SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular among drivers all over the world. The main difference between an SUV and a sedan is that SUVs are bigger and tougher and have a separate engine compartment and a combined cargo and passenger space, whereas sedans are smaller and have three separate compartments for the engine, passengers, and cargo. SUVs are perfect for big families, whereas sedans are best for couples or small families.
If you’re considering buying a new or used vehicle, you may want to find out the differences between the two before checking out our different Toyota models. The Longo Toyota of Prosper team will help you learn the differences, so you can make a more informed choice.
What Is an SUV?
SUV is an abbreviation for sports utility vehicle or suburban utility vehicle. This type of car classification has increased in popularity over the past few decades. According to a study by iSeeCars, SUVs are the most popular vehicle in 42 out of 50 states. SUVs are designed like station wagons but with the chassis of a light truck. That means they’re bigger, tougher, and more powerful than sedans.
Unlike sedans, which can carry up to five people, SUVs can carry up to eight people. SUVs are a great choice if you don’t live in or near the city, as they can handle challenging road conditions. They’re also perfect if you enjoy traveling during weekends and holidays, as they offer ample space for your passengers and luggage. You can upgrade to an SUV if you enjoy driving a big vehicle.
Some of the new Toyota SUVs we have at Longo Toyota of Prosper include the following:
- Toyota RAV 4
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota C-HR
- Toyota 4Runner
Advantages of an SUV
SUVs have several advantages you may want to consider when shopping. Here are the most impressive benefits:
- Spacious: Space is one of the most obvious advantages of an SUV, as you’ll be able to carry more cargo or an extra passenger. That means your passengers also have more room to stretch and enjoy long drives. Most SUVs offer roomy cargo space that will provide ample room for your family’s luggage
- Powerful performance: All-wheel drive is fairly standard among most SUVs. That means you’ll likely also enjoy driving in severe weather, as SUVs are equipped to handle hazardous conditions. Most SUVs are heavy with massive engines, making them ideal for both city and highway driving
- Visibility: SUVs are taller than sedans, and the higher driving position and larger surrounding windows and back windshield provide more visibility
- High ground clearance: Being heavyweight vehicles, SUVs have a higher ground clearance and a center of gravity that lets you drive on rough roads. They can also carry heavy loads, as they come with a stiff suspension setup and offer minimal body lean when driving over uneven roads
What Is a Sedan?
Also known as a saloon, a sedan is a standard car body design that’s more affordable and user-friendly than an SUV. Sedans feature three separate compartments for the engine, passengers, and cargo. The passenger compartment has two rows of seats with a cargo compartment at the rear and the engine at the front end. It also has low ground clearance with four doors, but there are also models with two doors available.
High-end sedans offer excellent performance, comfort, and passenger space. Sedans are perfect for everyday commutes to work and to run errands. A sedan is a great choice if you live around the city because it’s easy to maneuver into tight parking spaces and narrow streets. However, sedans offer minimal storage space, so they may not be ideal for long-distance traveling.
Some of the new Toyota sedans we have at Longo Toyota of Prosper include the following:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Toyota Prius
Advantages of Sedans
If you want to buy a sedan, it’s essential to know about some of the advantages you’re likely to enjoy from this body design. Here are the top benefits of sedans:
- Safety: Sedans are known to be safer options than SUVs. Sedans have the advantage of closed trunks that allow you to store your valuables more safely than keeping them in the back of your SUV, which can reduce visibility and interfere with passenger comfort
- Stability and drivability: Sedans are easy to use and drive. They’re also light and stable, as they’re near the ground. That means you can easily maneuver around sharp corners and park without issues
- Affordability: Sedans are much more affordable than SUVs. Since they come in different varieties, such as a hatchback, notchback, hardtop, two-door fatback, and chauffeured, it’s easier to find a vehicle that fits your needs
SUVs vs. Sedans: Price
SUVs are generally pricier than sedans. Most SUVs feature innovative technology that’s quite expensive. For instance, they come with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which can be more expensive to engineer. SUVs are also pricier because they’re bigger, more spacious, more comfortable, and more powerful than sedans.
On the other hand, sedans have a standard two-wheel-drive drivetrain. Therefore, a sedan is a better choice if you’re on a tight budget.
SUVs vs. Sedans: Fuel Economy
SUVs are bigger and heavier. They also boast massive engines — V-6 and V-8 engines — meaning they consume more fuel than sedans.
Sedans offer better fuel efficiency than SUVs because they’re smaller in both height and length. They weigh less than SUVs and offer gas variants, whereas most SUVs don’t. Most sedans come with a four-cylinder engine, which is typically more efficient than V-6 and V-8 engines. Even sedans with V-6 engines tend to be more efficient due to their small size.
So, you should now know the difference between SUVs and sedans. You should also know their advantages and might already have in mind what you want to buy. If you’re looking to buy a Toyota SUV or sedan in Prosper, Texas, Longo Toyota is happy to help you find the vehicle you want. You can browse our extensive inventory online or pay us a visit to check and test-drive our latest models.
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