10 things to consider when buying a large SUV or crossover
SUVs and crossovers both have their own strengths. While SUVs have good off-road capabilities, crossovers are popular for their comfort and ease of handling.
Many consumers today often overlook the traditional SUV option due to the growing popularity of crossover models. Easy handling and spacious luggage space make crossovers more versatile.
However, this model lacks some qualities that only a "real" SUV can provide. Let's take a look at the 5 advantages of full-size SUVs and 5 advantages of large crossovers (three-row crossovers) to have an objective comparison and make a reasonable choice.
5 reasons to buy a large SUV
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| Full-size SUVs offer features that crossovers don't, such as good off-road capabilities, strong towing capacity, and superior engine performance. |
1. Superior traction
For a long time, crossovers have been at the mercy of full-size SUVs when it comes to towing. For example, the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with a 3.0-liter V8 can tow up to 8,000 pounds in rear-wheel drive form. The Chevrolet Traverse crossover with a 3.6-liter V6 can only tow about 5,000 pounds.
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| The towing capacity of most SUVs is much better than that of crossovers. |
2. Higher ground clearance
Many consumers will choose a crossover over a sedan because they want to drive a vehicle with good visibility and less damage to the underbody. However, SUVs do this even better.
High ground clearance helps consumers feel more confident when driving on rough or flooded terrain. In addition, the visibility of SUVs is also higher and more spacious than crossover models.
3. Ultimate off-road capability of 4WD drive system
While many large crossovers today offer all-wheel drive (AWD), the off-road capabilities of an SUV with traditional 4WD can't be beat.
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| The 4WD drive system on SUVs has better traction in rough terrain than crossovers. |
The AWD system, when working, will transfer torque to the wheels with the highest traction efficiency by distributing power between the front/rear axles and between two different wheels via the front/rear differential. This is very useful in slippery road conditions when two different wheels on the same axle have different traction at different times.
Overall, the AWD system on crossovers is not entirely practical and does not help the vehicle control traction well in off-road driving mode at extremely low speeds like 4WD on SUVs.
4. SUV with long wheelbase version
For customers who want to maximize interior space, a long wheelbase SUV is a reasonable choice. Many SUV models offer extended wheelbase versions such as the Ford Expedition and Cadillac Escalade to meet the needs of users.
5. Powerful engine
You’ll find a crossover with an I-4 engine, but not a full-size SUV. Instead, it’s equipped with a V6 or V8 engine. This makes full-size SUVs more powerful than full-size crossovers.
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| The main characteristic of large SUVs is the V6 or V8 engine, not the I-4 engine. |
In speed testing, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder full-size crossover accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD SUV took just 6.2 seconds. The Toyota Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, while its SUV sibling, the Toyota Sequoia, did it in 6.6 seconds.
5 reasons to buy a large crossover
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| The engine capacity is not equal to that of large SUVs, which is also an advantage when crossover models have better fuel economy. |
1. Better fuel economy
Crossovers easily win the economy game, with their fuel economy being superior to that of large SUVs. The Toyota Highlander full-size crossover is a good example of this difference. The internal combustion engine version has a city-highway fuel economy of 20-26 mpg, while the hybrid version is rated at 29-29 mpg.
The Toyota Sequoia SUV gets 18-13.8 liters/100 km. EPA ratings for other large SUVs include the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, rated at 14.7-10.6 liters/100 km, and the 2018 Ford Expedition, rated at 13.8-9.8 liters/100 km.
2. Cheaper crossover prices
A full-size crossover costs a lot less than a full-size SUV. For example, the Ford Explorer starts at just under $33,000 before incentives, but you’ll pay at least $52,890 for a new 2018 Ford Expedition.
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| In the US market, crossover models have an average price of under $50,000. |
There are also crossovers that exceed the $50,000 price point, but at the same time consumers will get more features and technology, as well as quality materials than an SUV of the same price.
3. Crossovers are easier to handle
Crossovers are easier to maneuver than full-size SUVs. You may find it easier to maneuver a crossover into a small parking space, thanks to its lower ride height than a full-size SUV. Crossovers are typically shorter in length than full-size SUVs.
4. Crossovers provide superior quality
Some pickup trucks often share platforms with full-size SUVs. The Chevrolet Tahoe shares its chassis with the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Toyota Sequoia shares its chassis with the Toyota Tundra.
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| Crossover vehicles are focused by manufacturers on design, interior comfort and easy handling. |
Meanwhile, crossovers often use their own chassis. Without the large wheels and off-road suspension of SUVs, crossovers focus on comfort and softer design.
5. The ideal 'transitional' car
Switching from a sedan to a crossover costs much less than switching from a sedan to a full-size SUV. This is true not only for sedans but for any other type of vehicle including hatchbacks, minivans, etc.
Many people love crossovers because they offer the best of both worlds, easy mobility, and a good driving experience. Crossovers also meet the criteria for a long trip such as comfortable seats and spacious luggage compartment.
