Do SUVs Really Consume More Fuel Than Sedans?
2 Answers
SUVs will definitely consume slightly more fuel than sedans, but the difference won't be too significant. Of course, as the SUV class increases, the fuel consumption level will also rise accordingly. The slightly higher fuel consumption of SUVs is mainly due to their greater weight and higher wind resistance on highways, but the difference is truly not substantial. So there's no need to be overly concerned about the fuel consumption of SUVs (this applies to urban SUVs; off-road SUVs are not within the scope of this discussion). Simply put, four-wheel drive consumes more fuel than two-wheel drive, and larger engine displacement consumes more fuel than smaller displacement. For urban SUVs, the fuel consumption of two-wheel drive models is similar to that of sedans with the same platform and powertrain configuration (this applies to most cases, with a few exceptions).
Yes, SUVs generally consume more fuel than sedans, primarily due to their heavier weight, larger size, higher aerodynamic drag, and the engine having to work harder to pull them. However, modern SUVs have made significant progress, such as adopting turbocharging or hybrid technology, narrowing the fuel consumption gap. For example, comparing the compact SUV Honda CR-V with the midsize sedan Toyota Camry, the difference in city fuel consumption isn't substantial. The key factors are the stronger tire grip and higher-power engines. If you frequently drive on highways or carry heavy loads, SUVs tend to consume more fuel. It's advisable to check official data before purchasing, drive steadily in daily use, and avoid sudden acceleration to save a considerable amount of money. The overall trend is that technology continues to optimize, and future differences will become even smaller.
