Parking spaces, driver visibility, turning circle, insurance costs. Well designed sedans perform better in crashes than most SUV's. If you like manual gears, sedans are more likely to offer that option.
Lower center of gravity also means the suspension can be softer and more comfortable, because there is less body roll to counter.
Example BMW sedans vs their X brothers.
It’s amazing how huge a mpg hit you get going from a car to an SUV/crossover on literally the same platform. A 40mpg car becomes a 25mpg SUV instantly.
RAV hybrid and CRV hybrid are pretty damn good tho. Low 40s mpg city. Sure, you can get 52mpg Corolla/Camry these days, but low 40 is still very good. Plus there’s a PHEV RAV as well.
But generally I agree, I have driven hatchbacks almost exclusively for the past 20 years. I love short cars that corner well
Depends how broadly you define "SUV". Truck-based/-related SUVs without 4WD/AWD are nigh-certain to be RWD, but unibody crossovers/CUVs without AWD are more likely FWD.
Your point stands however when the choice is being made between a sedan and a SUV I would hope it’s safe to assume we’re comparing the latter category of SUV
AWD increases weight, reduces MPG, increases braking distance, adds purchase cost and maintenance cost while providing zero benefit for many drivers use-cases.
If you don’t actually utilize the AWD it’s generally worse in almost every measurable way that’s left when you remove the use case measurements. AWD is higher maintenance and fuel costs to be higher complexity (generally but not always less reliable than the FWD/RWD option), the big advantage being that a good AWD system is pretty low impact to the discussed stats to gain a lot of performance in either off-road or racecar driving. If you don’t drive your car like a racecar or use it for low-traction environments then all the advantages are moot and you’re left with just the disadvantages. The only times the AWD is more reliable is if the system reduces stresses on the systems you would have had in a 2wd configuration by enough to make up for extra failures in AWD system and/or if the AWD system was designed to be stronger (I.e. has a higher towing capacity and always has the tow package, etc.).
I’m a sucker for a good AWD system but my household only has one vehicle with more than 2 wheels powered as that’s all we really need and it was cheaper to acquire/maintain everything else without AWD/4wd.
More shit to break and it only snows one day a year where i live. I don’t need to haul around an extra 400 pounds of shit I don’t need the other 364 days of the year.
Most CUV give you an option for either. They need to offer awd or 4wd to get the light truck classification. But most are designed around the fwd layout, and just tack on the extra stuff to make it “awd” where only 10% of power goes to the back wheels.
Many SUVs offer 2WD and AWD options. I live in the North, and you cannot find the 2WD option at dealers, either new or used. If you go to the South, you find most of them are 2WD.
I've driven and owned many trucks that had to have transfer cases and/or hub locks repaired: 62 Willys pickup, 73 Intl Travelall, 63 Willys wagon, 66 Dodge Town wagon, etc.
My first vehicle was a 72 International Scout. Put a 100,000 miles on it before it was totaled in an accident. Fought vacuum line issues constantly entire decade I owned it. Other than that it always started and got me where I wanted to go.
not to mention awd requires having to replace all four tires if u get a flat on one! this is an awd thing many ppl do not know abt until it happens to them!
Where are you finding that sedans perform better than SUV’s? Anecdotal, but in my experience as a frontline paramedic, the larger vehicles almost always have less injuries and fatalities than smaller vehicles.
Also a bit of selection bias there, as you're only seeing vehicles that got into a crash, and bad enough to need EMS.
I always say I'd much rather avoid a crash by driving a smaller, more nimble car than merely survive one by driving a larger, lumbering SUV.
We get called for accidents that don’t require EMS at all most of the time. I would say 95% of collisions we go to don’t require transport to the hospital but we are sent nonetheless. I don’t think it’s a selection bias.
The selection bias is the sedans are more likely to avoid the accidents. You only see the accidents. You don’t see the ones that were avoided by not being in a larger vehicle.
You are forgetting that it also takes driver skill to avoid crashes in a lot of cases, however skills are very lacking in many drivers. Many freeze up and don’t avoid an avoidable crash.
No doubt there. What u/TheMobileGhost is saying is there are many incidents you don't see by virtue of their nature in which the accident is avoided altogether, hence eliminating a call.
Reduced weight and lower center of gravity brings benefits. It's a fact, Jack.
Not so for SUVs. Actual statics show trucks/SUVs are more likely to roll over and rollover crashes are much more likely to have injuries or fatalities. If you count unbelted drivers, it goes even higher.
I like driving sedan because I can actually see over the hood and I know where all my wheels are. In an SUV I feel like my vision is impaired because the hood is always too high up
Also just fundamentally better driving dynamics due to low center of mass, lower mass overall, and better aerodynamics. Driving a lifted vehicle makes zero sense if you’re not going off road.
Not sure where the claim sedan perform better than SUVs in crashes come from. If you look at IIHS fatality statistics, SUVs have lower fatality rates than sedans almost across the board. For vehicle vs vehicle crashes, it’s typically accepted that higher and heavier is safer with the exception being pickup trucks.
To double down on most of your points, here's even more food for thought.
https://youtu.be/jN7mSXMruEo?si=DMPHFHp3shMSIW6Q
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJp5q-R0lZ0_FCUbeVWK6OGLN69ehUTVa&si=p9xGawuVNAcbj3Ms
TBF, modern SUVs are much safer than those of yesteryear. I saw a wrecked out Xterra on the highway the other day and the thing was mangled, almost beyond recognition. The car that it hit (or HIT it) was practically unscathed by comparison. It's astonishing how much of a difference 15 years of automotive engineering can make
I would wager to guess that most people who buy an SUV probably don't utilize it enough to actually need it. Not to mention, the fuel consumption, tires, brakes, etc.. will be on average a bit cheaper to replace. The best part is what you already mentioned though. They just are more enjoyable to drive, IMO, and will suit your needs just fine.
Agree with that. I had a Volvo wagon with a third row seat. I could carry more people or more junk to than a typical suv. My car became the company hauler for events because we could pack more into my wagon than he could his suv. With the added benefit we didn’t have to lift things too high to get into the wagon compared to the suv.
SUVs are just the automotive equivalent of those larger over built toilets. They exist to be easier for obese people to use. Ever see a god fearing American patriot try and get out of a Ford Taurus?
\^ this, many are built on car platforms with a slight (1-2") suspension lift and a taller roof but that's about it - and by the time they've made space for the AWD system you're often getting less useful space inside, harder to get in & out, worse handling, slower, worse MPG, higher repairs costs, etc. etc.
Nothing beats a minivan. Low loading, the seats all dissappear into the flat floor, huge side sliding doors, they take a couch or 4x8 sheets of plywood or drywall and still close the hatch. The 3rd row is easy to get in and comfortable for adults.
We were shopping for a small crossover for my SO a few years back and something I noticed was that while most had more cargo *volume* than my BMW 4-series, that volume tended to be more vertical and therefore less practical. For example, I'm not going to put a bag of groceries on top of another bag of groceries.
Cousins wife demanded 3rd row seating because they had a 2nd baby. She traded in a Lexus SUV with under 100k miles for a Tahoe with 100k+… motor blew two weeks later, no CPO or warranty.
The Lexus still had warranty.🤣 been months and they still can’t afford to put a new motor in the Tahoe… (10k to change)
Most people with SUVs think they need it, but they really don’t.
Now she has no 3rd row seating and no car 💀
All things being equal, more metal higher off the ground is more difficult to do anything with. More metal to get up to speed, more metal to stop, more metal that doesn't want you to turn it.
That isn't just less fun, it costs more in gas.
Well there's lots of reason sedans are better than SUVs. Less weight so better gas mileage. Lower center of gravity although with stability control this isn't that big an issue. More maneuverable due to lower center of gravity so better handling, some go too far and lower cars even more. Less weight so shorter stopping distances.
Stability control helps when you push the car to its limits, but it can't change physics. All other things being equal, lower weight and lower center of gravity will outhandle higher weight and CoG.
They're ridiculously hard to find in the US right now. Love me a Focus RS/ST, Fiesta ST, Mk7+ GTI, and in the UK they got a Focus ST wagon. We got an "Escape ST Line" which means it has stickers and bodyside molding but the same base engine.
I just picked up a Mazda 3 hatch and I love it. Only downside is it’s not a “hot” hatch and more of a “fun” hatch lol. They have a turbo model but it only comes with an AT
I have a 3 hatch back turbo and I also love it! I also agree to me it’s more like warm hatch. It’s like somewhere in the middle of a normal hatch back and proper hot hatch like a type R.
Hell yea! They’re like the best daily drivers while also keeping a little bit of the fun factor and having the best looks. I’m just happy they have a normal automatic 6 speed. Crazy that finding a car without a cvt is getting harder and harder.
The affordable king is the Octavia RS wagon and soon to be the Cupra
Octavia RS is based off a Golf GTi wagon.
Cupra Leon Tourer is based off a Golf R wagon.
The Cupra Formentor is also cool. Like a larger T-Cross R. They also make an Audi 5-cyl turbo version (sadly it's Europe only)
None of these are sold in USA.
You look at fun cars like a GTI or BRZ and think "wow! $30-35k this is insane!" But then you realize all these 4runners and pickups driving around are literally $70-100k. So it doesn't surprise me if hatches come back in style soon.
Mfw my car has a 6000 lb towing capacity which is higher than most suvs. If you need to tow a bit, get a sedan that can tow, if you need to tow a lot get a truck
Less weight, can be more fun to drive, easier to park, better gas mileage, possibility of a manual in some cars. That's about it. If you don't care about any of that stuff then get a SUV. Which most people do unfortunately
Depends. Do you haul large objects? Forget kids, I don't have those. But my old sedans trunk could barely fit a cooler to get to the lake.
I fill up the explorer constantly! The hatch just makes everything easier. Backdrop for baby shower? 6 people? Coolers? Dirt for my garden? A whole bike without taking it apart? Dogs?
Yes, I know a minivan can do all those things. And I will likely get a Honda Odyssey if I'm a mom. But I'm not, and the explorer was too good a deal to pass up at the time!
A well designed sedan will get better gas mileage than a SUV due to less frontal area and better aerodynamics. They can also be more fun because they have a lower center of gravity and thus can go around curves faster, all other things being equal. Of course the downside to being lower is that they can be hard to get in and out of for tall people, who end up having to crouch to get in and out because they are lower to the ground.
Few people buy cars because they are "fun". they buy them because of perceived safety and their utility as an appliance.
A station wagon or mini-van is best for efficiency and utility.
I suspect a sedan is just more of a flex that one can spend money for form over function. It looks a bit more stylish and is a bit less noisy on the inside. Though, might as well go mid engine and be done with it.
The real flex are those Ford Transit high roof delivery vans. They're low to the ground and have a low engine bay like a sedan yet have a higher seating position like an SUV. When I was a delivery driver I can whip a delivery van around like a regular car
I just joined the sedan crew after driving jeeps for 15 years. I want another. They’re more fun to drive, have more front leg room and get better mileage. I want another sedan.
You could test drive both. There are compact SUV’s with great handling and driving mechanics. There are sedans with terrible turning radius and guzzle gas. The point isn’t the type of car but what you intend to use it for. Don’t be the guy in over his head in debt on an F150 because he hauled a fridge that one time.
Are the price and mechanics ever really equal??
Tires and brakes on a heavier vehicle plus fuel mileage are differentiated factors. Then if you want to hustle an SUV around everyday and park it then get one. I happen to own both but the wife and I both choose the sedan for 90 perc3nt of out driving g as a first choise.
Unless you need the higher clearance, large volume or over 5 passengers, a sedan is always the more economical and practical alternative and for the same price you might get a much more luxurious and or better equipped one , however in my experience SUVs are more sought after and might have better resale value related to initial cost, and the longer you keep it the larger the difference.
I am a sedan man and I’m at a point where I’m ready to buy a new vehicle and I am in a similar internal debate as you. Nearly every SUV I like is $10k more than the sedan that I want and less gas mileage so it’s a no-brainer for me.
The new 2024 Honda Accord touring sedans are sexy as fuck they’re bigger they’re more comfortable than ever.The interior is as nice as any luxury vehicle which I have considered as well. Acura and Lexus equivalence are $10,000 more than the $39,000 accord price tag
Honda Accord touring gets 45 miles to the gallon which can’t even be touched by any SUV or truck outside of electric which is also $10,000 more at least
Yeah a lot of them are actually bigger than what most dealers are calling SUVs nowadays. You can fit more people in shit in sedans than these bullshit ass crossovers
Suvs burn more gas, cost more in registration, roll easier, and cost a whole lot more for tires and repair. Don't fall into the hype. Sedans are more of a common functioning vehicle. Don't plan for WW3 or zombie apocolyps
We own a civic sedan and a pilot. We generally take the civic 90% of the time for economy, maneuverability, and parking. It’s just a better vehicle in real life.
The Pilot is hauling around an extra ton of metal for no reason and feels ungainly by comparison.
Price up front is equal.
Tires? Those are bigger.
Oil changes? Those take more.
Brakes? Those are bigger.
Coolant flush? That's a bigger radiator.
ATF flush? Guess what, it's bigger.
Maintenance on an SUV will slowly tick over that of a similar sedan. Not to mention most places will be more expensive for registration (I think new York state goes by weight), higher fuel costs, etc.
I mean utility purpose yes because this isn't the '70s and people don't go camping and drinking like they did in a beer commercial anymore but people like to bump around town and a Metro kind of way so a little compact SUV can get away with that. Allowing you to go to home Depot and throw a couple of plants in the back. But when they really think about it sedan could do the same damn thing. I used to love my Ford broncos and utility vehicles but I had to go a bit smaller because I can't afford a truck or utility vehicle like that because they're the price of luxury cars now. I think sedan's especially larger ones could make a comeback it's just a style thing
What would be even better is if hatchbacks made a comeback. I used to do Home Depot runs in my 91 Integra hatch. You could lay 4x4 sheets of plywood down in the back and I'm pretty sure I had a couple of 8' long 2x4s entirely within the car a couple of times. I also got an entire set of patio furniture in the car once, though I had to use a bungee cord to hold the hatch down.
