SUVs vs. Sedans – A Quick Comparison
Posted Friday, Jul 28, 2023
Getting a new car should improve your lifestyle by offering both convenience and the freedom to move. If you're torn between an SUV and a sedan, it’s important to choose an option that fits your style and needs.
Before you consider financing and dealership options, it is important to work out the type of car you want to drive. This will affect not just your finances, but also speed up the process of finding the perfect car for you.
What is an SUV?
An SUV is short for “Sports Utility Vehicle”. It is a massive car compared to other vehicles and often comes with a four-wheel drive mode designed to drive comfortably on most types of terrain. SUVs have higher ground clearance compared to other vehicles, allowing them to easily pass over tough terrain without damaging the vehicle’s underside.
They are spacious too, and they usually provide comfortable spacing for between five and eight passengers. You also get a better view of the road because of an SUV’s higher ground clearance, which offers more road visibility.
The roomy interior of an SV provides enough space for both passengers and cargo. It often seats more passengers than a sedan, or at the very least; it can provide seating space for more occupants in a comfortable and safe manner.
Some SUVs have up to four rows of seating, which makes them a convenient solution for families or groups of friends. Prominent examples of great SUVs include the Hyundai Tucson, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X, among others.
What is a Sedan?
Sedans are generally shorter than SUVs and have lower ground clearance, making them less suitable for off-roading. However, the biggest advantage of sedans is that they are more fuel efficient. Since sedans are lightweight, they don't require much power to move around. This means their fuel requirements are more conservative compared to those of an SUV.
Sedans tend to have a lower cost than SUVs, mostly because they are smaller and require fewer materials to make them in the first place. This means you can find a fancier trim with high-end features if you decide to forego an SUV.
Sedans are considered safer than SUVs, primarily because of their lower center of gravity. An SUV always has a high risk of rollover due to its higher gravity, which can be a risk to pedestrians around it. In fact, studies have shown that SUVs may be more deadly to pedestrians than passenger cars like sedans.
Prominent examples of the best sedans include the Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, and Honda Civic, among others.
Advantages of SUVs
SUVs, on the whole, are more utilitarian in nature compared to sedans and can-do off-roading due to their higher ground clearance. Here are the details.
More Road Visibility
SUVs have higher ground clearance compared to other cars, which means that the driver has a more clear view of the road. Moreover, the higher ground clearance makes it easy to drive an SUV over rough roads and terrain, making it excellent for motorists who prefer going off-roads and testing the limits of their four-wheel drive on the weekends.
Spacious
The interior of an SUV is roomier and more spacious than that of a sedan by virtue of being much larger. It can provide seating space for about 5 to 7 adult passengers with plenty of headroom and legroom. Thanks to their higher rooflines, you can carry larger items, such as camping gear, on your road trips.
Depending on the make and model of the SUV, you can also securely attach a luggage rack to its roof or attach your bikes to the rear door. These features make an SUV more practical and utilitarian for motorists.
Safety
The size of an SUV makes it one of the safest types of cars on the road. They are both large and heavier, which allows them to absorb the impact of another car or an object in a collision. This can lower the risk of injury to passengers in the SUV. Moreover, advancements in safety technology have made SUVs more effective in preventing crashes.
Features such as a parking sensor, blind spot assist, and lane departure warning can alert motorists of any hazards so they can minimize their risk of an accident.
Advantages of Sedans
Let’s take a comprehensive look at the advantages of buying sedans.
Price
Whether you buy them new or used, sedans are typically cheaper than SUVs, and they often offer a better resale value. The difference between sedans and SUVs is about 500 pounds, which translates into a better cost for sedans.
Fuel Usage
Sedans typically have smaller engines than SUVs, mostly because they don’t require as much power to get around. This translates into better fuel economy compared to an SUV. A combination of weight, aerodynamics, ground clearance, and mechanical resistance make sedans a superior choice for motorists who seek better fuel efficiency.
Cheaper Insurance
Sedans are typically cheaper than SUVs because their hearts are inexpensive to replace. This means that it costs less to repair sedans, which translates into lower insurance premiums. Sedans have also been shown to be more reliable and durable compared to other cars, which means their maintenance requirements are less extensive.
Parking is Easier
Sedans don’t take up as much space compared to an SUV, which makes them more mobile and nimble. You can find parking spots for your sedan more quickly and, therefore, get on with your day. However, it may take you a long time to find an appropriate parking spot for your SUV.
Wrapping Up - Which Option is Ideal for Me?
When you start exploring the used car market, you will notice the presence of a large number of SUVs and sedans. It is important to understand that both have different features that appeal to the different needs and preferences of customers.
Some drivers prefer the utilitarian nature of SUVs and their off-roading capabilities, while others may prefer the fuel efficiency and nimble structure of sedans.
Ultimately, your choice will come down to your unique needs and preferences. Get in touch with San Auto Dealer if you need help finding the right used car for you.
