Are SUVs Really Better Than Sedans?

SUVs have been all the rage over the past decade or so, bulldozing their way into the global automotive market with massive sales figures, but are they really better than the rest?

In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that almost half of the vehicles on the road today are SUVs – compact, mid-sized, huge 7-seater luxury models, you name it.

Yes, there is no denying the fact that they offer great value for money compared to other types of passenger vehicles with great practicality and versatility, but it is not always about spaciousness and convenience, is it?

Let us look at things from the driver’s point of view. When it comes to pure driving feel and dynamics, SUVs still fall behind sedans, simply because sedans have a better power-to-weight ratio, as well as a lower centre of gravity, which simply translates to a more engaging drive as well as better handling. As powerful as some SUVs are, they are still typically top-heavy, which means that body roll is inevitable.

Besides that, sedans, which are smaller than SUVs, are more manoeuvrable and more manageable as well, especially when it comes to parking and squeezing through tight spots. Another aspect in which sedans are better than some SUVs is fuel economy. As we mentioned above, sedans are lighter, which means that less effort and power is needed during overtaking and cruising.

Styling is also very important when it comes to buying a vehicle isn’t it? Unless you really need the practicality and space, why would you want to be seen in a soccer-mom SUV when you can pilot a sedan in style?

One may argue that style and good looks are subjective, but there is no escaping the fact that SUVs are generally bulkier than sedans, which takes away half the visual appeal. Meanwhile, the sleeker design of the sedan also means better aerodynamics, which helps save fuel and also give better performance.

While storage space and convenience may be an SUV’s biggest strength, you’re basically storing your luggage in an open space, which means that there is room for movement when the SUV negotiates a corner. So, the things in the boot are not really 100% secure. Plus, things in the boot of an SUV are usually visible.

However, a sedan’s boot – although maybe not as spacious as an SUV - is designed in a way that the items stored will move around lesser than an SUV. Plus, the luggage will not be visible either.

Last but not least, we have the maintenance cost. Although this may vary from vehicle to vehicle, SUVs - due to their larger size - come with larger tyres, larger brake pads, and other components that can be pricier than a sedan’s. In the long run, just imagine how much money you can save by driving a sedan, just to change tyres.

Overall, both SUVs and Sedans have their ups and downs, but just because it seems like SUVs have more to offer, especially in terms of space and convenience, it doesn’t mean that sedans are more inferior, does it?

As discussed above, sedans also have a few areas in which they are way more superior than SUVs. So, which one is your choice?