Crossovers, SUVs and off-roaders are selling hits in the modern car market. According to the Society of Motoring Manufacturers, the demand for these vehicles has grown 1.5 times over the past 10 years.
Journalists of Carbuyer explained the difference between crossovers, SUVs, and traditional 4×4 all-terrain vehicles.
What is an off-road vehicle?
The main constructive feature of a full-fledged off-roader is the sturdy frame the body puts on. The 4×4 vehicles are heavy, they are quite difficult to control compared to passenger cars.
On the other hand, off-roaders are strong, well overcome even deep off-road, suited for towing heavy trailers. This simple engineering is also preferable to manufacturers since different bodies can be attached to the same chassis.
This makes it possible to easily and quickly develop various versions: passenger civilian, pick-up trucks, or even military. A classic example is the Land Rover Defender (pictured above), of which even ambulances and fire trucks are made.
Popular body-on-frame off-road vehicles to date are the Mitsubishi Shogun / Pajero, Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, SsangYong Rexton, and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
What is an SUV?
The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) term is used for a class of models that have a bearing body. Unlike off-road vehicles, these are high-speed cars with excellent handling, improved comfort, and reduced operating costs.
From the engineering point of view, the main difference is that the body and chassis form a single structure, saving weight and making SUV models much stiffer than body-on-frame off-roaders. As a consequence, the results of their crash tests are much better.
Representatives of the SUV class are the Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento, Renault Koleos, Land Rover Discovery.
What is a crossover?
The crossover resembles a high family hatchback. Such models usually have front-wheel drive, although for some versions the AWD system is also offered. Pretty stylish and practical, these vehicles are easy to drive. Their operation costs do not exceed those of commensurate hatchbacks or sedans.
The power, as a rule, is provided by small petrol or diesel turbocharged engines from 1.0 to 2.0 liters. You can also choose a hybrid model, like the Toyota C-HR or the Kia Niro.
Crossovers are divided into two classes – compact and subcompact. Representatives of the first are the Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca, Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, Mazda CX-5.
A pioneer of the second class is the impressive Nissan Juke. Today it has a lot of rivals: the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka X, Mazda CX-3, Ford EcoSport.
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