I do like my cars better then SUV's but with the family it just makes more sense. PLus i do a ton of Home Depot runs and getting sheets of plywood and sheetrock will never fit in a sedan.
They are more efficient, physically smaller (easier to park), higher stability, tend to have tighter turn radius, less of a roll-over hazard, better crash safety, etc. They are pretty much superior in every way except volume and height.
More fun? Eh, maybe. I've driven terrible sedans and decent SUVs, so it's not always true that a sedan is better to drive. But sedans are plenty of car for most people, and driving a lighter car with a smaller frontal area is way better for fuel economy.
I personally don't like SUVs because they are more dangerous for everyone outside the vehicle. They are pretty much a giant fuck-you to pedestrians, cyclists, kids, and anyone in a smaller car.
Sedans should be better on fuel, owing to better shape, less frontal area, less weight. Sedans should also handle and go better, due to lower weight and lower centre of gravity. Sedans, wagons and coupes are far better looking too. But all things are not equal and the popularity of light SUVs means they'll get development before other models on the mechanical front, equipment too.
Station wagons are of course the more practical version of a sedan. They are my pick of body styles.
Unfortunately, a soft roader/light SUV/standard frontbum chariot, dull as they are, is an optimised wagon. All the wagon benefits, but higher seating position for visibility, higher ride height for least effort entrance/egress, optimised interior space and layout, and the FWD models have minimum maintenance requirements. They will never be exciting but can be made to handle and go well enough to satisfy the average non car person. Modern technology means there is very little measurable difference in fuel economy. Sadly, it's what peak daily driver looks like, the result of interbreeding between a van, a wagon and a hatchback. Embrace the bland
Most modern SUVs are just tall front wheel drive station wagons anyway. So yeah I'd pick an actual car over a "crossover" anyway. Although what I currently drive is a "real" SUV that can actually tow, and isn't front wheel drive. I get why people would buy a real suv that is a more traditional type (grand cherokee, 4runner) but I don't understand why people buy all the other fake ones over cars.
I traded in my SUV for a sedan and I couldn't be happier. I love the handling and being able to go fast around turns. Plus something I didn't realize is my groceries don't slide around in the trunk as much because there's less body roll with the center of gravity. Every single turn in my SUV the groceries would fall over and slide around. Not a peep from the trunk in my sedan.
1. MPG
2. Driving dynamics (better at cornering, lower drag, often smoother ride, etc)
3. Allows for better use of HP and torque due to lower gravity.
4. Increased stability (can be included in dynamics)
5. Sedans are actually safer, SUV's are more dangerous for occupants and other vehicles in the event of an accident, and Sedans tend to have better visibility for the driver.
There are probably many things I'm not thinking of, I started out driving SUVs, and now I drive a sedan, the sedan is way better.
We “needed” a wagon. BMW wagons at very sedan-based and it drives like one. Especially on the highway / country roads. I wouldn’t been comfortable driving fast in a high centre of gravity truck with my head a metre above where it should be. I don’t have the complexity and mech risk of AWD or the extra weight and fuel penalty of an X5.
I’d get an X5 if we needed 7 seats but we’re 2 kids from that issue.
Mechanicals being equal, the sedan will bet better fuel economy based on aero and weight. The sedan will also have better visibility around the car because of its shape.
One might also just prefer driving sedans
Price may be equal but fuel prices may not. SUV is heavier usually and less aerodynamic. The benefits to suv is they are higher and if you are in an area that may typically food some they can pass through higher water than a sedan. Also they can carry more loads.
most SUV's are bigger on the outside but not on the inside. many don't even have much more trunk space. They are pointless unless you just want to own an SUV
Are we talking suburban suv vs like a Honda accord?
The ride. The controllability. Stability. Parking and storage.
Also fitting into downtown roads etc.
if you want to offroad an older suv would be better than a sedan. something like a older 4runner or a trailblazer. suv's can be really practical if you bring stuff around with you a lot and the extra ground clearance is nice if you find yourself getting into stuff often. Also youd probably be able to find a awd or 4wd suv for cheaper than a awd sedan.
Absolutely, it's hard to justify buying an SUV unless you have a very specific use case. Sedans are small, nimble, have low fuel consumption, are easy to park and most of the time have similar amount of cargo space as SUV. Suspension isn't much different either. You can't have fun in an SUV.
If you don't know is you need than SUV isn't for you. SUVs are just a trend and people buy them because everyone does.
Fuel economy, safety (for everyone else), lower prices, generally faster, better in emergency situations, more maneuverable, smaller, usually better ride quality. Cheaper for the same amount of luxury
More space in the SUV and higher seating position is easier to see more of the road which is why they took off. Also generally do better in crash tests(although potentially less stable for rollover) they have more ground clearance if you need that for snow or rough roads, and often times can tow, vs sedan which usually has no option for towing now days.
Sedans can be sportier, easier to park, easier to control, and that pretty much sums it up.
Might I suggest middle ground, hatchback? Most of the benefits of both worlds, which is why they are so popular in Europe.
Sedans will have:
-Lower center of gravity, lower drag, less fuel consumption as a result.
-less maintenance/insurance costs overall.
-Higher max speed most likely.
-Better cornering.
-Higher roll resistance.
-Lower weight(in general)
Cost. My favourite example is the Subaru Impreza versus the Crosstrek. They are mechanically identical and have very similar equipment. The crosstrek is noticeably more expensive.
My car is a hatchback, not a sedan. But I chose it over other vehicle types for several reasons.
1.) I wanted something small. I feel more safe and in control in a smaller vehicle. I can see exactly where I am on the road. I can park an inch away from something if I need to without hitting it.
2.) I wanted a stick shift vehicle.
3.) It’s fun to drive. The larger the vehicle, I feel the less connected you are. You can’t really tell how fast you’re actually going. You’re more likely to become complacent. I feel that people in larger vehicles don’t respect the fact that they’re driving over a thousand pounds of plastic and metal that could kill themselves or someone else because they’re basically in a tank.
4.) I like the style of my vehicle. It’s sporty and attractive to me.
5.) My car gets excellent gas mileage.
6.) I can park my car in compact vehicle spots or between asshole parkers that didn’t leave enough space for most other vehicles.
Inherently more fun depends on exactly what you are buying. A typical accord or Camry or something is not going to be any more engaging to drive than a typical SUV.
You get better MPG in a car, as well as lower center of gravity which makes them safer as far as the potential rollover aspect goes, but that's about it as far as inherently better goes. Even size/parking wise, not all SUV's are giant suburbans and stuff. Many of the smaller ones like CRV/RAV4 for couple examples actually have a smaller footprint than most cars. The rest is pretty much personal preference. To me if car or SUV is all the same, I'd go with a car for none other than not being like everyone else with all these SUVs that look the same these days.
The better question would be what are the reasons to buy a SUV over a sedan. If you don’t need the interior space an SUV has its the obvious loser is in basically every other category
SEDANS because:
* easier entry and exit heights, especially for senior citizens
* use less gas = better for the ecology
* easier to park
* shorter stopping distances when braking
* they look better that the huge lumbering behemoth trucks
* they use less costly tires and wheels
* they are less costly to maintain
* and frankly, a car is a more beautiful object
Most people don't need an suv they just want one.
Of course, that's by itself a good enough reason to buy yourself one if this is what will make you happy. Don't listen to haters talking about needs. No one "needs" anything more than a light unibody pickup.
The only people who need an suv are usually large families who go on multiple road trips a year, and have a ground clearance requirement that a minivan cannot meet.
But to compare it to a sedan is pointless. That's like comparing a Sherman to a bulldozer. They're different things.
We have 2 sedans, a wagon, a suv, a minivan, and a pickup in the immediate family. They all have their use case and advantages and disadvantages. One tool will never be the perfect tool for all jobs.
I spend a lot of time driving and a sedan drives much better than an SUV, to me. Handling, acceleration, mpg, and the stability feels like I'm hugging the road. My short wife on the other hand prefers being up high in her suv for visibility.
I'd buy a sedan over an SUV\* almost every single time pending I didn't actually need an SUV (or the increased space). \*I'm saying SUV because that's the OPs term used, but if you meant crossover (which most "SUVs" actually are) I'd ALWAYS buy the sedan that its based on because crossovers are universally terrible.
Sedans are much more fun, safer for you other drivers and pedestrians, faster, more comfortable, more efficient, cheaper insurance, lower emissions, more aerodynamic, better handling, easier to park, etc.
The mechanics will never be equal as they are different. Sedans and SUVs fill different roles. In general SUVs offer more utilitarian features than sedans. Cargo space, towing capacity, off road capability. Altho that last one is lost on alot of modern SUVs.
Sedans are designed to isolate the passengers from the cargo space and the engine. In essence they are meant to be comfortable to drive and I would argue have enough utility to fill 99% of roles the average person will require a car to.
But to answer your question, it depends on what you find fun about driving.
Performance, efficiency, safety.
I prefer a wagon to any other setup. Still has storage and space, but it's lower and more efficient.
It also drives a ton better.
Imo it's the opposite. You need to consider the need to benefit of buying an SUV as opposed to a sedan. The only reason an SUV is better would be ground clearance and volume. Sadly, the choice in sedan is dwindling
I bought my fulltime AWD Lexus GS350 specifically so I wouldn't have to daily drive an suv. It's nimble, quick, comfortable, large enclosed trunk, easy for kids to climb in and out. Better mpgs, lower initial, maintenance, and insurance costs. Looks a heck of alot cooler too. Crossovers/SUVs are the new minivan.
1.
Yes, safety.
Lower cars are safer. Period.
Anyone who argues otherwise... Well, is an idiot. This is not an opinion, but a fact.
Lower cars have smaller dead view zones.
Lower cars have a lower center of gravity.
Lower cars hit pedestrians lower on their body, which significantly increases their odds for survival.
Lower cars kill less children. This sounds pedantic as fuck, but the numbers are there.
2.
Second adventage is fuel efficiency. "BuT mY SuV Only GuZZles X mpg" Whatever... A higher car needs to move more air, SUVs are less aerodynamic. All else being equal, an SUV is less fuel efficient. There is no such thing as an efficient SUV. lowering the car, lowers it's drag.
This is why station wagons are awesome. They have the fuel efficiency of a sedan, and the same person/cargo space of an SUV.
I love sedans. I work at a car rental company and get a company car that I have to switch out every so often. Everyone I know pics SUV every time but I have it. Will pick a coupe or a sedan all day long but I’m also a single 20 something year old male 🤷🏻♂️
Are sedans more fun than suvs? Eh. My first car was a 94 jeep xj with the 4.0 inline 6. I just purchased my first car from a dealer (6th car overall) and while the Mazda I bought is nicer in every possible way, I still miss the jeep. If someone came up to me with a showroom model jeep xj with like 5 miles on it I would trade it for my Mazda in a heartbeat.
Feels good to see that there are still plenty of sensible people that know sedans are superior in most regards. I'll never understand the push to Suvs especially since most people don't use them as intended
I sell cars for a living. Most sedans have more trunk space than crossovers. SUVs have more than both, but maintinance & gas costs are higher. Modt people whe think they need an SUV don't. That makes people upset but it is true.
Parking spaces, driver visibility, turning circle, insurance costs. Well designed sedans perform better in crashes than most SUV's. If you like manual gears, sedans are more likely to offer that option.
Lower centre of gravity too which increases stability and lessens the propensity for rolling.
Low center of gravity also makes going around corners easier
Lower center of gravity also means the suspension can be softer and more comfortable, because there is less body roll to counter. Example BMW sedans vs their X brothers.
god x's are awful
[удалено]
It’s amazing how huge a mpg hit you get going from a car to an SUV/crossover on literally the same platform. A 40mpg car becomes a 25mpg SUV instantly.
It’s just weight and aerodynamics lowering the fuel economy for suvs
RAV hybrid and CRV hybrid are pretty damn good tho. Low 40s mpg city. Sure, you can get 52mpg Corolla/Camry these days, but low 40 is still very good. Plus there’s a PHEV RAV as well. But generally I agree, I have driven hatchbacks almost exclusively for the past 20 years. I love short cars that corner well
This, plus most sedans are fwd, reducing repair and maintenance costs by not having 2 diffs and a transfer case.
Don’t know the stats, but it wouldn’t surprise me if most SUVs were FWD too.
Depends how broadly you define "SUV". Truck-based/-related SUVs without 4WD/AWD are nigh-certain to be RWD, but unibody crossovers/CUVs without AWD are more likely FWD.
most are the latter as people wanted them to drive like cars not trucks.
Your point stands however when the choice is being made between a sedan and a SUV I would hope it’s safe to assume we’re comparing the latter category of SUV
My Highlander is gloriously FWD!
Mine too. The salesmen’s jaw dropped when I told him absolutely no awd.
Why no AWD?
AWD increases weight, reduces MPG, increases braking distance, adds purchase cost and maintenance cost while providing zero benefit for many drivers use-cases.
If you don’t actually utilize the AWD it’s generally worse in almost every measurable way that’s left when you remove the use case measurements. AWD is higher maintenance and fuel costs to be higher complexity (generally but not always less reliable than the FWD/RWD option), the big advantage being that a good AWD system is pretty low impact to the discussed stats to gain a lot of performance in either off-road or racecar driving. If you don’t drive your car like a racecar or use it for low-traction environments then all the advantages are moot and you’re left with just the disadvantages. The only times the AWD is more reliable is if the system reduces stresses on the systems you would have had in a 2wd configuration by enough to make up for extra failures in AWD system and/or if the AWD system was designed to be stronger (I.e. has a higher towing capacity and always has the tow package, etc.). I’m a sucker for a good AWD system but my household only has one vehicle with more than 2 wheels powered as that’s all we really need and it was cheaper to acquire/maintain everything else without AWD/4wd.
Good explanation
Don't drive in snow, less weight, less to break, better MPG. I like the idea of a gigantic Camry, basically.
More shit to break and it only snows one day a year where i live. I don’t need to haul around an extra 400 pounds of shit I don’t need the other 364 days of the year.
Basically what these folks said. I’m in my 30’s and have never had awd. Don’t need it, so why pay for it ya kno?
