SUV vs. Sedan: Quick Comparison Guide
Both SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular with drivers all across the country. You probably already have a preference, but the best fit for your needs may be more complicated than previously thought.
Both SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular with drivers all across the country. You probably already have a preference, but the best fit for your needs may be more complicated than previously thought. Learn all about how an SUV and a sedan may fit your future needs and budget in addition to your present circumstances with this comprehensive SUV vs. sedan comparison.
The first commonality between SUVs and sedans is that they're both incredibly popular. Sedans have always been popular as they're the typical image associated with the word "car," but SUVs have grown quite a bit. Since low fuel prices have been sustained for several years now, more and more drivers are opting for SUVs since the fuel savings of a sedan are no longer a prioritized feature according to US News.
SUVs are becoming so popular that even the big Detroit automakers are investing more in their production. Some are even ridding their lineups of sedans and focusing more on SUVs and crossovers as the central aspect of their brand according to The New York Times. In 2019, SUVs and pickups account for 70 percent of the market, boasting a massive 5.9 million sales from January to June alone as opposed to the 2.5 million sales for cars. In fact, the last time cars outsold SUVs and trucks was 10 years prior in 2009.
There are several advantages of SUVs to keep in mind while shopping, according to U.S. News. They're generally becoming more car-like, but the following specific advantages are particularly impressive:
Space: One of the most obvious advantages of an SUV is the sheer amount of space. Whether you're looking to carry extra passengers or extra cargo, you'll have the square footage necessary. That means more room for passengers to stretch out and relax on long rides. Cargo capacity is particularly impressive, even when you're looking at more #compact models.
Capability: SUVs tend to generally be more capable compared to sedans. All-wheel drive is fairly standard among modern lineups while many new sedans don't offer the same feature. If you spend a lot of time driving through severe weather, an SUV may be better equipped to handle hazardous conditions.
Visibility: When you're behind the wheel of an SUV, you can enjoy a higher driving position. This grants greater visibility, and the larger surrounding windows and back windshield only enhance this, according to #Valley #Honda.
Driving a sedan rather than an #SUV comes with its own set of advantages you can enjoy, according to U.S. News. The following are the most important advantages to keep in mind when deciding which class of car is most important for your needs:
Safety: Sedans tend to be the safer option compared to SUVs. Some SUVs are getting safety features that were previously restricted to sedans, but sedans still have the advantage of closed trunks. Storing your valuables there is always safer than storing them in the back of an SUV's cargo space due to both visibility and security.
Fuel Economy: While low gas prices may have put SUVs into the spotlight, sedans still reign supreme in terms of fuel economy. After all, most sedans come with a four-cylinder, which is always more efficient than the V-6 or V-8 found on an SUV. Even some of the more powerful sedans that feature V-6 engines are more fuel-efficient on average due to the smaller size of vehicles they have to power. This is true even when you consider Volkswagen's weird engines.
Drivability: Since sedans aren't as top-heavy as SUVs are, they're much easier to drive, according to The New York Times. Maneuvering through sharp corners has a lesser chance of rollover, and parking is always much easier.
Budget: Fuel isn't the only thing you'll be saving money on when you opt for a sedan over an SUV. Sedans, in general, tend to be more affordable compared to SUVs, according to Valley Honda. If money isn't that much of an issue, you can use the savings to get a higher trim level sedan with extra features.
Crossovers combine elements of SUVs and sedans. They offer better drivability than an SUV and more interior space than a sedan, according to #Motortrend. Similar to an SUV, your passengers will certainly appreciate a crossover rather than a sedan. Just keep in mind that only SUVs can offer three rows of seats while crossovers max out at two.
Crossovers come with a few other advantages as well. You'll find AWD as a de facto requirement in recent models, so they're the clear choice if you're interested in all-weather capability. Like SUVs, crossovers offer a greater field of view than a sedan can. This is especially helpful in urban environments, though crossovers are harder to maneuver than sedans are in tight city streets.
If you're interested in hybrid models, there are plenty of crossover options available. Even so, a sedan will always reign supreme in terms of efficiency whether it's a crossover or not.
If your primary concern is style, you can do well with a variety of different options in the sedan class and the SUV class. For drivers who need high levels of customization, sedans tend to have more options. A sedan hatchback with a mild lift kit can be an appealing option for some, and the hatchback distinction alone is a drastic difference that SUVs don't really offer between models.
Additionally, the sheer number of options makes the sedan a better choice in this regard. While there are luxury SUVs available, sedans are more diverse and generally get first dibs on the latest automotive technology.
With these factors in mind, you'll be in a better position to decide which is best for you in the #SUV vs. #sedan comparison. Just don't forget to check out the new offerings in the crossover segment as well when making your decision.
Courtesy: HEARST AUTOS RESEARCH
