A Look at the Differences between Crossovers and SUVs

 

Even though a lot of people, including industry insiders, use the terms interchangeably, Jaguar crossovers and Jaguar SUVs are not the same thing. Given the many similarities that exist between the two body styles, it's easy to understand why so many individuals think "SUV" and "crossover" are synonymous. To understand how the vehicles are distinct from one another, it's helpful to look at some of their specific differences.

Platforms

If you contact or visit our Indianapolis, IN Jaguar dealership, we'll tell you that crossovers and SUVs are built differently. SUVs employ a body-on-frame design, which means that their bodies and frames are constructed separately and then joined together at a later point. 

Crossovers, on the other hand, are made with what's called "unibody" construction. That means they're built in a single piece.

In general, crossovers are made using the chassis of a car like a sedan. SUVs are constructed using a more truck-like design.

Size

A Jaguar SUV is built for rougher terrain than its crossover competitors. That's one of the reasons why SUVs tend to be categorized as mid- or full-sized rather than compact, small, or midsized like crossovers usually are. 

Since they're often larger, SUVs typically weigh more than crossovers, and some of them can accommodate more passengers and/or gear.

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AWD vs 4WD

Because they're more off-road-oriented than crossovers, SUVs normally have a four-wheel drive system whereas crossovers often have all-wheel drive. While both systems provide extra sure-footedness when the weather's bad, four-wheel drive systems are better suited for exploring the outdoors and rock crawling.

Four-wheel drive systems are inherently heavier than all-wheel drive alternatives. That added weight contributes to the weight difference that often exists between SUVs and crossovers.

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Max Tow Rating

With SUVs being naturally more rugged than crossovers, it should come as no surprise that they can normally tow more than their counterparts. SUVs normally have more built-in cargo room than crossovers as well.

For more information about the differences that exist between SUVs and crossovers, contact our Jaguar dealership. To find a Jaguar SUV that will support your active lifestyle seamlessly, shop with Jaguar Indianapolis in-person or from home today.