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Should I Buy a Crossover or a Sedan?
If you're in the market for a practical daily driver, whether it’s new or used, you’ve got a lot of options. Twenty years ago, if you wanted a reliable, affordable and fuel-efficient ride, the answer would’ve undoubtedly been a sedan. However, as the automotive industry and the needs of drivers have changed, so has the selection of vehicles that are fit for everyday driving, thanks largely to the introduction of the crossover SUV. Nowadays, it’s almost just as common to see a Toyota RAV4 on the highway as it is a Corolla. Both vehicle styles offer buyers a lot for their money, but which one is right for you?
What Are You Looking for In a Vehicle?
No matter what kind of vehicle you want, you need to first determine what it is that you’re looking for in a new ride. Whether it’s cargo space, safety features, gas mileage, practicality or a combination of all of those things, knowing what you need is important. Once you’ve determined your needs, you can shop with confidence.
Similarities and Differences
Despite the contrast in their appearances, crossovers and sedans have a lot in common. Both are much more affordable than minivans, trucks and full-size SUVs. In addition, they both offer great value, and many come standard with rearview cameras, Bluetooth® connectivity, loads of active and standard safety features, and plenty of choices in trim levels. Finally, many crossovers share the same engines and platforms with sedans.
However, there are a few notable differences, the most obvious being cargo space. Take the previously mentioned RAV4 and the Corolla for example. The 2019 RAV4 gets up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, while the 2020 Corolla only offers 13.1 cubic feet of space in its trunk. This is a major difference when you’re packing for a road trip, moving or planning a camping trip.
Another difference is fuel efficiency. As practical as crossovers are, their size and sometimes larger engines mean their fuel economy will take a hit. That’s not to say that they aren’t good on gas, though, as the compact Toyota C-HR gets 31 MPG on the highway and the RAV4 gets up to an estimated 35 MPG on the highway, with the hybrid version getting even more. However, the Corolla gets an estimated 38 MPG on the highway and up to 42 MPG if you opt for the hatchback model. If you really want to save on gas, the 2019 Toyota Prius gets an estimated 50 MPG on the highway, and 54 MPG in the city.
When it comes to versatility, crossovers shine. Most crossovers, regardless of manufacturer, are offered with all-wheel drive, something that’s not easy to find in the sedan segment. This is especially important if you plan on driving off-road or live in a region that’s subject to a lot of inclement weather. Finding a sedan equipped with all-wheel drive can be difficult.
Finally, there’s a difference in price. While both sedans and crossovers are more wallet-friendly than most vehicles, sedans get the point here. It’s not hard to find brand-new sedans from most leading manufacturers for under $20,000. However, according to Kelley Blue Book®, the average price for a small SUV like a crossover is $26,000.
Which Is Better?
That’s completely up to you to decide! Whether you should buy a crossover or a sedan depends entirely on your needs and your budget. However, whichever type of vehicle you decide on, you won’t be making a bad choice.