If you want to upgrade to a larger vehicle, and you are tired of driving a car around, a used SUV is the next logical step. The term SUV, however, is used to describe a really large class of vehicles. It is important to understand what makes a small SUV different from a large SUV.
Crossover
When talking about SUVs, many people classify vehicles such as the Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V, and the Dodge Journey as SUV. Technically, however, these small SUV are actually known as crossover vehicles in the car industry.
The term crossover refers to the fact that vehicles such as those listed above, are actually built on a car's frame, but with the larger structure of an SUV. Crossover vehicles enjoy the same great gas mileage as passenger cars, but with a little extra space.
The great thing about a crossover SUV is it allows you to still carry around five passengers, just like a car. However, it generally has a little more cargo room and space for carrying items with you, and you sit up higher off the road.
SUV
A really SUV, such as a Kia Borrego, Chevrolet Suburban, or a Jeep Cherokee, are built on the same type of frame as a truck, not a car. This makes really SUVs heavier and larger than their crossover counterparts.
One of the biggest advantage of a real SUV is all of the space that it provides you with. To start with, a real SUV generally comes with three rows of seating instead of two rows like a crossover. That means you can carry anywhere from seven to nine passengers, depending on how the seats are set up. There also tends to be more leg room in between each row of seats, making it more comfortable to chart passengers around.
In addition to being able to carry more passengers, you are also able to carry around more stuff. Standard SUVs allow for additional cargo space in the rear of the vehicle.
Additionally, with a standard SUV, you have more towing power if you want to tow a camper or a trailer for adventures with your family.
Larger SUVs, because they sit a little higher off the ground than crossover SUVs, generally have a little better handling. This is important if you live somewhere that gets a lot of inclement weather.
If you want more space but the same fuel economy as a car, a crossover SUV may be a good fit for you and your family. If you really need extra space and room for carrying more than five passengers plus gear, then a true SUV may be a better fit for you and your family. Talk to your local used car dealership to find the right crossover or full-sized SUV to fit you and your family's needs.
Share10 February 2018
After driving an older car to work for several years, my husband was finally ready to buy another vehicle. He got tired of his car breaking down at his workplace, the grocery store, and the mall. Because gas mileage is important to him, my spouse shopped at local auto dealers for a small, four-door sedan. We were open to purchasing a new vehicle or a slightly used one. Whenever we saw a potential car at a dealership, we always studied its exterior and interior closely. My husband of course also requests to drive it down the road. On this blog, I hope you will discover tools for finding your dream car at an auto dealership. Enjoy!
