Home

What are the Differences Between Crossovers and SUVs? | OK Carz

What are the Differences Between Crossovers and SUVs?

By Product Expert | Posted in Comparisons, FAQs on Monday, May 11th, 2020 at 2:35 pm

Front driver angle of a white 2020 Ford Explorer parked on a pier with a carnival in the background

Crossover vs SUV Comparison

If you have been shopping for a family vehicle lately, you likely have heard of crossovers and SUVs. Generally, dealerships group these two types of vehicles together. That raises a certain question for buyers – what are the differences between crossovers and SUVs? With our crossover vs SUV comparison, we will explore some similarities as well as notable differences to help you understand which body type will better suit your driving needs.

[ READ MORE: Sedans VS Hatchbacks VS Coupes ]

Crossover and SUV Platforms

Many car experts will argue that the main difference between crossovers and SUVs is the platform. The platform that crossovers are built from is based on sedans. This is due to the unibody construction that crossovers are given while in production. Meanwhile, SUVs are built off the truck platform, meaning that SUVs are constructed with a body-on-frame design.

Front driver angle of an orange 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

Design and Size

Regarding the design, crossovers tend to appear sportier as they resemble sedans more closely. Due to the lighter weight of the crossover, these vehicles also excel with providing better fuel economy and, at times, a more affordable price.

On the other hand, SUVs are built to be more durable. With the help of the truck platform, SUVs are typically designed to withstand heavy towing and hauling weight while also offering more off-road options. Also, SUVs have a tendency to be more spacious than crossovers. Its large size makes it easier for big families to travel together and for large items to be transported. Finally, SUVs also tend to come equipped with stronger engines.

Similarities Between the Crossover and the SUV

Despite the differences, crossovers and SUVs are very similar. Both types typically seat at least 5 people, have the cargo area directly behind the rear seats rather than offering a separated trunk, is higher off the ground, and give more space. Due to so many similarities, crossovers are sometimes referred to as “compact SUVs” or “subcompact SUVs”. You may even see some models referred to as “crossover SUVs”, combining both names.

Driver angle of a grey 2020 Hyundai Palisade parked in front of a bakery

Should I Buy a Crossover or an SUV?

You should set your own requirements when deciding whether to buy an SUV or a crossover. If you want to save some money and don’t need a very large vehicle, a crossover may be the way to go. If you need more space, power, and off-road capabilities, consider shopping for an SUV.

[ Shop for a Used Vehicle at OkCarz ]

Need more help finding the right vehicle for you? Contact us at OkCarz and we will be happy to offer some recommendations.

More from OkCarz

How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work?

What is the Debt Snowball Method?

When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle?

What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof?

Contact Information

First Name: required

Last Name: required

Email Address: required

Phone Number: required

So we may route your inquiry to the right person, please include your zip code.

ZIP Code: required

Preferred Contact Method:

Phone Email Text Message

Comments:

By submitting this form, I agree to providing my contact information, including all details provided therein, to the dealer and to receiving calls and text messages about vehicles from the dealer selling this car at the number provided (including via autodial or prerecorded calls) or via my other contact information provided above. Additionally, calls may be recorded for quality assurance purposes. This consent does not require me to buy anything. Standard message and data rates may apply.

What are the Differences Between Crossovers and SUVs? | OK Carz