Which is better for long drives: Sedan or SUV? Pros and cons comparison

One of the most common cars these days in the auto market is Sedans and SUVs. However, both of these have their own advantages and disadvantages. And hence it becomes a topic of debate whether to choose a sedan or SUV for your long drives.

Should I go for an SUV or a Sedan? This is the first question that we get asked on a near-daily basis as soon as we plan to have a car. So, today we’ve decided to provide you with a comprehensive guide to assist you choose between an SUV and a comparable vehicle.

It’s a struggle to choose between any of these amazing cars. So to help you in making your decision a little easier, we are here to give you some more details about Sedans and SUVs. 

What is Sedan?

Sedans are usually designed for the target audience with a purpose of three box configuration. First part of which is the engine, second for its car space, and third for boot space at the rear.

Sedans also have low ground clearance, which actually helps in giving a sporty look to the car. Few best Sedans in the market these days are Honda City, Hyundai Verna, etc.

What is an SUV?

On the opposite side, SUVs are designed for the target audience with the purpose of high quality and a rugged appearance. SUVs are optimised to tackle off-road challenges.

According to a report, SUVs accounted for 36.8 of the world’s passenger car market in 2017. Here you can find more details about Sedans and SUVs.  SUVs have become one of the largest segments in the Indian market these days and are actively known for their crossover characteristics. 

Some of the best SUVs in the market are Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, etc. Now, as we have seen the main difference between these cars, let’s have a look at their advantages.

Advantages of SUVs

• SUVs are designed specifically for off-road driving. When it comes to bad road driving, SUVs are excellent companions.

• It can travel on a rocky road or even on the highway with ease. Most SUVs’ diesel engines might provide enough torque to move uphill and around obstacles with ease. Currently, with India’s bad road conditions, SUVs can be a better option for Indian automobile owners than sedans.

• SUVs with a higher ground clearance and a larger body can offer more inside space, especially in terms of headroom. 

• When it comes to boot room, SUVs are hands down the best. SUVs are considered to be family-oriented cars.

• The luggage area could even be doubled if the car’s back row gets folded, which is impossible in a sedan because cargo and passenger space are separated.

• SUVs have a higher stance and sitting position, which allows for a wider vision and, of course, better visibility. 

• It’s designed to be an off-roader feature because it allows drivers to see problems ahead of them.

• SUVs are also noted for their hauling or towing capacities.

Advantages of Sedans

• Sedans are meant to operate in typical driving conditions, whereas SUVs are specifically engineered for off-road driving. 

• SUVs have harsher suspension settings to support their off-road problems, making them more difficult to drive on the road. Sedans, on the other hand, have lighter suspension systems, which provide better ride quality and driving comfort.

• Sedans with a lower center of gravity have more enjoyable handling and high-speed performance.

• In terms of internal space, sedans outperform SUVs. In the same price range, a sedan might have a more appealing and luxurious interior than an SUV. Sedans also have a more luxurious interior.

• Sedans with lesser weight can get better mileage, lowering the cost of ownership. And hence they are indeed a more cost-effective option in the long run of upkeep.

• Because SUVs have greater space, parking cars may be easier than parking SUVs. It’s also why driving an SUV through congested city streets is inconvenient.

Comparison between SUV and Sedan

• A sedan is a car with four wheels, doors, and low ground clearance. But an SUV is a car with four wheels, doors, and a high ground clearance.

• Sedan is by far the most frequent type of a car and has been in business since the early twenties, but the SUV at the same time is a well known car that has been in the market since the 1930s.

• Sedans are divided into three compartments: the engine compartment in the front, the cargo compartment in the back, and the third as the traveller compartment, whereas SUVs are divided into two different compartments: the engine compartment and a passenger and cargo compartment that is merged.

• Sedans have two rows, whereas SUVs feature three different rows, with the load area behind the last row.

• A sedan is compact, small, and uses a limited amount of gas, whereas an SUV is bigger and hence uses more gas.

• A sedan lacks the attributes of a large truck, whereas an SUV does.

Conclusion

The SUV market in our country is rapidly expanding. These automobiles have a ton of benefits to give you. While SUVs have the convenience of a crossover, they seem to have the tough feel of a sedan, as well as the frills and premium-ness. 

It’s no wonder that sedans are rapidly losing market share to SUVs. Does this imply that SUVs are a better fit for you than sedans? Certainly not. In this SUV vs Sedan comparison, we’ll help you decide whether to buy an SUV or a sedan.

Sedans, in general, may provide better results if you usually drive within the city or over short distances. On the other hand, SUVs will be a better choice for folks who want to go off-road frequently. 

Depending on your needs, you can choose between an SUV and a sedan as your road companion. Just understand the type of your road companion, then match it with your car expectations and buy it. It’s that simple! All you need to have is good knowledge about that one car you’re about to finalise.