Every Auto enthusiast always come across one question the difference between SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) and Crossover(Crossover Utility Vehicle).
You might have heard from experts that crossovers are more superior machines over SUV. However, that may have been true once upon a time but now in 2020s things have changed a lot. SUV cars’ market have evolved immensely over past 10 years in India. SUVs now outsell all passenger car segment in India. Early 2020s term SUV became popular for not only its off-roading capabilities but also conquering city traffic. Even though you are aware, each body types have its own merits and demerits, let’s compare both.
Car Body:
Difference between CUV and SUVs is simple SUVs are based on trucks platform while CUVs are based on car’s platform. SUVs are based on rear or four-wheel drive trucks where body is assembled to frame or body on frame SUVs still be driven like trucks.
Auto car manufacturers began manufacturing four-wheel drive or front wheel drive on monocoque chassis hence car became lighter and more rugged look with user friendly spawning new classification of vehicle is called CROSSOVER or Crossover SUV. Crossovers have low ground clearance compared to SUV hence offer better handling and long bodied, the classier silhouette than SUV. Though many sales person, automobile experts frequently refer unibody vehicles as SUVs even though they are crossover by definition. The terms SUV is often used for both CUV as well as SUV.
Ride and Handling
SUVs handling is tricky because of its high central of gravity which affects its stability on road. SUVs bigger body generates big amount of drag and mechanical complexity. Crossover is a driver’s car, they are more agile, more fun to drive, crossover offers better ride quality and handling compared to SUV. SUVs are more often rear wheel or four-wheel drive while crossover comes in front wheel, rear wheel and all-wheel drive options. SUVs have more powerful engines than crossover.
Cabin
SUV have an elevated seating position which helps see over road, bonnet and traffic which is the primary reason for SUV Buyer. No car body type can beat SUVs’ road presence that drives SUV sales. SUVs have slightly longer wheelbase which brings slightly more legroom and boot space. Biggest advantage for SUV buyers is cabin height. More space for headroom and roofline; SUVs certainly feels more spacious. SUVs are wider which provide little more wriggle room for children in second row of seat. Crossover are more comfortable than SUVs. Crossover offer easy lifting and loading heavy luggage in boot than SUV because of its lower lip.
Fuel Economy
SUVs generally weigh more than crossover hence gives poor fuel economy. Crossover drives nimble enough with better fuel efficiency than SUV. Crossover due to light weight offer better fuel economy which is more relevant advantage against SUV. That’s the reason why city buyer prefers crossover overs SUV.
Aesthetic
SUVs have aggressive look. Road presence of SUV is notable. SUVs look more rugged compared to crossover.
Verdict
SUVs make sense for family buyers in villages especially for those with small children. City buyers will certainly be served by a crossover SUVs. SUVs have high seating position, go anywhere ability and aggressive look but neglected by poor mileage and ride characteristics. For driving enthusiasts SUV is not appealing for daily driving needs.
Still decision making is not always going to be black and white. Let us know which one you prefer to ride an SUV or Crossover. Please comment.