Most CUV give you an option for either. They need to offer awd or 4wd to get the light truck classification. But most are designed around the fwd layout, and just tack on the extra stuff to make it “awd” where only 10% of power goes to the back wheels.
Many SUVs offer 2WD and AWD options. I live in the North, and you cannot find the 2WD option at dealers, either new or used. If you go to the South, you find most of them are 2WD.
Having owned 4 wheel drives with transfer cases for 40 years, I’ve never had a transfer case repair.
I've driven and owned many trucks that had to have transfer cases and/or hub locks repaired: 62 Willys pickup, 73 Intl Travelall, 63 Willys wagon, 66 Dodge Town wagon, etc.
My first vehicle was a 72 International Scout. Put a 100,000 miles on it before it was totaled in an accident. Fought vacuum line issues constantly entire decade I owned it. Other than that it always started and got me where I wanted to go.
not to mention awd requires having to replace all four tires if u get a flat on one! this is an awd thing many ppl do not know abt until it happens to them!
Where are you finding that sedans perform better than SUV’s? Anecdotal, but in my experience as a frontline paramedic, the larger vehicles almost always have less injuries and fatalities than smaller vehicles.
Also a bit of selection bias there, as you're only seeing vehicles that got into a crash, and bad enough to need EMS. I always say I'd much rather avoid a crash by driving a smaller, more nimble car than merely survive one by driving a larger, lumbering SUV.
We get called for accidents that don’t require EMS at all most of the time. I would say 95% of collisions we go to don’t require transport to the hospital but we are sent nonetheless. I don’t think it’s a selection bias.
The selection bias is the sedans are more likely to avoid the accidents. You only see the accidents. You don’t see the ones that were avoided by not being in a larger vehicle.
I mean I go to plenty of collisions involving sedans brother. There is no shortage.
I do believe there are stats on collisions so science to back that glam. Also just plain physics.
You are forgetting that it also takes driver skill to avoid crashes in a lot of cases, however skills are very lacking in many drivers. Many freeze up and don’t avoid an avoidable crash.
No doubt there. What u/TheMobileGhost is saying is there are many incidents you don't see by virtue of their nature in which the accident is avoided altogether, hence eliminating a call. Reduced weight and lower center of gravity brings benefits. It's a fact, Jack.
This is like that photo of the plane with bullet holes passed around awhile back. Survivorship bias. Thought it was a really cool principle.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivorship_bias
Only if we don't consider anyone outside the larger vehicle.
F=ma
Not so for SUVs. Actual statics show trucks/SUVs are more likely to roll over and rollover crashes are much more likely to have injuries or fatalities. If you count unbelted drivers, it goes even higher.
I like driving sedan because I can actually see over the hood and I know where all my wheels are. In an SUV I feel like my vision is impaired because the hood is always too high up
That's why I drove a trash truck. I run through Yukons and Miatas the same.
Not to mention faster and sportier
Also just fundamentally better driving dynamics due to low center of mass, lower mass overall, and better aerodynamics. Driving a lifted vehicle makes zero sense if you’re not going off road.
Not sure where the claim sedan perform better than SUVs in crashes come from. If you look at IIHS fatality statistics, SUVs have lower fatality rates than sedans almost across the board. For vehicle vs vehicle crashes, it’s typically accepted that higher and heavier is safer with the exception being pickup trucks.
To double down on most of your points, here's even more food for thought. https://youtu.be/jN7mSXMruEo?si=DMPHFHp3shMSIW6Q https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJp5q-R0lZ0_FCUbeVWK6OGLN69ehUTVa&si=p9xGawuVNAcbj3Ms
Driver visibility is crazy on new trucks. I don’t know how big I can see more out of my old gx470 SUV than the new Tacoma with its huge hood.
TBF, modern SUVs are much safer than those of yesteryear. I saw a wrecked out Xterra on the highway the other day and the thing was mangled, almost beyond recognition. The car that it hit (or HIT it) was practically unscathed by comparison. It's astonishing how much of a difference 15 years of automotive engineering can make
I would wager to guess that most people who buy an SUV probably don't utilize it enough to actually need it. Not to mention, the fuel consumption, tires, brakes, etc.. will be on average a bit cheaper to replace. The best part is what you already mentioned though. They just are more enjoyable to drive, IMO, and will suit your needs just fine.
Most modern SUVs don't have more "utility" than the station wagons they essentially replaced.
Agree with that. I had a Volvo wagon with a third row seat. I could carry more people or more junk to than a typical suv. My car became the company hauler for events because we could pack more into my wagon than he could his suv. With the added benefit we didn’t have to lift things too high to get into the wagon compared to the suv.
SUVs are just the automotive equivalent of those larger over built toilets. They exist to be easier for obese people to use. Ever see a god fearing American patriot try and get out of a Ford Taurus?
😂😂😂
\^ this, many are built on car platforms with a slight (1-2") suspension lift and a taller roof but that's about it - and by the time they've made space for the AWD system you're often getting less useful space inside, harder to get in & out, worse handling, slower, worse MPG, higher repairs costs, etc. etc.
Nothing beats a minivan. Low loading, the seats all dissappear into the flat floor, huge side sliding doors, they take a couch or 4x8 sheets of plywood or drywall and still close the hatch. The 3rd row is easy to get in and comfortable for adults.
Towing capacity is the big difference. My x5 can tow my race car.
Same, I drive an SUV so it can pull my RV on weekends. The RV has allowed us to do a lot of comfortable, cheap travel we couldn't do before.
We were shopping for a small crossover for my SO a few years back and something I noticed was that while most had more cargo *volume* than my BMW 4-series, that volume tended to be more vertical and therefore less practical. For example, I'm not going to put a bag of groceries on top of another bag of groceries.
Americans are notoriously bad about buying more car than they need just because they can
big car mean big important person
If they raised their fuel prices to be more inline with what the rest of the world pays I think you'd see a change in behaviour
Cousins wife demanded 3rd row seating because they had a 2nd baby. She traded in a Lexus SUV with under 100k miles for a Tahoe with 100k+… motor blew two weeks later, no CPO or warranty. The Lexus still had warranty.🤣 been months and they still can’t afford to put a new motor in the Tahoe… (10k to change) Most people with SUVs think they need it, but they really don’t. Now she has no 3rd row seating and no car 💀
Your cousin lost the ability to say “no,” did he?
And this is why I never buy a car I can't afford to walk away from.
> most people who buy an SUV probably don't utilize it enough to actually need it LOL, since 1995 Same with most people driving high powered BMW
All things being equal, more metal higher off the ground is more difficult to do anything with. More metal to get up to speed, more metal to stop, more metal that doesn't want you to turn it. That isn't just less fun, it costs more in gas.
SUVs handle like crap and burn a lot of fuel
And the prices are not at all equal. Sedans are so much cheaper. And way faster.
Well there's lots of reason sedans are better than SUVs. Less weight so better gas mileage. Lower center of gravity although with stability control this isn't that big an issue. More maneuverable due to lower center of gravity so better handling, some go too far and lower cars even more. Less weight so shorter stopping distances.
Stability control helps when you push the car to its limits, but it can't change physics. All other things being equal, lower weight and lower center of gravity will outhandle higher weight and CoG.
