Crossover vs SUV: Differences, Models & More

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers (CUVs) may seem similar but the differences go beyond their size. The term SUV is generally used for almost any vehicle that has a higher ground clearance and offers an all-wheel drive, and that is why crossovers are often confused as small-sized SUVs. To ease the crossover vs SUV confusion, we will explain the difference in detail.

Crossover vs SUV – The Difference

There is a big crossover vs suv difference when it comes to the vehicle's size. — Honda CR-V Hybrid is a popular mid-size SUV

There are few differences between SUVs and crossovers. Crossovers are slightly higher than cars but they are not as tall as SUVs. CUVs have four doors and offer all-wheel-drive as well as four-wheel-drive transmission. Crossovers are built on a car platform and they are unibody vehicles. Since these vehicles are built on car platforms they offer more comfort when compared with an SUV.

Another crossover vehicles vs SUV difference is that crossovers offer more stability, they are easier to drive and drivers can easily maneuver them through compact spaces. They are also easier to park when compared with traditional SUVs.

Range Rover Sport is a popular SUV among off-roaders

On the other hand, SUVs are built on a truck’s chassis platform. SUVs are taller vehicles that have body-on-frame construction. The body-on-frame construction method is defined as a body-mounted to a separate frame.

For years, automakers were able to save on costs just by mounting different body designs onto the same frame. That said, only a few vehicles (aside from heavy-duty commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, trucks and large SUVs) are still built with body-on-frame construction.

This method stands for more torsional flexing, it is preferred in off-road vehicles, and it can be easily repaired, making it helpful for fleets. Moreover, traditional SUVs made with body-on-frame construction are great for towing.

Therefore, SUVs are more suited for people who live in areas with rugged roads or those who are interested in off-roading activities. SUVs are further categorized as mid-size and large-size. Mid-size SUVs generally provide lots of overhead and leg space, but their seating capacity is less than a full-size SUV. That’s the only difference between the two.

Both SUVs and crossovers (also known as compact SUVs) are tall vehicles, therefore they offer a greater view of the road, are spacious inside and have increased boot space.

Crossover Car vs SUV: The Drivetrain

Any engine with any transmission can practically fit and connect it to all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. The engines, transmissions, and wheel drive configurations are the same for both SUV and CUV vehicles. However, an SUV has more towing ability, and they have higher torque output for mid- or full-size SUVs. CUVs are also powered similarly but the towing capacity is less.