What's the Difference Between Crossovers and SUVs? | Greenville SC | Near Asheville, NC, & Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, & the Upstate
The Difference Between Crossovers and SUVs in Greenville, SC
For the families and hobby enthusiasts who shop our new Volkswagen inventory, the question always comes up. What’s the difference between crossovers and SUVs? Does it really matter? Not really — both body styles are fairly interchangeable, and most don’t realize that there’s a difference at all since it's so minor. But for auto purists out there (and in case you’re just curious), the team here at Steve White Volkswagen wants to set the record straight. Manufacturers and auto blogs have blurred the lines between the two for years, so we’d like to help our guests understand the difference between a crossover and an SUV.
It's All About the Platform
It all comes down to the frame when determining the difference between an SUV and a crossover. All SUVs, or Sport Utility Vehicles, are crafted on a pickup truck’s platform, while all crossovers are based on a sedan’s platform. An SUV uses a body-on-frame construction; a crossover uses a unibody architecture. For reference, all Volkswagen SUVs — the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan and Taos — all rest on the MQB platform.
Body-On-Frame vs. Unibody
The body-on-frame method has been used in the automotive industry since the Model-T, so it’s been around much longer than unibody construction. It was designed to be efficient both with time and money since manufacturers can place different body styles on the same frame. It also makes a more rigid platform, perfect for increased hauling and towing capabilities. Now, hardly any models besides commercial vehicles, trucks and off-road vehicles are made with the body-on-frame method.
Unibody construction, on the other hand, means that the vehicle’s frame and body are made together and part of the same structure. Unibody vehicles tend to be a bit safer since they are able to incorporate crumple zones.
Which is Right for You?
It’s all about your lifestyle. If you have adventurous hobbies that require an off-road vehicle capable of towing, the SUV might be for you. If you see yourself requiring a model that’s more about commuting but you’d like some space for friends, the crossover could work better. But really, when it comes down to Volkswagen, there’s no wrong answer. Our team would love to help you choose which stylish, reliable VW model matches you, so give us a call or stop by our location to speak with us in person!
If you'd like to learn more about your options regarding SUV or crossovers, feel free to contact us online or stop by Steve White Volkswagen at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 for a test drive. We look forward to serving customers from Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and the Upstate.