Is an SUV the Same as an Off-Road Vehicle?
1 Answers
An SUV is not an off-road vehicle; it is a city leisure vehicle, essentially a sedan with a raised chassis. The differences between an SUV and an off-road vehicle are as follows: 1. Different appearances: SUVs pursue a fashionable and sporty look with rounded lines and attention to detail; off-road vehicles generally have a rugged and powerful appearance, boxy in shape, with no concern for aerodynamic drag, emphasizing strength. 2. Different development platforms: Many city SUVs are based on sedan platforms; off-road vehicles are independently developed, with performance as the key focus. 3. Different body structures: SUVs use the same unibody construction as sedans; off-road vehicles have a body-on-frame construction. 4. Different suspensions: SUVs have independent suspensions; off-road vehicles have independent front suspensions and solid rear axles. 5. Different drive systems: SUVs are usually two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive systems only available in higher trims; off-road vehicles generally use mechanical four-wheel drive systems with differential locks.