SUVs and crossovers are nothing new - some argue the first official entry was the 1935 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban - but utility vehicles have undoubtedly grown in popularity over the last few years. Traditionally, SUVs are defined as truck-based, body-on-frame vehicles with an enclosed body rather than a pickup body. Popular models include the Jeep Cherokee, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.
Crossovers are more car-like with unibody construction and usually feature front-wheel drive. 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are popular options for SUVs and crossovers, making them more capable off-road and in bad road conditions. Regardless of their differences, you can start looking for the perfect SUV/Crossover for your family right here. Learn more about this vehicle style below where you can search by make/model or manufacturer, read SUV reviews and news, skim pros and cons and find your top choice of SUV/Crossover for sale in your local area.
SUV and Crossover Pros and Cons
Your options for SUVs and crossovers have grown significantly in recent years. SUVs today come in many shapes and sizes. The smallest subcompact crossovers like the Jeep Renegade, the Hyundai Kona, and the Honda HR-V are affordable entries that don't have a ton of room, but are good for urban commuting and they're good on gas. Compact crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ford Escape, and the Toyota 4Runner are very popular because of their usability as small family cars while being affordable and efficient with car like drivability. For a little more room, you can upgrade to a midsize crossover like a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Honda Passport or a Ford Edge.
If you want more seats, but don't want a minivan, a 3-row crossover like a Nissan Pathfinder, a Dodge Durango or a Toyota Highlander can offer lots of room for passengers and cargo. For the most possible space in an SUV, a full-size, truck-based SUV like a Chevrolet Tahoe or a Suburban, a Ford Expedition or a Nissan Armada can offer lots of seats, lots of cargo space, and towing capacity to boot.
SUV/Crossover Pros and Cons
Pros: The big pros of SUVs and crossovers is in their practicality and versatility. The boxy shape of an SUV means a space-efficient interior that leaves more room for passengers and cargo than a more traditional sedan.
With their recently growing popularity, there are tons of options for SUVs and crossovers on the market right now. No matter what your taste in terms of size, styling and features, you're sure to find an SUV that fits your wants, your needs and your budget. Whether your priority is off-road capability, towing, fuel economy or just about anything in between, the perfect SUV for you is out there.
Cons: While car like crossovers have improved in efficiency over the years, most of them still can't match the fuel economy of more traditional cars like sedans and hatchbacks in a similar size class. There's a growing number of hybrids and electric SUVs, but in most cases, you're taking a fuel economy penalty for going with an SUV rather than a car.
Something about crossovers that's a pro for some and a con for others is that most of them don't provide a very engaging driving experience. Being higher off the ground with softer suspension than cars makes them comfortable, but driving enthusiasts might find a bit to be desired from behind the wheel of the average crossover.