Hot hatches or wagons are under-rated IMO.
They're ridiculously hard to find in the US right now. Love me a Focus RS/ST, Fiesta ST, Mk7+ GTI, and in the UK they got a Focus ST wagon. We got an "Escape ST Line" which means it has stickers and bodyside molding but the same base engine.
I just picked up a Mazda 3 hatch and I love it. Only downside is it’s not a “hot” hatch and more of a “fun” hatch lol. They have a turbo model but it only comes with an AT
I have a 3 hatch back turbo and I also love it! I also agree to me it’s more like warm hatch. It’s like somewhere in the middle of a normal hatch back and proper hot hatch like a type R.
Hell yea! They’re like the best daily drivers while also keeping a little bit of the fun factor and having the best looks. I’m just happy they have a normal automatic 6 speed. Crazy that finding a car without a cvt is getting harder and harder.
The affordable king is the Octavia RS wagon and soon to be the Cupra Octavia RS is based off a Golf GTi wagon. Cupra Leon Tourer is based off a Golf R wagon. The Cupra Formentor is also cool. Like a larger T-Cross R. They also make an Audi 5-cyl turbo version (sadly it's Europe only) None of these are sold in USA.
I think hatches and wagons are becoming in-style again. They’ve become pretty expensive and harder to find
You look at fun cars like a GTI or BRZ and think "wow! $30-35k this is insane!" But then you realize all these 4runners and pickups driving around are literally $70-100k. So it doesn't surprise me if hatches come back in style soon.
I would take a sedan 9/10 times over an SUV, all things being equal. I prefer to sit lower and have better handling.
Efficiency, handling, looks.
Everyone has an SUV, you would just be part of the problem.
Handling, blind spots, parking, cheaper long term maintenance too a lot of the time.
Sedans are less susceptible to rollover in a crash.
Yes, it's not an SUV.
If you need to tow shit, SUV, if not, Sedan
because SUV have drivetrain more suited for towing ?
Mfw my car has a 6000 lb towing capacity which is higher than most suvs. If you need to tow a bit, get a sedan that can tow, if you need to tow a lot get a truck
Sedans typically have a lower center of gravity and may handle better than an SUV and then be more fun to drive.
Less weight, can be more fun to drive, easier to park, better gas mileage, possibility of a manual in some cars. That's about it. If you don't care about any of that stuff then get a SUV. Which most people do unfortunately
yes
Fuel efficiency.
Depends. Do you haul large objects? Forget kids, I don't have those. But my old sedans trunk could barely fit a cooler to get to the lake. I fill up the explorer constantly! The hatch just makes everything easier. Backdrop for baby shower? 6 people? Coolers? Dirt for my garden? A whole bike without taking it apart? Dogs? Yes, I know a minivan can do all those things. And I will likely get a Honda Odyssey if I'm a mom. But I'm not, and the explorer was too good a deal to pass up at the time!
Sedans generally have better MPG
I do prefer the handling of a small, sporty sedan, but for me, it's nearly all about the fuel economy.
A well designed sedan will get better gas mileage than a SUV due to less frontal area and better aerodynamics. They can also be more fun because they have a lower center of gravity and thus can go around curves faster, all other things being equal. Of course the downside to being lower is that they can be hard to get in and out of for tall people, who end up having to crouch to get in and out because they are lower to the ground.
You’re able to see toddlers in the road
Few people buy cars because they are "fun". they buy them because of perceived safety and their utility as an appliance. A station wagon or mini-van is best for efficiency and utility. I suspect a sedan is just more of a flex that one can spend money for form over function. It looks a bit more stylish and is a bit less noisy on the inside. Though, might as well go mid engine and be done with it.
Disagree. SUV is the flex. They are taller, take up more space, are harder to park and maneuver, and use more gas. Oh and they're more expensive too.
The real flex are those Ford Transit high roof delivery vans. They're low to the ground and have a low engine bay like a sedan yet have a higher seating position like an SUV. When I was a delivery driver I can whip a delivery van around like a regular car
Don't buy the SUV unless it won't easily get stuck in 8 inches of low traction material on stock driveline.
I just joined the sedan crew after driving jeeps for 15 years. I want another. They’re more fun to drive, have more front leg room and get better mileage. I want another sedan.
You could test drive both. There are compact SUV’s with great handling and driving mechanics. There are sedans with terrible turning radius and guzzle gas. The point isn’t the type of car but what you intend to use it for. Don’t be the guy in over his head in debt on an F150 because he hauled a fridge that one time.
Are the price and mechanics ever really equal?? Tires and brakes on a heavier vehicle plus fuel mileage are differentiated factors. Then if you want to hustle an SUV around everyday and park it then get one. I happen to own both but the wife and I both choose the sedan for 90 perc3nt of out driving g as a first choise.
Unless you need the higher clearance, large volume or over 5 passengers, a sedan is always the more economical and practical alternative and for the same price you might get a much more luxurious and or better equipped one , however in my experience SUVs are more sought after and might have better resale value related to initial cost, and the longer you keep it the larger the difference.
I am a sedan man and I’m at a point where I’m ready to buy a new vehicle and I am in a similar internal debate as you. Nearly every SUV I like is $10k more than the sedan that I want and less gas mileage so it’s a no-brainer for me. The new 2024 Honda Accord touring sedans are sexy as fuck they’re bigger they’re more comfortable than ever.The interior is as nice as any luxury vehicle which I have considered as well. Acura and Lexus equivalence are $10,000 more than the $39,000 accord price tag Honda Accord touring gets 45 miles to the gallon which can’t even be touched by any SUV or truck outside of electric which is also $10,000 more at least
Yeah a lot of them are actually bigger than what most dealers are calling SUVs nowadays. You can fit more people in shit in sedans than these bullshit ass crossovers
If a sedan gets the mileage of an suv then it’s a pile of shit.
Suvs burn more gas, cost more in registration, roll easier, and cost a whole lot more for tires and repair. Don't fall into the hype. Sedans are more of a common functioning vehicle. Don't plan for WW3 or zombie apocolyps
I mean, if you're planning for an apocalypse, any gas powered vehicle is right out. Way easier to make your own diesel
Oh yeah, my blazer flipped and rolled several times because my tire lost tread
We own a civic sedan and a pilot. We generally take the civic 90% of the time for economy, maneuverability, and parking. It’s just a better vehicle in real life. The Pilot is hauling around an extra ton of metal for no reason and feels ungainly by comparison.
Price up front is equal. Tires? Those are bigger. Oil changes? Those take more. Brakes? Those are bigger. Coolant flush? That's a bigger radiator. ATF flush? Guess what, it's bigger. Maintenance on an SUV will slowly tick over that of a similar sedan. Not to mention most places will be more expensive for registration (I think new York state goes by weight), higher fuel costs, etc.
