Many consumers nowadays overlook traditional, body-on-frame SUVs due to the rising popularity of crossovers. Their car-like driving characteristics and generous cargo capacity make crossovers more versatile, but are consumers missing out on some qualities that only a “real” SUV can offer? Here we’ll give you five reasons why a full-size SUV may be the better pick and five reasons to opt for a large three-row crossover instead. Considering the big difference in the starting prices of these two vehicle types, let’s assume the SUV is lightly contented while the large crossover comes loaded.
Five Reasons to Buy the Full-Size SUV
SUVs–They can tow
Would you rather tow your boat with a crossover or a Chevrolet Tahoe? Exactly. Crossovers have a hard time competing with full-size SUVs in this category. The Tahoe boasts a maximum towing capacity of 8,600 pounds with a trailering package in rear-drive form with a 5.3-liter V-8. The Traverse, on the other hand, can handle just 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 and a trailering package.
SUVs–They’re higher
Many consumers will ditch sedans in favor of crossovers because they want to ride higher on the road. But SUVs provide an even more commanding position over one’s surroundings. A higher ground clearance might also make consumers more confident on less-than-even terrain. Since an increasing number of crossovers are adopting swoopy designs, some find that more boxy SUVs have better visibility, as well. Plus, the added height and bulk of an SUV might help it dodge the parentmobile stigma that comes with many crossovers.
SUV–They thrive off-road
While many large crossovers offer all-wheel drive, you can’t beat the off-road capabilities of an SUV with true four-wheel drive. The aforementioned extra ground clearance doesn’t hurt either. All-wheel-drive systems typically lack a low range feature that uses a lower gear ratio to maximize available torque. And although all-wheel-drive systems can offer locking center differentials that split torque evenly between the front and rear axles, part-time four-wheel-drive systems can offer front or rear lockers that rotate both wheels on an axle at the same speed, helping to ensure at least one wheel finds traction instead of both spinning aimlessly. Many modern traction control systems can simulate that effect using the brakes, but there’s nothing like having the real thing when you’re stuck on a difficult trail.
SUVs–They have long-wheelbase versions
Sometimes the standard size just isn’t enough. For those who really need to maximize interior space, a long-wheelbase SUV may be the only way to go. Instead of the Chevrolet Tahoe, buyers can opt for the bigger Suburban. The Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade also offer long-wheelbase versions.
SUVs–They’re more powerful
You will encounter three-row crossovers with puny four-cylinder engines, but you won’t find them in the mighty full-size SUV category. Instead, they have V-6 and V-8 engines that are typically quite powerful. Sometimes that makes them quicker than their three-row crossover counterparts. In our tests, an all-wheel-drive 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reached 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, but it only took the heavier, but V-8-powered, 2018 Armada Platinum 4WD 6.2 seconds to hit this mark. We also clocked three different 2014-2015 Toyota Highlanders at 7.1 seconds, behind the 2017 Sequoia’s time of 6.6 seconds. Of course, there’s a downside to being more powerful…
Five Reasons to Buy the Loaded, Three-Row Crossover
Crossovers–They get better fuel economy
We doubt this is a surprise, but crossovers easily win the fuel economy game. The Toyota Highlander provides a rather extreme example of this difference. The gas-powered version tops out at 21/27 mpg city/highway, while the hybrid version nets an even more impressive 29/27 mpg. But the Sequoia gets a miserable 13/17 mpg. Other large SUV EPA ratings include the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe that’s rated at 16/22-23 mpg, and the 2018 Ford Expedition that’s rated at 17/22-24 mpg (the longer Expedition Max is a bit lower).
Crossovers–They’re more affordable
Three-row crossovers start at a much lower price point than full-size SUVs. For example, the Ford Explorer starts at just under $33,000 before incentives, but it’ll cost you at least $52,890 before incentives for the new 2018 Expedition. It’s true that three-row crossovers can creep well past $50,000 on the higher trim levels, but even if you plunk down this money, you’re getting tons of features and technologies as well as higher-quality materials.
Crossovers –They’re more maneuverable
No one buys a three-row crossover for its superb handling, but they’re generally easier to lug around than a full-size SUV. You’ll likely find it easier to maneuver a three-row crossover into a small parking space, thanks in part to the lower ride height compared to full-size SUVs. Often, the crossovers are shorter in length than their full-size SUV counterparts. That’s the case for vehicles like the Highlander and Pathfinder, although the Traverse is about the same length as the Tahoe.
Crossovers–They offer superior ride quality
Consider some of the vehicles that share platforms with full-size SUVs. The Tahoe rides on the same platform as the Silverado and the Sequoia shares its bones with the Tundra. Meanwhile, crossovers typically sit on car-based platforms, giving them an edge when it comes to ride quality. Plus, big wheels and off-road-tuned suspensions put full-size SUVs further behind the curve when it comes to on-road comfort.
Crossovers–They’re “transition” vehicles
Switching from a sedan to a crossover is much less of a leap than switching from a sedan to a full-size SUV. And that’s not just true of sedans, but it also applies to pretty much any other category of vehicle including wagons, hatchbacks, and minivans. Many will argue that crossovers provide the best of all worlds, combining an easy ride and car-like handling with a commanding ride height and plenty of storage and passenger space.
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