Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, have been one of the most popular cars for a decade and the most preferred choice for families. They have consistently ranked amongst the most-sold segment in vehicles, but today, this trend has been overtaken by vehicles known as “crossovers.” Now, bear in mind, both cars are large and spacious; and, when it comes to design elements and aesthetics, they might closely resemble each other. However, there are certain distinctions that are well-maintained and are important for the curious and inquisitive buyer to understand the choice they are making and how it affects them. To help you make an informed choice, here are some of the major differences between SUVs and crossovers.

SUVs and crossovers: The major differences
One of the most obvious differences between the two lies in their platform. The SUV, or its body, is structured around the chassis of a truck, whereas a crossover has a unibody structure and a car chassis. Given that the SUV has a more sturdy platform and a drivetrain and suspension to match it, it cruises effortlessly even on off-road tracks, which a crossover is unable to do.

Design elements and structure
For crossovers, the unibody design, wherein the body and its corresponding frame are a single piece, combine the best of both—an SUV and a hatchback or a station wagon. The blending of these two styles allows the crossover to provide a quicker and smoother ride along with better fuel efficiency. The SUV, on the other hand, has a “body-on-frame” design structure and is made of separate pieces. The SUV has a heavier body and is, therefore, more durable and stable.

Applications
The unique design that comes with crossovers is suited to conventional roads and terrains and they are much lighter and more convenient as compared to SUVs. They offer quick and smooth rides, thereby improving the quality of the ride. The SUV, on the other hand, is built for heavy hauling and can perform well on challenging terrains.

Safety
Many people have some misconceptions when it comes to SUVs. They suggest that the SUV is a more reliable and safer vehicle because of its sturdy body-on-frame design, but this is not always the case. In a low-speed collision, an SUV might be a safer bet as it mostly won’t turn upside down and the repairs may also be relatively simple and cheaper. However, the crossover has more crumple zones, and in the event of a high-speed collision, the vehicle may be susceptible to damage. This is because most of the force will be borne by the body of the car. The occupants may be considered safer in a crossover than in an SUV in the event of a high-speed collision.

Based on these major differences between SUVs and crossovers, depending on the nature of use and the distance you wish to travel, it is advised that you closely inspect the unique design elements of each individual car. Many SUVs and crossovers share similar elements, but it is important to note that the two terms cannot be used interchangeably.