but crossovers don't have the same off-road capability that you will find with an SUV. If you're not interested in going off-road then a crossover is probably the better choice between the two.
Another consideration is the price. Crossovers are usually cheaper to purchase than SUVs and you should also get better gas mileage in a crossover which makes them more affordable as well. Crossovers have a leg up over SUVs when it comes to passenger capacity, headroom, and legroom, too. If you want something that can handle rough terrain and has plenty of cargo capacity then an SUV is likely the better choice.
But in terms of versatility, comfort, and space, both are excellent choices. The best thing you can do is decide how you will be using the vehicle and if they suit your lifestyle better.
