What's the difference between a crossover and an SUV

Everyone knows about SUVs: both serious motorists and those who do not understand cars at all. But after the advent of crossovers and their massive distribution in the global market, some confusion arose. Many, having considered the similarities in the design of these classes of cars, mistakenly expect from crossovers the same power and functions of an all-terrain vehicle. In fact, there is a big difference between them: below we will take a closer look at what exactly it is.

Definitions

A car in which all the main components are taken from a passenger car, but the design and high seating position belong to the jeep - that's what a crossover is. Some representatives of this type of car will not be able to drive off-road, they have front wheels and do not have enough power on the track. Even four-wheel drive models are only able to overcome urban slush, icy conditions and gravel surfaces more firmly than cars. Because of these features, they were nicknamed "parquet SUVs."

At the same time, the price of crossovers is much lower than that of jeeps, they are more accessible to the average person, they consume fuel more economically, are easier to control due to their moderate weight, they can comfortably transport passengers, since the interior is quite spacious.

A classic SUV is a car that can drive off-road: embankments, rough terrain, puddles, heavy mud. This effect is achieved thanks to the all-wheel drive, high seating position, powerful wheels and heavy weight. Of course, such a car is not cheap and consumes a lot of fuel and is not very easy to drive.

Differences on the technical side

Now let's talk in more detail about how the crossover differs from the classic SUV, dwelling on every detail so that you can get a complete picture of both categories of cars.

Body

One of the significant differences between a crossover and a real SUV lies precisely in its structure. The body is the part of the car where the passenger seats and the trunk are located. It is attached to the "skeleton" of the car - the frame.

The body of the crossover is designed in such a way that it dispenses with a frame: it has sufficient rigidity for moderate loads. The body of the SUV is attached to a powerful base - hence its heavy weight and some sluggishness.

Wheels

The crossovers are fitted with wheels fitted with thinner rubber to reduce drag on good paved roads and provide the desired speed. The tires of an SUV, on the other hand, are thicker and more embossed to travel on difficult terrain and slippery surfaces, as well as to withstand the weight load of the carcass - this is the difference between the wheels of the two types of cars.

Transmission

The difference in the mechanisms that connect the engine to the wheels and make them spin is at the heart of the fundamental difference between a crossover and an SUV. On the latter, a unit is installed that distributes the received power to the bridges and wheels, controlling the efforts of the machine depending on the quality of the track.

This is not provided in crossovers, but some have modes "snow", "slush", etc., which makes it easier to move. However, the gearbox, as part of the transmission, is quite traditional: it can be mechanical or automatic, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive without additional devices.

Suspension

Also, the differences between these types of cars are clearly manifested in the suspension system. SUVs are usually equipped with a suspension, where the wheels connected by a common axle are interdependent - they change position synchronously. This provides good grip on the road, whose surface is far from ideal.

The opposite situation with the crossover - its wheels are independent of each other, which makes it easier to move on asphalt and in urban conditions, but makes it impossible to drive off-road.

Passability

From all of the above, it becomes clear that an SUV is a type of car with increased cross-country ability. It is usually used for long country trips and travel. On such cars you can move both on asphalt and off-road. There are also specific off-road vehicles designed for specific professional tasks, for example, mining dump trucks, military jeeps. Due to their heavy weight and peculiarities of movement, such machines are prohibited from driving on public roads.

All-wheel drive crossovers can also overcome some obstacles: country roads and embankments, slush, small snow drifts. Their "brothers" with front-wheel drive in operation are no different from ordinary cars.

The main representatives of the classes

It is sometimes difficult for a novice car enthusiast to navigate, an SUV in front of him or a crossover, especially since their design is similar, and many cars of both classes are produced by the same concerns.

The most famous representatives of SUVs:

• Hummer.
• Toyota Land Cruiser and RAV4.
• Mitsubishi Pajero.
• Nissan Patrol.
• Land Rover.
• Suzuki Jimny.
• Infiniti QX80.
• Cadillac Escalade.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• Mercedes-Benz G.
• UAZ Patriot and Hunter.
• "Niva".
• Lexus LX and GX.

The most current crossover models:

• Peugeot 2008.
• Nissan Juke.
• Suzuki SX4.
• Mercedes-Benz GLA.
• MINI Cooper Countryman.
• Opel Mokka.
• Citroën C4 Aircross.
• Nissan Dualis.
• Renault Duster.

What to choose

First of all, you need to consider that there is a price gap between SUVs and crossovers (at least of foreign origin). The former are much more expensive and require a lot of fuel. If the price does not matter or the purchase of a used car is being considered, then we choose what is best for us depending on the lifestyle.

The SUV is suitable for travelers or people living outside the city and making frequent off-road trips. Here this type of car will show its best qualities: unpretentiousness, endurance, high carrying capacity. You can be sure that bad weather will not interfere with your plans. In urban conditions, an SUV will consume a huge amount of fuel, show poor maneuverability, and demonstrate low speed on an asphalt road.

The crossover, on the other hand, is ideal for the city: it is easy to drive, it is quite fast, more compact and at the same time roomy. If the roads aren't all that good, but they are not at all absent, you can opt for a hardy 4WD model. For high-quality asphalt surfaces, the most economical front-wheel drive model is suitable.

Crossovers are also suitable for those who do not need the functionality of SUVs, but like their appearance.