SUVs are the most popular vehicles right now, but you might not realize that an SUV and a crossover are two different types of vehicles. What’s the difference?
Body
The biggest distinction between a Sports Utility Vehicle and a crossover is their platform. Crossovers are more often on car platforms, whereas SUVs are on truck platforms. But it goes further than that. Crossovers are unibody constructions with the frame and body together at the same time. SUVs take on the traits of a truck having the body attached to a separate frame. This gives them more flexibility and sturdiness for going off-road.
Unibody
The unibody of the crossover is the most common method of vehicle construction these days outside of large, heavy-duty trucks and SUVs. Their designs allow for lighter models which are good for fuel economy and create more passenger and cargo room. Built-in crumple zones also aid in higher safety ratings. But unibody crossovers tend to lack the off-road and towing capabilities of SUVs.
Body-on-Frame
The body-on-frame design of SUVs is how cars were first constructed. It allowed automakers to put an array of body types onto the same platform, helping cut costs. A benefit to this platform is a higher torsional flexing, which is extremely helpful in the twists and bends of off-roading. Body-on-frame is also easier to repair which truck fleets appreciate, and it provides better towing power.
Which One?
Today, most people can get away with calling anything with available AWD and good ground clearance an SUV. Crossovers focus more on fuel efficiency than performance power, “crossing over” from the practical strength of an SUV to the efficiency of a car. If that’s what you’re looking for, crossovers are a perfect fit. For those looking to have the towing capacity and enhanced traction power of a truck in a comfortable cabin, an SUV would be the best choice.
We have options in stock from Chevy, Buick, and GMC here at Blake Fulenwider Chevy Buick GMC in Eastland.
Body
The biggest distinction between a Sports Utility Vehicle and a crossover is their platform. Crossovers are more often on car platforms, whereas SUVs are on truck platforms. But it goes further than that. Crossovers are unibody constructions with the frame and body together at the same time. SUVs take on the traits of a truck having the body attached to a separate frame. This gives them more flexibility and sturdiness for going off-road.
Unibody
The unibody of the crossover is the most common method of vehicle construction these days outside of large, heavy-duty trucks and SUVs. Their designs allow for lighter models which are good for fuel economy and create more passenger and cargo room. Built-in crumple zones also aid in higher safety ratings. But unibody crossovers tend to lack the off-road and towing capabilities of SUVs.
Body-on-Frame
The body-on-frame design of SUVs is how cars were first constructed. It allowed automakers to put an array of body types onto the same platform, helping cut costs. A benefit to this platform is a higher torsional flexing, which is extremely helpful in the twists and bends of off-roading. Body-on-frame is also easier to repair which truck fleets appreciate, and it provides better towing power.
Which One?
Today, most people can get away with calling anything with available AWD and good ground clearance an SUV. Crossovers focus more on fuel efficiency than performance power, “crossing over” from the practical strength of an SUV to the efficiency of a car. If that’s what you’re looking for, crossovers are a perfect fit. For those looking to have the towing capacity and enhanced traction power of a truck in a comfortable cabin, an SUV would be the best choice.
We have options in stock from Chevy, Buick, and GMC here at Blake Fulenwider Chevy Buick GMC in Eastland.
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