SUV vs. Sedan: A Buyer's Guide

SUVs and sedans are two types of vehicles that potential new car owners often argue about as they narrow down their options—and for good reason. The SUV vs. sedans competition is a tough one, and there may be no true winner, with the winner taking all. In fact, it may be easier to decide which vehicle to crown as your personal champion by weighing the pros and cons of each and choosing the one that best meets your daily needs.

Sedans vs SUVs

Sedans and SUVs are two types of vehicle body styles that have been tried and tested from coast to coast. If you've ever driven a car, chances are you've gotten behind the wheel of a sedan or SUV at some point. While modern sedans and SUVs often share the latest technological features, there are key differences between the two that can be helpful to understand when deciding which type of car to buy .

What is a sedan?

A sedan is typically a two- or four-door, fixed-roof vehicle featuring a "three-box" design that separates the engine (usually V4 or V6), cabin, and trunk into three distinct sections. Sedans are typically built lower to the ground and smaller than SUVs, giving them a sleeker appearance and often better fuel efficiency . Their smaller frame often makes them an ideal choice for urban driving, as they are typically more adept at weaving through traffic, maneuvering around tight corners, and squeezing into hidden parking spaces.

What is an SUV?

SUVs are a type of passenger vehicle that are typically designed to handle tough road conditions thanks to their higher seating height, higher ground clearance, and longer cabin. SUVs are also more likely to include all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (AWD or 4WD) capabilities, which may serve a wider range of driving conditions and terrain. This may benefit adventurous buyers looking for their next solo road trip vehicle .

SUVs typically feature more cargo space with trunk access via a fold-down tailgate, which can make them a good choice for families or new parents wondering where to put all their baby gear . Under the hood, you'll typically find that SUVs have more powerful engines to match their size and weight. On the one hand, this may allow for some towing capacity, but on the other hand, it can also make them less fuel efficient than sedans.

Compact SUVs vs. Sedans

Through your research, you may find that SUVs are classified as "midsize" or "compact." Compact SUVs can be a convenient vehicle for buyers who are hesitating between sedans and SUVs. In general, compact SUVs are smaller and lighter than their midsize counterparts. This gives them some of the same advantages as sedans, such as improved fuel economy and agility on the road, while also offering SUV-like benefits like a higher ride height and additional cargo space.

Sedan vs SUV: Pros and Cons

Buying your first car (or any car for that matter) can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. Ultimately, it's about making the choice that best fits your lifestyle, and that's where weighing the pros and cons and evaluating the differences between sedans and SUVs comes in. As you compare, think about how each advantage or disadvantage impacts your daily life.

Sedan Car Features

Potential advantages of sedans include:

• Budget: Sedans typically offer better fuel economy, and while this may depend heavily on fluctuating fuel prices, you may end up saving money in the long run.
• Flexibility: Sedans are typically lighter than SUVs and can be especially beneficial for city drivers who value the extra maneuverability. Some sedans may offer all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems to increase their capabilities across multiple terrains.
• Design: Sedans have a sleek, lightweight design and may appeal to those looking for a more classic look on the road.

Disadvantages of sedan cars

Potential downsides of sedans include:

• Tight Spaces: Sedans typically offer smaller cabin dimensions and seating space than SUVs. This can be a problem if you have a growing family that may need more available seating.
• Limited towing capacity: While some sedans may be able to tow a small boat or trailer, most sedans come with very limited towing capacity.
• Less Storage Space: Sedans typically offer less storage space and smaller cargo capacity than SUVs.

Features of four-wheel drive vehicles

Potential advantages of SUVs include:

• Space: On average, SUVs offer more space to accommodate more people and cargo. This can be especially beneficial for large families or adventurers who need to store some extra gear.
• Off-road performance: SUVs typically come with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems, giving them the ability to improve performance across a variety of terrains.
• Better visibility: The high seating position in SUVs may allow you to have a better view of the world around you on the road.

Disadvantages of SUVs

Potential disadvantages of SUVs include:

• Economy: Because of their heavier weight and powerful engines, SUVs may consume fuel more quickly than sedans. This can lead to a higher overall cost of ownership in the long run.
• Larger Drive: SUVs may not be as aerodynamic as sedans and are usually heavier. This can make them feel "bulkier" to drive and limit their ability to maneuver in tight spaces. If this is a potential concern, it may be something to keep in mind during your next test drive .
• Design: SUVs have an unmistakably larger profile than sedans and may not be the first choice for drivers looking to buy a more sporty-looking vehicle.

Are SUVs safer than sedans?

Sedans have a lower center of gravity due to their lower ground clearance, which helps make them more stable and easier to maneuver on the road. Some might argue that this results in a safer driving experience. However, all other things being equal, larger, heavier SUVs may offer better crash protection, giving SUVs a slight edge in driving safety. However, when you consider the complexity of modern advanced safety features, the difference may be a less significant factor overall.

What are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?

Modern SUVs and sedans typically come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to improve driving, safety and comfort — these systems work by assisting drivers while operating their vehicles. ADAS systems work by monitoring the environment around your vehicle to provide real-time information and alerts, helping you avoid collisions and other potential hazards. Examples of ADAS features you may have encountered include lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and corrective steering.

Check safety ratings

When comparing sedans to SUVs, it can be helpful to check the safety ratings of different makes and models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct crash tests and provide safety ratings through a standardized system for a wide range of vehicles on the road. This can be a way to reliably educate yourself on the comparable safety of different vehicles.

In summary

As you can see, the battle between SUVs and sedans is a real judicial decision. Whether it's the ample all-terrain capability of an SUV, or the compact design and agility of a sedan, the best choice for you is ultimately a decision you can make alone. It pays to take some time to think about your lifestyle and carefully evaluate which vehicle best suits your needs before declaring a winner.