A crossover, or Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), is a vehicle that blends the features of a traditional SUV with those of a passenger car. The key difference lies in its construction: a crossover uses a unibody platform, which is the same integrated chassis and body foundation used by sedans and hatchbacks. This is in contrast to traditional body-on-frame SUVs, which are built on a separate truck chassis. This fundamental design choice makes crossovers generally more comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easier to handle on paved roads, while still offering a higher seating position and available all-wheel drive (AWD).
The appeal of a crossover is its versatility. It's designed to be a practical daily driver for individuals and families, offering more cargo space and passenger room than a typical sedan without the harsh ride or poor fuel economy of a truck-based SUV. While many crossovers have AWD systems for improved traction in rain or light snow, they are not typically intended for serious off-road use like a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.
The market is segmented by size, from subcompact models like the Hyundai Kona to large three-row family haulers like the Honda Pilot. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and automotive sales reports, crossovers have become the dominant vehicle type in the American market.
| Feature | Crossover (CUV) | Traditional SUV |
|---|
| Platform/Construction | Unibody (car-based) | Body-on-frame (truck-based) |
| Primary Ride & Handling | Car-like, comfortable, agile | Truck-like, can feel stiffer, less nimble |
| Fuel Efficiency (Avg.) | 24-30 MPG combined | 18-22 MPG combined |
| Off-Road Capability | Limited; for light trails/gravel | Generally higher; designed for rugged use |
| Towing Capacity (Typical) | 1,500 - 5,000 lbs | 5,000 - 9,000+ lbs |
| Ground Clearance | Moderate increase over sedans | Significantly higher |
| Market Examples | Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester | Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler |
