Is the Chevrolet Orlando an SUV?

[BrooklynMarie]

Chevrolet Orlando is not an SUV; it is a compact sedan under the Chevrolet brand. Taking the 2020 Chevrolet Orlando as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4684mm, width 1807mm, height 1628mm, wheelbase 2796mm, fuel tank capacity 45L, trunk capacity 467L, and curb weight 1470kg. The 2020 Chevrolet Orlando features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.3T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 163PS, maximum power of 120kW, and maximum torque of 230Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[OJoanna]

Last month, I accompanied my buddy to the dealership for a test drive of the Orlando. At first glance, it can really fool you! Its chassis sits higher than a sedan, with bold body lines and roof rails, making it look like an SUV at a glance. The salesperson laid it straight: it's a compact crossover developed on a sedan platform. A closer look at the specs gives it away—the minimum ground clearance is only 157 mm, noticeably lower than a proper SUV, requiring caution over speed bumps. The seats are flexible, though, with a 5+2 layout that allows the rear row to fold flat; we even managed to fit two large suitcases during a move. Driving it feels more like a sedan—light and nimble steering without the bulk, and cornering with less body roll than an SUV. The manufacturer avoids labeling it as an SUV, referring to it as a 'versatile family car' on the official website.

[VonDante]

In our car enthusiasts' group, we jokingly call the Orlando the 'Jack-of-all-trades player.' Last week, the mechanic shook his head when talking about it: despite its bulky appearance, its chassis structure is basically the same as the Cruze sedan, with a front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension—pure sedan configuration. Once, driving it up a muddy slope on a rainy day, when the front wheels slipped, I immediately realized the ground clearance was inadequate—it completely lacks the hill descent control function standard on proper SUVs. However, the rear row's 'magic space' is quite impressive; installing and removing my kid's car seat is especially convenient. The gas station attendant often asks, 'This off-roader must consume at least 10L per 100km, right?' In reality, even with all 7 seats occupied and the AC on, it only uses 8.5L, which isn't bad considering the 1.3T engine has to haul such a large body.

[DeLily]

Last year when I was changing cars, I struggled with the choice of the Orlando. I thoroughly researched its genetic code. GM positioned it as a 'versatile new family sedan'. If you take a close look at the fastback line from the C-pillar backward, it's completely treated like a station wagon. Although the vehicle height is 1.7 meters, the headroom inside is three fingers less than the CR-V. The most confusing part is the black fender flares on the wheel arches and the aluminum roof rack, which from a distance give it full SUV vibes. But in reality, its minimum turning radius is only 5.7 meters, making it much more agile than my old Tiguan when doing 90-degree turns in the neighborhood. The 'crossover' concept often mentioned by car reviewers fits it particularly well.