Anyone planning to buy their first vehicle or going for an upgrade is likely to join the Cars VS SUV debate. Whether to buy a Car or SUV is a more complex and problematic choice for drivers that have families. I mean, do I choose a SUV to benefit from the comfort and space, or give regards to my pocket and the environment and go for a fuel-efficient family sedan?
Of course, the question is not that straightforward as many assume it to be. Choosing a Car or SUV is not any easy ordeal, and in the following paragraphs, you get some general tips on how to make the best choice in the Cars VS SUV debate. Read on:
Cars: General Benefits
Sedans are the most common types of vehicles that you will find in the market for family cars. These generally are 4-door and have seats at the front and the back to provide adequate space for adults. You also find a storage trunk at the rear for storing extra load.
In comparison to sports utility vehicles, sedans usually offer better maneuverability and handling, and are also more fuel efficient. And when it comes to luxurious features, sedans offer better variety than SUVs, and that too at a relatively lower price. Not to mention, a sedan doesn’t make you look insignificant when you stand beside it!
These basic family cars offer a great degree of practicality as well, especially if you are talking about urban travel. For instance, it is easier to learn to drive on sedans, they are easier to park, and acceleration is also faster. In addition, maintenance and general cleaning is also easier with sedans as compared to SUVs due to their smaller size.
Here is an overview of the different types of cars featured on the market:
Hatchback
Like a typical car, a hatchback has storage space at the back for cargo space. However, in a hatchback, you access this space through a gate hinged above the rear window at the top of the vehicle. Due to an extended roofline, the cargo space is sufficient to begin with, and you can further enhance the space with folding rear seats. A good example is the Nissan Versa. The hatchback models offers almost 18 cubic feet of cargo space as compared to just 13.8 cubic feet of the sedan. And if you fold the rear seats, you can nearly triple the available cargo space.
Notchback
Notchbacks follow the three-box styling of vehicles (i.e. 3 distinct sections for engine, cargo, and seating). The term ‘notchback’ refers to how the slanted rear window meets the trunk lid as if a notch had been slashed away from the rear part of a station wagon.
Fastback
A fastback has a longer roof line and a long sloping back glass, while the deck and trunk lid are shorter than usual sedans.
Other varieties include two-doors and hardtops. Along with the cargo space, these sedans also vary by the body parts, such as headliners, carpets, and interior trim panels, which are different for each body style.
If you want to learn more, click here to see different types of cars
SUVs: General Benefits
The main purpose of SUVs is driving off-road and in difficult terrains, braving elements of weather along the way. For this reason, SUVs come with power, force, and high clearance with a body-on-frame chassis. However, SUVs are no longer restricted to the domain of the adventurous and the off-roaders. These vehicles being endorsed by celebrities, and more and more families are finding these vehicles highly convenient even in an urban setting. This is especially true if you have to maneuver your car in snow, or if you have to pull trailer boats and caravans.
For the most part, SUVs come with a truck-like driving experience (which can be quite rigid if you are not used to it) and these vehicles consume lot of fuel. However, many new models have arrived on the scene with a car-like driving experience, fuel-efficiency, and cab features. Not to mention, you can also find SUVs with a low-center of gravity to avoid the vehicle turning turtle. All this without foregoing the brute power and amazing traction control which SUVs are known for.
Car or SUV: What to Choose?
Now that we have seen the benefits of both cars and SUVs, the next logical question is which to choose? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Considering factors like space, comfort, safety (and of course, money) the answer will be different for each vehicle owner.
Here are some general reasons for choosing a car or an SUV:
Car
- Great for those who are single or have a small family
- Easier to drive, park, reverse, and maneuver through traffic because of its size
- Easier to maintain
- Offers better gas mileage
SUV
- Great for those who have children or who are planning to expand their family
- Great for families that take road trips
- Offers better visibility while driving
- For elderly and people with mobility problems, SUVs offer convenience as they are easier to enter and exit
- Safer to drive in harsh weather
Crossovers
If you are still far away from settling your personal Cars VS SUV debate, you can always go for a crossover, which seems like a natural reply to this dichotomy. Like a car, it offers good fuel economy and a comfortable drive and like a SUV, the crossover provides off-roading features and plenty of space. Compare any sedan with a crossover, and you will see the gigantic difference in cargo space availability.
Earlier we noted how SUVs have a body-on-frame chassis, which can contribute to a rigid driving experience. Also note that SUVs have rugged suspensions, which are amazing on dirt trails but not on roads that have a lot of bumps. Crossover SUVs, however, solve this problem as they are built on car platforms, ensuring smoother rides. Last but not least, crossovers look better than minivans!
Hopefully this article will help you choose the best vehicle for you and your family. If you are still thinking, read this article to know what type of car do you need
