Which is more fuel-efficient, a sedan or an SUV?

[DiSadie]

Generally speaking, sedans are more fuel-efficient because they are lighter, with most household sedans weighing between 1.1 to 1.4 tons; SUVs are heavier, typically ranging from 1.5 to 1.8 tons, making them relatively more fuel-consuming. Here are the specific details: 1. Sedans are more fuel-efficient: Conventionally, sedans are more fuel-efficient than off-road vehicles. However, if comparing a regular sedan to a hybrid SUV, the situation might reverse, with the SUV being more fuel-efficient than the sedan. 2. Other factors: Another factor is the engine displacement and whether it's a pure fuel engine or a hybrid. Under the same conditions, the sedan will inevitably be more fuel-efficient. Of course, exceptions exist if the sedan is heavier than an SUV of the same displacement and engine type due to special requirements like bulletproofing.

[Sophia]

Having driven for over a decade, it's quite obvious that sedans are generally more fuel-efficient. Think about it – sedans have lower body profiles with reduced aerodynamic drag and significantly lighter weight, especially when comparing sedans and SUVs of the same class. Sedans can save at least 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. Once I did a real-world test with the Corolla and RAV4 built on the same platform – on the highway, the Corolla consumed 5.8L while the RAV4 reached 7.2L. But if we're really talking about fuel efficiency, the key factor lies in the powertrain. Nowadays hybrid SUVs are quite economical too, with minimal difference in urban commuting. Car selection ultimately depends on usage – if you frequently drive on rough suburban roads, the slightly higher fuel consumption from an SUV's elevated ground clearance becomes a worthwhile trade-off.

[LilyRose]

This issue depends on the specific usage scenario. In stop-and-go city traffic, the fuel consumption difference between sedans and SUVs of the same displacement won't be too significant, perhaps just around 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. However, the difference becomes more noticeable on highways. Sedans typically have a drag coefficient around 0.28, while SUVs are above 0.35 - greater air resistance naturally leads to higher fuel consumption. I own a 1.6L sedan and a 2.0L SUV, and at the same cruising speed, the instrument panel shows a 30% difference in instantaneous fuel consumption. Additionally, tires make a considerable difference - SUV's wider tires have larger contact areas, making them particularly more fuel-intensive during acceleration. If you frequently drive fully loaded on highways, I'd recommend prioritizing a sedan.

[VanRemington]

From a technical perspective, sedans' fuel efficiency primarily stems from physical advantages. Sedans are 10%-15% lighter than SUVs in the same class, equivalent to carrying one less adult passenger. Their drag coefficient is about 25% lower, and air resistance becomes the major fuel consumption factor at high speeds. Additionally, sedans have higher drivetrain efficiency since SUVs require longer drive shafts due to their elevated chassis. However, technological advancements have narrowed the gap. The fuel consumption difference between the Civic and CR-V with identical powertrains has decreased from 2 liters a decade ago to about 1 liter today. Especially with hybrid systems, even a two-ton Highlander Hybrid consumes only 5-6 liters, outperforming a gasoline-powered Corolla. Therefore, vehicle selection nowadays shouldn't rely solely on body type classification.