You’re probably in the market for a new car and have settled for one of two options: a sedan or an SUV. Now, you’re stuck and don’t know which one to choose. Don’t worry though; you’re not alone.
There’s a lot of other drivers out there stumped at this decision, and for good reason. Trying to balance your needs, preferences, and lifestyle in a car while on a budget is really difficult. Both vehicles have their benefits and, sadly, cons.
In this article, we’ll compare both based on different factors. It’s our hope that helps you make the right call.
Size and Space
Picture yourself trying to parallel park on a busy street. In a sedan, you might be able to do this really easily. In an SUV though…not so much. You might need to circle the block a few times to find the right angle.
Sedans are typically more compact, which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces and city environments. About four to five passengers can sit comfortably in a sedan, but don’t expect to have much room for hauling any extra cargo.
On the flip side though, SUVs are the space champions. If you’ve got a large family, or your daily routine involves moving cargo, you’d appreciate the interior room in this car.
Many SUVs can accommodate up to eight passengers, and that extra cargo space means you can pack for a weekend getaway easily.
Recommendation: If space is your top priority and you don’t mind a larger vehicle, go for an affordable SUV 7 seater. If you value maneuverability and don’t need the extra room, get a sedan.
Performance and Handling
While not one is actually terrible at handling or performance, it’s quite clear which is better when put to the test. You’ll almost surely get a smoother, more balanced ride in a sedan. Their lower center of gravity also means they hug the road better, which translates to responsive handling and feeling like a pro on winding roads.
SUVs, on the other hand, are not quite as nimble. Though they come with their own set of advantages: a higher seating position gives you a clear view of the road ahead, and four-wheel drive capabilities so they can handle a variety of terrains.
Recommendation: If you’d rather have a smooth, responsive, sporty driving experience, stick to a sedan. But if you value versatility and the ability to tackle various terrains, get an SUV.
Fuel Efficiency
This is every budget-conscious car buyer’s dream. No one wants to get a car, only to realize they’d need to fuel it more often than they should.
Generally speaking, sedans are more fuel-efficient than SUVs because of their small size and lighter weight. That means they sip on fuel rather than guzzle it. By doing so, sedans save much more over time, especially if you have a long commute every day.
SUVs have larger engines and heavier builds, which makes them tend to be thirstier. Though, technology has come a long way so the SUVs of today are more fuel-efficient than the older ones.
Recommendation: If you prioritize fuel economy over everything else, cop a sedan.
Safety Features
Both sedans and SUVs come with a plethora of safety features, some more impressive than others. Sedans often come fitted with advanced safety features, plus there’s a lower risk of rollover in accidents because of their lower center of gravity.
For SUVs, despite having a slightly higher risk of rollovers in accidents, these vehicles also offer other safety advantages. Their size and weight means better protection in collisions, and their higher driving position means better visibility on the road.
Recommendation: You really can’t go wrong with either when it comes to safety. But if there’s a higher chance of accidents where you commute, you may want to stick to a sedan. But if you prefer the feeling of security that comes with driving a vehicle, cop an SUV.
Sedan vs SUV: Pros and Cons
Sedans
Pros:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Easier to maneuver
- Lower center of gravity for better handling
- Smoother ride quality
- Easier to park, especially in urban areas
- Typically lower cost of maintenance
- Lower rollover risk
Cons:
- Limited cargo space
- Less interior space for passengers
- Lower ground clearance
- Less visibility due to lower seating position
SUVs
Pros:
- More interior space for passengers and cargo
- Higher ground clearance
- Better off-road capability
- Better visibility because of its higher seating position
- Better in harsh weather conditions
- Can handle rougher terrain
Cons:
- Higher fuel consumption
- More expensive to maintain
- More difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
- Higher risk of rollover accidents
- Higher maintenance costs
Takeaway
At the end of the day, the choice is yours to make. And it’s down to personal preferences and needs. Consider your daily driving habits, the size of your family, your hobbies, and your budget.
The best car for you should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and make you happy every time you get behind the wheel. So do your research, take a few test drives, and you’ll definitely reach a decision.