What Is the Difference Between a Crossover and an SUV?

“One size fits all” is likely a phrase you’ve heard more than a few times in your life. While it may apply in various scenarios––like when picking a pair of socks––it certainly doesn’t apply to the automotive industry. The automotive market is brimming with vehicles ranging in size from the smallest sedans and hatchbacks to the large and menacing nature of pickup trucks, so many drivers face a dilemma of which type of vehicle they should purchase. However, one vehicle class that has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the last couple of decades is SUVs.

However, with the growth and evolution of the SUV has also come an interesting new word: crossover. What is the difference between an SUV and a crossover? Is there even a difference at all, or are these two words interchangeable? Well, the short answer is no, these words do not mean the same thing, but yes, they are often used pretty interchangeably. Don’t worry; we are here to help you understand what the differences between these two types of models are. As a Certified used SUV dealer, we have a wide selection of both SUV and crossover models in our inventory, and we are ready to help you sort through the options until you know which one will be best for you.

What Is the Real Difference?

So, what constitutes a crossover SUV from a traditional one? As the name implies, a crossover is a combination of a sedan and an SUV. Think about it like this: a crossover episode of a television show includes two separate programs combined for a special occasion, but in this case, the combination is that of the efficiency and reliability of a sedan coupled with the versatility an SUV offers you. The crossover name is indicative that the SUV has been built on a unibody platform, which is the type of construction you’d find on your average sedan. Unibody frames mean the bottom frame is part of the body and is one large metal piece.

SUVs of the larger variety and many of the full-size trucks you’ll find on the market today are regularly built with the opposite type of construction, commonly known as a body-on-frame design. A body-on-frame design splits the frame from the metal chassis that surrounds the vehicle and is more of a multi-part setup. Why is this construction different? With a body-on-frame design, it’s easier for manufacturers to implement four-wheel drivetrains and other off-roading styled features, like better ground clearance and off-roading tuned shocks, for example. SUVs built on this kind of platform are usually designed for off-roading or are family haulers that offer three rows of seating.

If you see a vehicle labeled as a subcompact, compact, or small SUV, it is likely actually a crossover. Likewise, if you see something designated as a full-size model, it is going to be a more traditional SUV. Midsize models can be a mix of both, so that is where things might get a little muddy, but if you are curious, you can always ask our team if the model you are considering is a crossover or not.

Real-World Examples of a Traditional SUV

Some real-world examples should help you differentiate a crossover SUV and a traditional one. Let’s start with some SUVs that aren’t crossovers. A great example of a conventional SUV is the Ford Expedition. This Ford SUV seats up to eight people and has exceptional cargo space. SUVs like the Expedition aren’t the best for commuting owing to their fuel-consumptive nature stemming from massive engines under the hood. However, they do tend to be the best for family life due to their large size and powerful capacities.

For example, the 2020 Ford Expedition has a 3.5L turbo V6 engine under the hood that produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Platinum trim models can boost those ratings up to 400 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. With the proper equipment, the 2020 Expedition can tow up to 9,300 lbs and has a maximum cargo capacity of 104.6 cu.ft. in regular models or 121.5 cu.ft. in the even larger MAX edition.

Real-World Examples of Crossover SUVs

Crossover SUVs are the best of both worlds. If you’re the type of driver who wants more than what your average sedan can offer you, like better performance and roomier interior dimensions like cargo space, passenger volume, headroom, and legroom, crossovers are your key to success. These vehicles give you the space you need for a small family but still have conservative fuel use and feel easy to handle.

The Honda CR-V is an excellent example of how different a crossover is compared to a full-size SUV like the Ford Expedition. The 2020 Honda CR-V, for instance, has a 1.5L turbo I-4 engine that produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. It’s not uncommon to find CVTs paired with turbocharged engines on crossover SUVs as they tend to provide better fuel economy than a multi-speed transmission. This model gets up to 1,500 lbs of towing, which is enough to carry smaller recreational equipment and has a maximum cargo capacity of 75.8 cu.ft., which is more than enough room for most people.

Another common thing you are starting to see in the crossover segment are hybrids and EVs. As the demand for SUVs has risen and the demand for electric-powered vehicles has also risen, it makes sense that these models would start to fill the crossover segment as these vehicles share a similar body structure to the sedans that already have hybrid or EV technology in them. Some of the crossover EVs you can find include the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Chevy Bolt EUV.

DePaula Ford Has What You Need

So, why does this difference matter? In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really. Your choice is going to mainly come down to what size vehicle you need to suit your needs rather than the way it is constructed, and the terminology doesn’t really have any effect. If you come to our team and say you are looking for an SUV, we will not hesitate to show you any of our stock of models, from subcompact to full-size.

When you visit our dealership, we’ll take as much time as you need to make a confident decision on which SUV is right for you. If you tell us you just want something larger than a sedan that gets good gas mileage for your commute, we’ll point you in the direction of our smaller crossovers. If you say that you need a lot of seating for your family or cargo space for your business, we will say that a full-size model is the way to go. It’s that simple.

When it comes time to pay for your new SUV or crossover, don’t fret because our on-site finance center is here to match you with the loan or lease that you’re comfortable with signing. If your SUV runs into any problems, our on-site service center is also here for all your repairs or servicing needs; all worked on by a team of certified mechanics who know the most intricate of parts that reside under the hood of your car. Whether you want a crossover, SUV, sedan, truck, or minivan, come find your next ride here at DePaula Ford.