SUVs vs. Cars: How to Choose the Right Vehicle in a Sea of Options

Glancing around you on the road, you can’t help but notice how many SUVs there are, and for a good reason. SUVs are not only more spacious and accommodating than smaller sedans, but they’re also loaded with enhanced capabilities, able to propel you into nature with assurance, navigate inclement weather safely, and confidently deliver you to wherever you’re traveling next.

At Illini Nissan, we want to help you choose the right car for your travel needs, and if you want to save money and enjoy cutting-edge features and ample space, a used SUV may just be the perfect option for you. At Illini Nissan, we’re the area’s leading used SUV dealer; from family favorites to rugged explorers, and commuter companions to road trip wanderers, there’s a model in our lineup that’s destined to belong to you. So, when it comes to SUVs versus cars, what’s the difference, and how do crossovers fit into the mix? Let’s take a look at how each vehicle differs.

What Is an SUV?

An SUV, short for Sport Utility Vehicle, refers to a segment in the automotive industry that features a profound number of vehicles geared toward travelers who demand more out of their time behind the wheel. From those seeking out off-road adventure to those needing more space for their family, weekend camping enthusiasts to hard workers, the SUV plays a role in several driving scenarios. SUVs showcase a body-on-frame build, allowing them to be more capable, durable, spacious, and accommodating than other vehicles. Many are built on a truck chassis as well, which makes them even more capable, especially when hard work is involved.

Some SUV models showcase boxy designs, while others offer a more wagon-like body. They tend to exhibit better visibility than sedans, thanks to their higher seating position, and when it comes to options, you have plenty. There are SUVs of all shapes and sizes in the industry, further appealing to more drivers than ever before. If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers you space, performance, versatility, and comfort, SUVs are absolute winners.

Why Drive an SUV?

There are many benefits to driving an SUV, not only when it comes to overall comfort during the drive but also when you need to do more on the road and off. SUVs offer a better engine selection than sedans, with many models equipped with powerful V6 and V8 engines for maximum performance. They’re able to tow and haul impressive amounts, making them ideal for many different types of travelers. Haul your camper out for a trip into nature, or pull some much-needed materials in your trailer for a home improvement project you’re tackling. Off-road adventures can also be enhanced by these powerful engines, allowing you to venture into the wilderness with unmatched confidence.

SUVs are also incredibly spacious, with some offering three rows of configurable seating to accommodate their passengers and gear. From power tailgates to slide-out seating, plus loads of features geared toward youngsters, like rear-seat entertainment systems and more, families are often drawn to SUVs. Now more than ever, SUVs are the go-to vehicles for families over minivans due to their extraordinary features and spaciously designed cabins. They’re also loaded with top-of-the-line tech and safety features to make your experience on board more secure than ever.

For those who frequent the trails on the weekends, SUVs are designed to excel in these challenging environments. With available 4×4 capabilities, off-road-tuned suspension systems, and rugged features inside and out, there’s nowhere these adventurous travelers can’t go. All-wheel drive comes standard on several models and is available in many others, which allows drivers to travel with assurance, even when the roads become snow-covered, icy, bumpy, or muddy. As you can see, the level of versatility you’ll find in an SUV is unbeatable, which is why so many drivers trust these accomplished travelers when their ride is on the line.

Types of SUVs

There are many places that SUVs can travel, whether you’re frequenting packed city streets, rough mountain roads, open expanses of the highway, or anywhere else you dare to venture. This calls for SUVs of all shapes and sizes to add value to your everyday drive. For those looking for a comfortable and efficient commuter, subcompact and compact SUVs are perfect, with their easy handling, comfortable interiors, and outstanding fuel economy. Midsize SUVs are perhaps the ideal blend of comfort and capability. They’re spacious enough to accommodate more passengers and gear than small SUVs yet are easy to handle, making them top picks for small families, commuters, and others.

Many midsize SUVs also come in three-row options, which especially appeal to families everywhere, but when you need more space, full-size SUVs come in to save the day. Armed with cavernous interiors, better capabilities, larger builds, and impressive power, full-size SUVs are there for you when you need to be able to do more with your vehicle. From families to hard workers, full-size SUVs can bring more value to your everyday travels. You’ll even find many full-size options available in max or extended sizes to add even more space for everyone and everything accompanying you on your journey.

How Do Crossovers Fit In?

What about vehicles labeled as crossovers? What are crossovers, and how do they fit into the grand scheme of the SUV market? Crossovers are similar to SUVs, except they’re built on a slightly different platform. Showcasing a unibody frame built on a car chassis, crossovers drive very similarly to smaller sedans, yet they offer many of the features that come with SUVs. For many, this is a win-win, as they can take advantage of more space and capabilities without worrying about difficult handling on the road. Crossovers are typically offered in front-wheel drive with the option to add all-wheel drive capabilities, as opposed to many SUVs, which make AWD a standard feature.

Many crossovers are equipped with smaller four-cylinder engines with the option to upgrade to a V6 option. This means they will offer slightly less power than SUVs, resulting in lower towing capacities. Off-roading will be typically reserved for SUVs, as crossovers are built more for everyday commuting than for rugged off-road escapades. For those who are seeking out a dependable, easy-to-drive, and comfortable vehicle for their everyday commute, crossovers are perfect.

Why Drive a Car?

Although we can guarantee many of you know what a car is, what you may not know is what sets cars apart from other vehicles on the road. Cars exhibit what’s called a three-box design, which consists of the front end or engine bay, passenger compartment, and rear end or trunk. Sedans have been slowly fading from the spotlight for decades, but they’re still great options for some drivers. Due to their smaller size, sedans are ideal for everyday travelers who don’t require a lot of space inside their vehicles. They also tend to be cheaper than many other large vehicles, not only regarding sticker price but also at the pump. Sedans are great on gas, making them ideal picks for many drivers who frequently find themselves in stop-and-go traffic.

Types of Cars

Like SUVs, there are different sizes and types of cars to appeal to drivers everywhere. Subcompact and compact cars are ideal for those who are normally traveling alone. They’re also incredibly efficient, making them perfect for commuters. Midsize cars showcase more space than compact options and easy handling, making them extremely popular, especially with families. Although there aren’t many full-size cars left on the market, there is a handful left for those who desire maximum space inside. Hatchbacks, four-door options, coupes, and convertible configurations can be found so drivers can choose the sedan style that meets their requirements on the road.

Which Type Should You Choose?

There’s a reason you see so many SUVs on the road and also why many automakers are choosing to phase out sedans from their lineups. SUVs dominate the daily drive, with plenty of options for varying budgets, capabilities to appeal to any driver, and unbeatable performances that you can’t find elsewhere. At Illini Nissan, we want to help you get behind the wheel of the SUV that meets and exceeds your travel expectations. Stop by and discover all of the fantastic models we offer, and if you want to save money, choosing a used SUV may be the right move for you.