Crossovers: Pros and Cons

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, consider a crossover. These vehicles are somewhere between SUVs and regular cars. Technically, SUVs are based on a body-on-frame build, while crossover cars feature a unibody frame.

Traditionally, SUVs give you features like high clearance from the ground and an all-wheel-drive capability, making them suitable for off-road driving. However, the downsides are that they are known for having high fuel consumption, they handle less accurately than regular cars, and generally give a less comfortable ride.

Realizing this, as long back as the late 70s and early 80s, carmakers began producing vehicles that offered the best of both worlds.

Pros of Crossover Cars

Crossover-type SUVs first appeared to fill a market void in which people desired the benefits of an SUV without the downsides of high fuel consumption and reduced handling comfort. Crossovers are built on unibody frames, so they have a more comfortable ride and better handling and are easier to maneuver and park. Because they are lighter and smaller than traditional SUVs, they also have lower fuel consumption.

Despite their smaller size, they have more interior seating space than standard road cars. Many also have a third row of seats, making them an excellent choice for larger families. Many traditional SUVs have the third row, but crossover seating is more comfortable, making them more popular.

In a crossover, the driver is seated higher up, similar to a traditional SUV, giving them better visibility and making them more accessible than conventional road cars.

One more significant benefit is that they are more affordable than SUVs, making them an affordable option for families who might not typically be able to buy an SUV.

Cons of Crossover Cars

Crossover vehicles come in a wide variety, and some are better suited to specific situations than others, so it is difficult to say whether they have any inherent drawbacks.

Despite their appealing exterior, some crossovers only have front-wheel drive, which limits their off-road performance. Nevertheless, you can opt for four-wheel drive with many models.

They also appear bulkier than regular hatchbacks or other road cars – but they don’t typically take up more space on the road, so this isn’t a big deal.

Should You Buy a Crossover?

Crossover cars are an excellent option for those who value the extra space, higher ground clearance, and SUV styling but don’t want strong off-road performance or high fuel consumption.