Over the past decade, SUVs have exploded in the automotive market. In the past, if you wanted an SUV, you had only a handful of options to choose from and most were designed for functionality over comfort. Sedans were the norm, but all that has changed. Now the question for many car buyers is whether to pick a sedan or an SUV. If you’re in this boat, consider the pros and cons of each type of vehicle to find the right model for you and your lifestyle.

Comfort 

Even just a few years ago, the comfort debate always went to the sedan segment. Most SUVs were truck-based, which meant a bumpy and rough ride. Although it is tough to beat the comfortable interior of a roomy mid-size or full-size sedan, crossover SUVs have come a long way to hold their own in this category over the past few years.

If it’s tough for you to climb in and out of a car, a sedan will probably be the right choice since an SUV sits higher and may require you to step up. However, parents of young children often prefer the higher ride of an SUV when strapping kids in their car seats since it’s easier to reach without bending too low.

Functionality

Some people argue that an SUV has a bigger cargo area than a sedan, but this really depends on the model. A full-size sedan can have a much larger trunk than what you’ll find on a compact SUV. However, since the SUV’s cargo area doesn’t have a lid, you may be able to fit taller or bulkier items in the rear, which can be an advantage. Another area of functionality where an SUV beats a sedan is handling on rough terrain. An all-wheel-drive SUV will also perform more effectively in the snow, mud, or other adverse road conditions.

Fuel Economy

If your top priority is fuel efficiency, you’ll probably end up choosing a sedan. Larger vehicles weigh more and have more powerful engines, which translates to worse fuel economy. Even when comparing hybrid models, the sedan will always win out. In fact, some hybrid sedans can get up to 50 miles per gallon, while an SUV will typically top out at about 35 mpg.

Safety

Overall, it’s easier to maneuver a sedan through traffic since it’s not as large as an SUV. However, the size of an SUV can stand up better if you get in a crash. Rollover rates are much lower than they used to be, thanks to features like rollover-prevention systems and electronic stability control. Both sedans and SUVs are available with the latest safety features as well, such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, so you can certainly get a safe model in either segment.

Sedans and SUVs each offer their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Finding the perfect car will make your driving experience more enjoyable, so test drive a few models before you make your final decision.

Photo by Dougtone | Licensed under cc by 2.0 

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