The Difference Between an SUV and Crossover - Learn about the various platforms, sizes, and drivetrains for different SUV types. Read more.
Knowing the different types of SUVs will help you find the perfect utility vehicle. From other names and sizes, keeping track can become overwhelming. We will keep it simple and explain the various titles for the most popular SUV models. The difference between an SUV and crossover comes down to a few factors— one of the most significant differences is the build and platform of these SUV types. Furthermore, SUV models vary by platform, size, and drive-train. All of which can impact which model is the best fit for families and individual commuters. In a nutshell, SUVs are built on truck-like platforms offering more durability, space, and power at the expense of handling. Crossovers provide some of the same benefits but with the additional use of maintaining better handling due to the car-like platform.
While it sounds simple, there are more differences to discuss for SUV classifications. Follow along to find out what SUV model is the best fit for you:
*Disclaimer: All vehicles are built to code with the necessary safety features. Additionally, all specs are based on the base edition models.
SUV stands for a sports utility vehicle. These vehicle types have been a popular choice for families seeking adventure and utility in their daily driver. Traditionally SUVs have been the perfect mix of truck-like utility without committing to the sluggish size of most truck models. The SUV is a sporty, more desirable approach to family vehicles than a minivan or station wagon. They also have great options for seating, offering anywhere from five to seven and sometimes even eight seats for passengers. SUVs come in different sizes, which we will discuss in this article. The two most common sizes are the mid-size SUV and the full-size SUV. The main difference is legroom and overhead space compared to seating. Mid-size SUVs offer excellent leg space and overhead space at the expense of less seating. While full-size SUVs provide a similar amount of legroom and overhead space with the benefit of additional seating. A new trend for SUVs is hybrid, plug-in electric, and electric engine types. As the vehicle market becomes forward-thinking, these sustainable options are worth considering.
Starting from $46,995 (CAD).
The Kia Telluride is a premier example of a mid-size SUV. The Telluride receives praise for its design and performance. The 2022 upgrade is an excellent choice for individuals with more utility demands than the average SUV. Mid-size SUVs can have a more stiff driving experience due to the truck-like platform. The all-wheel drive features will make this stand out among smaller crossovers. The spacious interior packs an exciting eight seats for passengers and extra storage space.
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Starting from $70,850 (CAD).
For full-size SUVs, we want to showcase the Toyota Sequoia. This model is much larger than the previously discussed mid-size. The Sequoia has spacious eight-passenger seating and a lot of extra room and versatility for storage. This vehicle will drive very similar to a truck because of its size, and like mid-size SUVs, the full size gets built on the same truck-like platform. The Sequoia is an excellent choice for those seeking a large and comfortable passenger vehicle to handle any terrain.
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A crossover is a type of SUV commonly referred to as a crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The crossover is popular because of its fuel efficiency, flexibility, elevated ride height, and utility. Families usually look at SUVs for the additional benefits that traditional sedans do not offer. The crossover disrupted the market by providing the same desirable features as an SUV but with the body and feel of a conventional car. Crossovers have the same platform as passenger cars. While SUVs share a similar platform with a pickup truck. Thus, the crossover is a cross between an SUV and a car.
Starting at $30,770 (CAD).
We find it best to understand what a crossover is with an example. The Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV best known for its spacious design and reliability. The CR-V has seven-passenger seats mounted on a sedan-like platform for the best driving experience. This model is ideal for consumers interested in the utility of an SUV but who love the feel of driving a car.
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This section explains the differences between SUVs and crossovers. The main factors to look at include platform, size, and drive-train. These areas are where the most notable differences will occur.
The traditional SUV and crossover are family members. However, they get built on different platforms. The various platforms reflect the driving feel and maneuverability desired by consumers. The SUV struggles with handling because they get made on a truck-like platform, called a body-on-frame platform. This platform type has worked for many years. However, some consumers desire a driving experience similar to a passenger car because they are smaller and more agile. While the traditional SUV is still popular, something in the market needed to satisfy the want to have SUV-like features but on a more maneuverable body. Thus, the crossover started to come into the limelight and gain traction. The crossover offers almost the same features as most SUVs; however, it's built on a platform shared with passenger cars, referred to as the unibody frame. Now both SUVs and Crossovers satisfy different niches in the market with respective trade-offs. The driving feel could be a critical factor in whether you choose to purchase an SUV or a crossover and these different frames are the reason.
Size is a more obvious difference of whether a vehicle is an SUV or a crossover. SUVs are more significant in size than crossovers. SUVs can range from five to eight seats, enough seats to fit an entire family. Whether you look at mid-size or full-size, the number of seats will vary slightly. Mid-size SUVs are more likely to have fewer seats than their full-size counterparts. A mid-size SUV that seats seven passengers gets strapped for surplus legroom and overhead space.
In comparison, a full-size SUV that seats seven passengers will have plenty of extra room. A crossover will typically have five to seven seats, less than larger SUVs. Crossovers get built to feel like sedans with the features of an SUV. However, they are not made large enough to meet their SUV relatives' demands. The agile driving experience comes at the cost of space for these vehicle types. Apart from seating, storage is also something that varies between models. SUVs will have the most storage and offer the most utility. In contrast, crossovers still provide excellent storage and utility compared to sedans but not as much as an SUV.
Drive-train is the last key difference between an SUV and a crossover. SUVs usually come in all-wheel drive (AWD), while crossovers typically have front-wheel drive (FWD). FWD can handle snowy and wet driving conditions, but AWD offers additional traction for these conditions.
Most SUV base-level trims are available in AWD. In comparison, crossovers usually have FWD in base-level trims, which does not allow for much traction and control for changing road conditions. The improved handling of AWD makes it a better drive-train for adventures and road trips.
Additionally, SUVs pack more powerful engines because their platform allows for it. The smaller car-like platform used in crossovers means that manufacturers have to use smaller, less powerful engines. Therefore, if you plan to take your family on frequent road trips than an SUV is a better choice.
While we just discussed the differences between SUVs and crossovers, now we can explore the similarities. The main similarities to consider include utility, interior space, and safety.
Both SUVs and crossovers offer great utility over sedans and other passenger cars. While looking at the market as a whole, these differences become less noticeable. Both SUVs and crossovers are fantastic choices for individuals who need the extra space for family, sporting equipment, or furry friends.
Interior space will vary between SUV types. Both SUVs and crossovers have enough interior space to drive yourself and others comfortably. Looking at an SUV and crossover from the outside, you will notice that they look very similar in terms of appearance. More noticeable differences get seen with larger SUVs and smaller crossovers. Overall, the SUV and crossover's interior and exterior appearance are nearly identical. Both models have a lowered front leading into the cabin and round over the top into a hatch-like trunk.
Safety is a significant consideration in both SUVs and crossovers. Whether you end up deciding on an SUV or crossover, there will be no difference in safety. One is not safer than the other, excluding extra safety features available in more expensive trim levels.
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