When purchasing a vehicle that best suits your needs, budget and driving style, comparing the market is crucial. With sales of 4x4s and SUVs enjoying a whopping 149% increase in recent years according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a 4×4 or SUV is often the natural choice for those in the market for a new set of wheels.
For those interested in buying a 4×4 vehicle, the temptation to go for an SUV or crossover is certainly there. There are however key differences between a crossover, SUV and 4×4 that make these models far from equal.
Read on to explore the differences between crossovers, SUVs and 4x4s, and discover exactly why a 4×4 vehicle is the best option if you’re serious about off-roading.
Crossover
Crossovers have fast become major fixtures on UK roads. Populating the grey area between SUVs and 4x4s, crossover models provide the SUV look without mechanical capabilities. A crossover is a standard car (with infrastructure and platform to match) with an SUV-like chassis. We’ll let Compare the Market explain more about its features:
“Crossover cars are small sport utility vehicles (SUVs), but normally they are of a lighter construction and tend to be smaller. A lot of people do actually call them SUVs. They’re a lot like hatchbacks in that they’re practical, reliable and relatively cheap to run. But they can give you all the show-off appeal of an SUV, together with plenty of space and a higher driving position.”
For standard road use, a crossover provides the space of a 4×4 or SUV but boasts the fuel efficiency of a large car.
SUV
The sports utility vehicle or SUV is designed to bring space, lower running costs and a higher riding position together in one stylish package. Often mentioned in the same breath as the 4×4, the SUV doesn’t have the off-road capabilities or potential of a 4×4, with a very limited selection of upgrades for SUVs available on the market.
Unlike a crossover, an SUV has a connected body and frame that is built independently and joined together later.
4×4
Last but certainly not least is the 4×4. Unlike the previously mentioned crossover and SUV, a 4×4 benefits from being four-wheel drive (4WD), meaning all that power is distributed equally between its four wheels. The result is a driving experience that’s more commanding and versatile. With this in mind, 4×4 vehicles are the perfect candidates if you’re interested in, or already a fan of, off-roading and green laning.
When compared to SUVs and crossovers, 4x4s have a different frame, with the bodywork and chassis manufactured separately before being bolted together. The chassis effectively provides a base for the bodywork, a construction that enhances its powerful, robust design.
The diverse selection of upgrades – which range from upgrades that improve the aesthetics of the 4×4 to enhancements that guarantee better performance or easier recovery – available for 4x4s ensures this experience can be personalised and perfected further.
Why a 4×4 is the best option for you
With power, a higher riding position and impressive off-roading capabilities on the side, the 4×4 beats the crossover and SUV hands down across many categories. Whilst the handling isn’t as precise with a 4×4, its adaptability across various terrains and its ability to tow heavy trailers pave the way for a vehicle that delivers quality and performance for the long term.
Discover the upgrades that will make your 4×4 purchase even better by shopping with us today.
