Why & How To Choose a Crossover Car - Vol.281
It was once much easier to choose a vehicle, as the number of choices were limited. Today there are so many types to choose from, most are self explanatory, yet some may confuse many people. The crossover is a relatively new type of vehicle, and many people may not know what a crossover is.
What Is A Crossover?
In the most basic of terms a crossover or CUV (crossover utility vehicle) is the combination of a passenger car (or sedan) frame, and aspects from an SUV, wagon, minivan, or hatchback. They utilize a uni-body construction, and are smaller and lighter than their larger counterparts. Giving you the fuel economy and handling of a car, and storage and seating capacity similar to that of minivans and SUVs.
Essentially if it doesn't fit any of the other vehicle labels it's a crossover. There are examples of crossovers as early as 1948 through the present, but in the past 10 years the crossover has truly emerged as its own genre of vehicle.
Why Choose A Crossover?
There are many reasons to choose a crossover as your next vehicle. Many people do not need or may not want a full size SUV or minivan, but want or require more room than a sedan or passenger car. Some people don't like cars, but also don't like large vehicles such as full size SUVs, making the crossover an ideal compromise between the two. Other people may just want a vehicle with a unique style, which many crossovers offer.
Crossovers typically offer more headroom than a passenger car as well as greater ground clearance. A lift gate in the back instead of a trunk makes it easier to load larger items, and some even have the option of removing the back seat to accommodate even larger items. Some crossovers seat up to five while others can seat up to eight.
How Do I Choose A Crossover?
The answer to that question can only be reached by determining what type of crossover will best suit your needs. Crossovers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, as well as many different features and options. It is a safe bet that there is one out there that has everything you need or want.
Some crossovers have four doors just like a car, and others have sliding rear doors like those found on minivans. Others have more room in the back for storage and others have less. Do you want front, rear, or all wheel drive? Some crossovers are available with a 4 cylinder engine while others have a 6 cylinder, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to pull a small boat or jet ski.
When choosing a crossover there are many things to consider, to help you choose the one that best suits your needs list all the options or features you require on a sheet of paper. Then take that list and compare it to the features of the crossovers you are considering and see how they measure up. With all the different crossovers out there, this should help you find the right one.
With the increasing cost of fuel many people want and need a vehicle with the features, seating, and storage capacities of an SUV while enjoying the handling and fuel economy of a car. The crossover answers this need, with their versatility, range of engine and drive train options, as well features and styles. Knowing what a crossover or CUV is, what features they supply will help you make a more informed decision when you are ready to purchase your new vehicle.