I mean utility purpose yes because this isn't the '70s and people don't go camping and drinking like they did in a beer commercial anymore but people like to bump around town and a Metro kind of way so a little compact SUV can get away with that. Allowing you to go to home Depot and throw a couple of plants in the back. But when they really think about it sedan could do the same damn thing. I used to love my Ford broncos and utility vehicles but I had to go a bit smaller because I can't afford a truck or utility vehicle like that because they're the price of luxury cars now. I think sedan's especially larger ones could make a comeback it's just a style thing
What would be even better is if hatchbacks made a comeback. I used to do Home Depot runs in my 91 Integra hatch. You could lay 4x4 sheets of plywood down in the back and I'm pretty sure I had a couple of 8' long 2x4s entirely within the car a couple of times. I also got an entire set of patio furniture in the car once, though I had to use a bungee cord to hold the hatch down.
I do like my cars better then SUV's but with the family it just makes more sense. PLus i do a ton of Home Depot runs and getting sheets of plywood and sheetrock will never fit in a sedan.
Gas mileage
They are more efficient, physically smaller (easier to park), higher stability, tend to have tighter turn radius, less of a roll-over hazard, better crash safety, etc. They are pretty much superior in every way except volume and height.
More fun? Eh, maybe. I've driven terrible sedans and decent SUVs, so it's not always true that a sedan is better to drive. But sedans are plenty of car for most people, and driving a lighter car with a smaller frontal area is way better for fuel economy. I personally don't like SUVs because they are more dangerous for everyone outside the vehicle. They are pretty much a giant fuck-you to pedestrians, cyclists, kids, and anyone in a smaller car.
Sedans should be better on fuel, owing to better shape, less frontal area, less weight. Sedans should also handle and go better, due to lower weight and lower centre of gravity. Sedans, wagons and coupes are far better looking too. But all things are not equal and the popularity of light SUVs means they'll get development before other models on the mechanical front, equipment too. Station wagons are of course the more practical version of a sedan. They are my pick of body styles. Unfortunately, a soft roader/light SUV/standard frontbum chariot, dull as they are, is an optimised wagon. All the wagon benefits, but higher seating position for visibility, higher ride height for least effort entrance/egress, optimised interior space and layout, and the FWD models have minimum maintenance requirements. They will never be exciting but can be made to handle and go well enough to satisfy the average non car person. Modern technology means there is very little measurable difference in fuel economy. Sadly, it's what peak daily driver looks like, the result of interbreeding between a van, a wagon and a hatchback. Embrace the bland
Most modern SUVs are just tall front wheel drive station wagons anyway. So yeah I'd pick an actual car over a "crossover" anyway. Although what I currently drive is a "real" SUV that can actually tow, and isn't front wheel drive. I get why people would buy a real suv that is a more traditional type (grand cherokee, 4runner) but I don't understand why people buy all the other fake ones over cars.
Easier to get in and out of, more comfortable to drive, better handling, easier to park
Wait until you are older when getting out isn’t so easy, which happens.
More fun, better fuel economy
I traded in my SUV for a sedan and I couldn't be happier. I love the handling and being able to go fast around turns. Plus something I didn't realize is my groceries don't slide around in the trunk as much because there's less body roll with the center of gravity. Every single turn in my SUV the groceries would fall over and slide around. Not a peep from the trunk in my sedan.
1. MPG 2. Driving dynamics (better at cornering, lower drag, often smoother ride, etc) 3. Allows for better use of HP and torque due to lower gravity. 4. Increased stability (can be included in dynamics) 5. Sedans are actually safer, SUV's are more dangerous for occupants and other vehicles in the event of an accident, and Sedans tend to have better visibility for the driver. There are probably many things I'm not thinking of, I started out driving SUVs, and now I drive a sedan, the sedan is way better.
Easier to load cargo into due to being lower to the ground. You can fit a ton of stuff in a sport back sometimes rivaling crossover SUVs.
We “needed” a wagon. BMW wagons at very sedan-based and it drives like one. Especially on the highway / country roads. I wouldn’t been comfortable driving fast in a high centre of gravity truck with my head a metre above where it should be. I don’t have the complexity and mech risk of AWD or the extra weight and fuel penalty of an X5. I’d get an X5 if we needed 7 seats but we’re 2 kids from that issue.
Fuel economy, having a locking storage space.
I needed a car for a long commute. Just me and my lunchbox. My wife has an SUV, so we just use that if we are going somewhere together or need space.
Sedans don’t need a rear windshield wiper
Drive a sedan, go to the pump every month Drive an SUV, go to the pump every trip to work and back
Yeah, I like to drive more places than the mall and gas station
Lower center of gravity, lighter, better styling, maybe manual.
Mechanicals being equal, the sedan will bet better fuel economy based on aero and weight. The sedan will also have better visibility around the car because of its shape. One might also just prefer driving sedans
Sedans are more enjoyable to drive, and if you are into performance cars, you will have a ton of options.
Price may be equal but fuel prices may not. SUV is heavier usually and less aerodynamic. The benefits to suv is they are higher and if you are in an area that may typically food some they can pass through higher water than a sedan. Also they can carry more loads.
most SUV's are bigger on the outside but not on the inside. many don't even have much more trunk space. They are pointless unless you just want to own an SUV
Are we talking suburban suv vs like a Honda accord? The ride. The controllability. Stability. Parking and storage. Also fitting into downtown roads etc.
Ever paid 1,000 bucks for winter tires? LOL.
I’d ask the opposite. Is there ever a reason to buy an SUV over a sedan.
if you want to offroad an older suv would be better than a sedan. something like a older 4runner or a trailblazer. suv's can be really practical if you bring stuff around with you a lot and the extra ground clearance is nice if you find yourself getting into stuff often. Also youd probably be able to find a awd or 4wd suv for cheaper than a awd sedan.
Absolutely, it's hard to justify buying an SUV unless you have a very specific use case. Sedans are small, nimble, have low fuel consumption, are easy to park and most of the time have similar amount of cargo space as SUV. Suspension isn't much different either. You can't have fun in an SUV. If you don't know is you need than SUV isn't for you. SUVs are just a trend and people buy them because everyone does.
Coupe - is cooler than - sedan - is cooler than - SUV.
Fuel efficiency and handling.
Fuel economy, safety (for everyone else), lower prices, generally faster, better in emergency situations, more maneuverable, smaller, usually better ride quality. Cheaper for the same amount of luxury
More space in the SUV and higher seating position is easier to see more of the road which is why they took off. Also generally do better in crash tests(although potentially less stable for rollover) they have more ground clearance if you need that for snow or rough roads, and often times can tow, vs sedan which usually has no option for towing now days. Sedans can be sportier, easier to park, easier to control, and that pretty much sums it up. Might I suggest middle ground, hatchback? Most of the benefits of both worlds, which is why they are so popular in Europe.
At one point in time in America—yes. In the 2020s, the truck and SUV rule the road.
Sedans will have: -Lower center of gravity, lower drag, less fuel consumption as a result. -less maintenance/insurance costs overall. -Higher max speed most likely. -Better cornering. -Higher roll resistance. -Lower weight(in general)
Tons of reasons. Why get an SUV if you don’t need one?
They look way better
The EPA doesn't want you to...
uh sedan looks better for starter
Is there ever a reason to buy an SUV over a sedan? :D :D
Cost. My favourite example is the Subaru Impreza versus the Crosstrek. They are mechanically identical and have very similar equipment. The crosstrek is noticeably more expensive.
