Sport Utility vehicles have been around for a long time now. The different shapes, styles, and designs that car companies manufacture these days seem to be almost endless. From the massive Chevrolet Suburban to the Mini Cooper’s small Countryman, as well as every size in between. There is no doubt that if you are in the market for a new Sports Utility Vehicle in 2017, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect sized one for your unique driving needs and preferences.
What is a Crossover SUV, Anyway?
Many experts say that a crossover SUV is what is considered the “new minivan.” Ranging from small and sleek, to large and almost truck like, SUVs have become the new norm with the crossover class increasingly very popular. So popular in fact that the American public buys crossover SUVs like they are going out of style. Quid Pro Quo Clarice – what is the best selling car type in the United States? You guessed it, the new crossover-style SUV. Offering everything from TV screens and DVD players to four wheel drive and Wi-Fi, the “new minivan,” offers everything the American family could ask for.
Generally larger than a car, yet smaller than the bigger SUVs, crossovers typically come with all-wheel drive, and have bigger tires than a car, which gives them a taller stance. Offering the Sport Utility features of larger SUVs, crossovers give most drivers the feeling of safety that large SUV offers, with the perks that come with owning a car or sedan, such as great gas mileage.
Technically a crossover should be built using a unibody construction, which means the body and frame are not separate. Crossovers, (if equipped with four-wheel drive,) usually have full time four wheel drive only. This means the operator cannot elect to switch between 2 or 4 wheel drive. If bought with 2 wheel drive only, front wheel drive is what is offered.
Crossover SUVs do not offer a low range gearbox, as opposed to larger SUVs.
How Are Original SUVs Different?
The original SUVs, such as the Jeep Cherokees, were birthed from the late 1960s when a movement of off-road enthusiasm was noticed by the automotive industry. Manufacturers like Jeep started making four wheel drive vehicles that offered far more ground clearance, as well as a gearbox that offered a set of lower torqued gears, best used when climbing mountains, very steep grades, and even large sand dunes or boulders.
Traditional SUVs now still offer the gear box with a set of lower gears. Also, the option of either full time or part time four wheel drive, rear wheel drive if in 2 drive, and a towing capability of over 5,000 pounds.
SUV Model Types
Some traditional SUVs are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Ford Explorer, and the Subaru Outback. Crossover SUVs include the Ford Edge, the GMC Acadia, and the Honda CR-V.
Some of the top consumer favorite crossover SUVs are represented by the Chevrolet Trax, the Kia Sorento, and the Toyota RAV4.
