What are the differences between a crossover and an SUV? | OK Carz

2017 Kia Soul and a 2017 Ford Expedition face to face with text overlay is your vehicles a crossover or an SUV?

Is your vehicle a crossover or an SUV? 

If you haven’t been in the market for a new vehicle for a while, or if you’re shopping for your first car, you might get a little confused at all of the new terms for describing a vehicle. There are quite a few vehicle styles that look remarkably similar, and it can be confusing to try and choose between them. Two of these styles include an SUV and a crossover.  

Essentially, a crossover is the middle ground between an SUV and a hatchback. It provides the functionality of an SUV with the maneuverability of a smaller hatchback, while still providing better fuel economy.  

[Related: Find a car that combines storage space and compact handling]

2017 Ford Explorer towing a boat

The 2017 Ford Explorer looks like an SUV, and can tow heavy loads, but is actually a crossover.

Crossover vs SUV Platform 

The biggest difference between an SUV and a crossover is not the size, or the features available. It is the frame on which the vehicle is built. With its larger size and rugged capability, a true SUV is built on a truck frame, where the body and frame are built separately. A crossover uses a unibody platform, similar to that of a traditional car, where the body and frame are built as one piece.  

Even with that easy distinction, there are still vehicles that technically fit one category, but are generally considered to be in a different one. The Ford Explorer is one such vehicle, based on a unibody platform, but considered an SUV because of its rugged abilities. This can go even further with a crossover being considered a car, like the Kia Soul, which Kia lists as an SUV or crossover on its website. 

When you’re considering which vehicle to buy, how can you be certain that you’re getting the vehicle style that you want? Whether you are leaning toward purchasing a crossover or an SUV, the style of vehicle doesn’t matter as long as it fits your needs. No matter what vehicle you choose, you can find financing options at OkCarz.

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