When you’re looking for a new car, you have to make a lot of decisions about what matters most to you. Are you looking for a car that will primarily get you to work and back, one that’s ideal for long drives during a family vacation, or something suitable for off-road activities and motorsports? For most people, the answer is one of the first two, and two kinds of vehicles immediately come to mind: sedans and SUVs. Each has its advantages, so it’s often somewhat of a challenge to decide whether you should buy a sedan or an SUV. To answer this question, we’ll explore the main differences between these kinds of vehicles and the situations in which each is ideal.
The Biggest Differences Between Sedans and SUVs
At first glance, SUVs and sedans look very different because of their height. SUVs tend to be larger vehicles and are often longer than sedans (except for some station wagons). Sedans, on the other hand, can look sleek or sporty while still having a large amount of space for cargo and passengers. Nevertheless, there are significant differences that can help you decide which kind of vehicle you should buy.
The Characteristics of Sedans
Sedans are generally considered four-door cars, rarely sitting more than a foot or so off the ground. Sedans include a wide variety of cars, from highly efficient electric vehicles to gas-guzzling muscle cars. Along with coupes, their two-door cousins, sedans make up the majority of cars on the road. There’s another category, hatchbacks, which are essentially sedans with a rear door and additional storage space instead of a trunk.
Sedans tend to be more fuel efficient than SUVs and frequently handle better. In general, they’re designed to either be efficient and comfortable or sporty and powerful. You can find every engine type, from highly economical I-4 arrangements to the V-12 engines that propel racing supercars on European tracks. Sedans serve as excellent everyday vehicles and have plenty of space for the average American family as well as several cases of luggage (except in instances of more compact sedans).
Qualities That Define SUVs
SUVs also have a wide variety of models that fit the category. Subcompact SUVs can have tremendous overlap with hatchbacks, but the higher chassis seat gives both drivers and passengers an entirely different experience. While “SUV” stands for “sport utility vehicle,” most SUVs these days are used for daily commuting and errands. As a result, this style of vehicle has diversified and has a model suited for nearly any task.
On the more rugged end, SUVs overlap with pickup trucks in terms of power and sportiness, such as the stereotypical Jeep used on camping excursions. Meanwhile, modern electric and hybrid SUVs lean into comfort and efficiency. Additionally, luxury SUVs are intended to remain entirely on the road but offer a comfortable driving experience with ample cargo and passenger space that takes road trips to another level.
When Sedans and SUVs Outshine Each Other
Given the variety of sedan and SUV models, you can find a lot of overlap between the styles. If you’re looking for a commuter vehicle, the choice will mostly come down to personal taste, as there are strong arguments to be made for both types. Generally, SUVs can be safer than sedans, while sedans are often more fuel efficient than SUVs. The main distinctions occur when you consider the extremes.
The sportiest sedans can blow past the highest-power SUVs, giving those who want to feel the rushing wind during highway driving the control and power they need to make the most of the road. On the other hand, rugged utility SUVs are far better suited to off-road activities, construction sites, and other areas with uneven terrain. If you have a long road trip in mind, a comfort-oriented luxury SUV can provide more flexibility and better options than luxury sedans, which tend to have powerful engines and good control rather than a focus on roominess.
Ultimately, you can factor into your decision what you intend to use the vehicle for as well as your personality. There are excellent sedans and SUVs on the market, so the best ways to know which you may want to buy are to do ample research and take one or a few for a test drive.