Most of these SUVs did not have full-time 4WD systems and they still rode like trucks. Not far behind were the Japanese automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi who converted their existing pickups into SUVs by essentially enclosing the bed of the truck. The first SUVs to garner increased consumer interest were the Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, and the Chevy Blazer. None of these will compete with a Land Rover off-road, but they do indicate buyers want a certain level of capability from their CUVs. Honda is also getting in on the action with TrailSport branded models, starting with the full-size Passport, as well as the Ridgeline pickup truck, but likely coming to the midsize Honda CR-V. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) traction control for the AWD system. Ford's newest compact SUV, the Bronco Sport's Badlands trim, includes similar off-road features and a trail-oriented G.O.A.T. Subaru's Wilderness Package raises ground clearance, adds unpainted body cladding, and more aggressive tires. Manufacturers have started to add off-road-oriented packages to their crossover offerings. Some crossover SUVs still have some off-road capability, but they're largely designed to deal with on-road obstacles. As SUVs became more popular with families and people who remained on-road, some of the off-road capability had to be compromised to deliver a more efficient vehicle.

The heavier vehicles were also less fuel-efficient. However, this off-road prowess did not exactly translate to an enjoyable on-road drive, especially when compared to a car. This same design was easier for hard-core off-road fans to lift the body over the frame, to add larger wheels and tires for even more ground clearance. The original SUVs had leaf-spring suspensions on both ends and solid axles that were capable off-road. The entire SUV concept originated with off-road enthusiasts. However, there are still plenty of traditional body-on-frame SUVs in the market, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The idea was that the crossover crossed the utility of an SUV with the practicality of a car. This is why 'Crossover SUV' was the initial term used in marketing today's crossover. For example, Ford Explorers and Jeep Grand Cherokees are generally considered SUVs but they have unibody designs. There are some exceptions to this general classification. These SUVs also traditionally use a rear-wheel-drive setup, with optional four-wheel-drive. Traditional SUVsĬompared to crossovers, SUVs usually use the body-on-frame design, which means that the body and frame are built separately and then put together later in the construction process. The crossover is all about combining the best features of cars with the best features of SUVs. Crossovers are generally lighter than SUVs and more fuel-efficient.

Crossovers feature more comfortable car-like rides than SUVs, which have stiffer rides similar to a truck.

The extra ride height might be accompanied by four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, though many crossovers come standard with two-wheel-drive. They typically sit high - like an SUV - and feature four doors and a rear hatch. What Makes a Crossover a Crossover?Ĭrossovers have a distinct appearance and certain technical details that set them apart. The term CUV (crossover utility vehicle) is sometimes used to refer to these vehicles because it more closely aligns them with the tough reputation of SUVs. While traditional SUVs began as little more than filled-out trucks, the crossover is built on a car platform and appeals to a wide array of buyers, a key reason they've become the top-selling class of vehicle in the U.S. The crossover appeals to families with its car-like handling, roomy interior, and excellent visibility. This means that crossovers have a unibody construction where the frame and body are one piece.Ī crossover SUV combines the best features of SUVs (sport utility vehicles) with the highlights of minivans and sedans for a truly family-friendly vehicle.

The traditional SUV is usually based on a truck platform, while crossovers are built on car chassis.

Crossover suvs