SUVs vs Sedans: 12 Factors to Compare.
Buying a car is usually the second largest purchase of your life right behind buying a house! Finding your ideal ride that meshes well with your lifestyle starts with a basic choice: what kind of vehicle you want to browse for.
We pulled together 12 important factors when comparing SUVs vs Sedans that will help make your decision an easier one.
Which is the better option for you? SUVs vs Sedans
- Cost
The biggest differentiator and most people’s reason for choosing one over the other is price. The rule of thumb is the bigger the car the more it’ll cost. Therefore, sedans are going to have a lower, more affordable price tag. Going with a sedan will save you some money initially, or enable you to get a higher trim level with more features.
- Capabilities
Are you in need of something more than the basic Inline 4 cylinder engine with FWD, which is found in almost all sedans? If the answer is yes and you need something with more power and capabilities, an SUVs is the better choice. Most SUVs are available in AWD and have trim levels available with V6 engines! Locations that get weather from heavy rain and snow, an SUV comes in handy pushing through the precipitation.
- Passengers and Space
To no ones surprise the SUV is going to have more space. With more head, shoulder, and leg room, the passengers will have a comfier ride.
When it comes to how many people fit in your vehicle, sedans are limited to 5. SUVs also have seating for 5 but several do have 3rd rows, raising the passenger seating to 8. Depending on your family size, a sedan could be just what you need. Alternatively, you may need to opt for the larger vehicle, an SUV, for increase passenger space.
- Cargo Space
In the back, you’ll find some sedans with great cargo space and many with 60/40 folding back seats for some extra length. On the other hand, SUVs usually have more volume for cargo and typically have a hatchback with folding seats as well. Both could utilize the installment of roof racks to maximize area for cargo.
- Off-roading
Due to the increased power, ride height, and AWD options, off-roading in a SUV is definitely more preferable than in a sedan.
- Towing
If you’re in need of some towing capability for a camper, boat, or trailer, an SUV is the way to go. Though sedans usually do have the ability to tow small, light items, SUVs have a higher towing capacity.
- Mileage / Fuel Economy
Sedans have better gas mileage due to the fact that they’re smaller, more aerodynamic, and have less weight to lug. Although, SUVs over the past few years have been generally getting better with fuel economy.
Both sedans and SUVs have options for hybrid and electric vehicles to save you even more on gas and reduce your carbon footprint. Luckily, we carry one of the top hybrid SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
- Performance
Sedans, being smaller vehicles, tend to have a better pick up. Driving in cities is convenient with quick turning and easier parking. SUVs have a higher center of gravity and tend to need a little more handling when turning but other than that SUVs are impressive with performance and are available in many different options.
- Safety
Generally, they tend to be pretty even when it comes to safety. SUVs do have a higher ride height enabling a better view of the road. Also, with the size difference, in the case of an accident, an SUV may come out less wrecked than a small sedan due to sheer mass and force.
Even though sizes differ, newer models are improved with extensive safety features like Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and more, passenger safety and accident avoidance is only getting better. Amazing safety features and tech are available in sedans and SUVs making this a plus for both.
- Value
As we know, sedans cost less the SUVs. Not only in sticker price but less money is spent on gas, and insurance tends to be cheaper for less expensive vehicles. Also a bigger car (SUV) with more parts like in an AWD, there is more to maintain. The maintenance and servicing cost are more extensive is an SUV, in turn sedans beat out SUVs in the factor.
- Comfort
Lastly, SUVs take the cake with comfort for a few reasons. Cabin space is larger and since the ride height is increased, getting in and out is less effort. The older folks really appreciate this benefit in SUVs because of the easy to hop in and out.
Now you can choose with a little more confidence. If you have any more question comparing SUVs vs sedan, our customer-first team is happy to help.
Our large and fast-changing inventory holds many sedan and SUV options. Browse them today!
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