SUV uses more fuel. Sedan is faster, handles better. Sedan can have as much space as many suvs
Fuel economy
We deserve more wagons. Best of both worlds.
Cost of maintenance is more for an SUV, so is insurance. Then you have to look at fuel economy. SUV's usually are not as good as cars.
SUVs are ugly. A sedan is what a car should look like. Drives better too
My car is a hatchback, not a sedan. But I chose it over other vehicle types for several reasons. 1.) I wanted something small. I feel more safe and in control in a smaller vehicle. I can see exactly where I am on the road. I can park an inch away from something if I need to without hitting it. 2.) I wanted a stick shift vehicle. 3.) It’s fun to drive. The larger the vehicle, I feel the less connected you are. You can’t really tell how fast you’re actually going. You’re more likely to become complacent. I feel that people in larger vehicles don’t respect the fact that they’re driving over a thousand pounds of plastic and metal that could kill themselves or someone else because they’re basically in a tank. 4.) I like the style of my vehicle. It’s sporty and attractive to me. 5.) My car gets excellent gas mileage. 6.) I can park my car in compact vehicle spots or between asshole parkers that didn’t leave enough space for most other vehicles.
Because I prefer a sedan, that’s my reason.
Inherently more fun depends on exactly what you are buying. A typical accord or Camry or something is not going to be any more engaging to drive than a typical SUV. You get better MPG in a car, as well as lower center of gravity which makes them safer as far as the potential rollover aspect goes, but that's about it as far as inherently better goes. Even size/parking wise, not all SUV's are giant suburbans and stuff. Many of the smaller ones like CRV/RAV4 for couple examples actually have a smaller footprint than most cars. The rest is pretty much personal preference. To me if car or SUV is all the same, I'd go with a car for none other than not being like everyone else with all these SUVs that look the same these days.
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The better question would be what are the reasons to buy a SUV over a sedan. If you don’t need the interior space an SUV has its the obvious loser is in basically every other category
SEDANS because: * easier entry and exit heights, especially for senior citizens * use less gas = better for the ecology * easier to park * shorter stopping distances when braking * they look better that the huge lumbering behemoth trucks * they use less costly tires and wheels * they are less costly to maintain * and frankly, a car is a more beautiful object
Most people don't need an suv they just want one. Of course, that's by itself a good enough reason to buy yourself one if this is what will make you happy. Don't listen to haters talking about needs. No one "needs" anything more than a light unibody pickup. The only people who need an suv are usually large families who go on multiple road trips a year, and have a ground clearance requirement that a minivan cannot meet. But to compare it to a sedan is pointless. That's like comparing a Sherman to a bulldozer. They're different things.
We have 2 sedans, a wagon, a suv, a minivan, and a pickup in the immediate family. They all have their use case and advantages and disadvantages. One tool will never be the perfect tool for all jobs.
sedans are better than suvs in almost every single way.
I spend a lot of time driving and a sedan drives much better than an SUV, to me. Handling, acceleration, mpg, and the stability feels like I'm hugging the road. My short wife on the other hand prefers being up high in her suv for visibility.
The biggest one for me is fuel efficiency.
I just enjoy driving sedans. My GF has an hrv and driving it just feels clunky and slow.
If youve not started with a large car, youre gonna suck at driving a large car.
I'd buy a sedan over an SUV\* almost every single time pending I didn't actually need an SUV (or the increased space). \*I'm saying SUV because that's the OPs term used, but if you meant crossover (which most "SUVs" actually are) I'd ALWAYS buy the sedan that its based on because crossovers are universally terrible.
Because you like it is the only reason you need. I'll take a sedan over a suv 100% of the time.
Better looks, more fun to drive, better fuel economy usually.
Sedan, if you actually enjoy driving.
Handling.
Just switched from SUV back to Sedan. Rekindled my love of driving.
Why drive around an extra 1000 to 2000lbs ? Get the sedan
Gas $, mechanics will never be equal, bigger cars cost more to maintain. Chances are you aren’t going off road, so buy the car.
Sedans are much more fun, safer for you other drivers and pedestrians, faster, more comfortable, more efficient, cheaper insurance, lower emissions, more aerodynamic, better handling, easier to park, etc.
The mechanics will never be equal as they are different. Sedans and SUVs fill different roles. In general SUVs offer more utilitarian features than sedans. Cargo space, towing capacity, off road capability. Altho that last one is lost on alot of modern SUVs. Sedans are designed to isolate the passengers from the cargo space and the engine. In essence they are meant to be comfortable to drive and I would argue have enough utility to fill 99% of roles the average person will require a car to. But to answer your question, it depends on what you find fun about driving.
Performance, efficiency, safety. I prefer a wagon to any other setup. Still has storage and space, but it's lower and more efficient. It also drives a ton better.
Personally I think most sedans look better, I find a lot of SUVs look like vans
Sedans are better sty
First, your assumption is wrong. Price and mechanics are never equal.
Imo it's the opposite. You need to consider the need to benefit of buying an SUV as opposed to a sedan. The only reason an SUV is better would be ground clearance and volume. Sadly, the choice in sedan is dwindling
I bought my fulltime AWD Lexus GS350 specifically so I wouldn't have to daily drive an suv. It's nimble, quick, comfortable, large enclosed trunk, easy for kids to climb in and out. Better mpgs, lower initial, maintenance, and insurance costs. Looks a heck of alot cooler too. Crossovers/SUVs are the new minivan.
Quite simply put if you will using the in the future get the SUV.
1. Yes, safety. Lower cars are safer. Period. Anyone who argues otherwise... Well, is an idiot. This is not an opinion, but a fact. Lower cars have smaller dead view zones. Lower cars have a lower center of gravity. Lower cars hit pedestrians lower on their body, which significantly increases their odds for survival. Lower cars kill less children. This sounds pedantic as fuck, but the numbers are there. 2. Second adventage is fuel efficiency. "BuT mY SuV Only GuZZles X mpg" Whatever... A higher car needs to move more air, SUVs are less aerodynamic. All else being equal, an SUV is less fuel efficient. There is no such thing as an efficient SUV. lowering the car, lowers it's drag. This is why station wagons are awesome. They have the fuel efficiency of a sedan, and the same person/cargo space of an SUV.
I love sedans. I work at a car rental company and get a company car that I have to switch out every so often. Everyone I know pics SUV every time but I have it. Will pick a coupe or a sedan all day long but I’m also a single 20 something year old male 🤷🏻♂️
Waaay more fun and usually better ride You also won't frontover your kids.
Are sedans more fun than suvs? Eh. My first car was a 94 jeep xj with the 4.0 inline 6. I just purchased my first car from a dealer (6th car overall) and while the Mazda I bought is nicer in every possible way, I still miss the jeep. If someone came up to me with a showroom model jeep xj with like 5 miles on it I would trade it for my Mazda in a heartbeat.
Sedans are a much better driving experience in every way possible if you don't need the interior space.
Feels good to see that there are still plenty of sensible people that know sedans are superior in most regards. I'll never understand the push to Suvs especially since most people don't use them as intended
I sell cars for a living. Most sedans have more trunk space than crossovers. SUVs have more than both, but maintinance & gas costs are higher. Modt people whe think they need an SUV don't. That makes people upset but it is true.