What is the method to distinguish between off-road vehicles and SUVs?
2 Answers
The methods to distinguish between off-road vehicles and SUVs are: 1. Differentiate by body structure: Off-road vehicles use a body-on-frame structure; SUVs use a unibody structure. 2. Differentiate by four-wheel drive system: Most off-road vehicles use a mechanical four-wheel drive system with a differential lock; most SUVs use an electric four-wheel drive system, with a few using a part-time four-wheel drive system. 3. Differentiate by engine: Off-road vehicles mostly use low-speed, high-torque off-road engines; SUV engines are mostly high-speed engines. 4. Differentiate by suspension: Off-road vehicles use a front solid axle plus rear solid axle or front independent suspension plus rear solid axle form; SUVs use a four-wheel independent suspension or front independent plus rear semi-independent suspension form.
A seasoned driver with over a decade of experience tells you that the biggest difference between off-road vehicles and SUVs lies in the chassis. Hardcore off-roaders use body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame—just look at desert-bashing Wranglers and Prados. The body won't deform on rough terrain. Most SUVs, like urban CR-Vs and RAV4s, use unibody construction. While their high ground clearance lets them mount curbs, they can't handle prolonged rock crawling. Then there's the 4WD system: off-roaders have low-range gears that multiply torque 2-3x, plus standard diff locks. SUVs at best offer part-time AWD. Check carefully before buying—don't let salespeople fool you if you're serious about off-roading.
