There are many reasons why SUVs are currently dominating roughly half the passenger vehicle market in the United States. These larger vehicles come with a plethora of advantages that the average US driver clearly resonates with and enjoys. At the same time, there’s a reason SUVs haven’t yet taken up an even bigger market chunk. The classic sedan still has its draws. Today we’ll be looking at one of the biggest differences between the two–driving experience.
What’s the big deal here, and if you’re transitioning from using one vehicle type to the other, what tips can help you drive better while staying safe on the road?
There’s no question that SUVs and sedans are the most popular vehicle types on the US market right now. Sedans are the classic vehicle body type, simple and reliable. Meanwhile, SUVs are the larger, more imposing machines on the road that have taken over in recent years. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each style:
Sedans are the smaller of the two vehicle styles. While that does come at the cost of less passenger and storage space, it means sedans are much easier to drive and park than their big, heavy counterparts. Sedans also tend to have more safety features.
A big few other big advantages of buying a sedan include the separate storage space in their trunk, better fuel economy, and budget. The separate storage space ensures your valuables are tucked away safely and out of sight while on the road. Most sedans come with a four-cylinder engine that guzzles much less fuel than an SUV. This saves you money in the long run, and it’s cheaper to get a higher trim sedan with more features than a base SUV.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest thing you’ll notice about driving an SUV is how big it is. You can carry more cargo and extra passengers while having more room in the cabin during drives. This does, however, affect the drivability of SUVs. Thanks to their size, they aren’t nearly as maneuverable as sedans. Most SUVs come equipped with all-wheel drive to make up for this, a staple that isn’t a standard on sedans. This makes SUVs preferable if you often drive in severe weather conditions like snowstorms and heavy rains.
SUVs also give the driver a higher driving position, which makes it easier to see the road and your surroundings while driving. This isn’t always a good thing, since SUVs do suffer from blind spots like any other vehicle. But as long as you’re aware of those blind spots and are careful to keep them in mind while driving, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
If you’re wondering whether an SUV or a sedan is safer, the answer is it depends. Sedans are safer in a crash involving two similarly-sized vehicles. If two large SUVs collide, they’re more likely to crush each other and lead to more catastrophic injuries. If an SUV and a sedan collide, the driver of the sedan is less likely to survive. SUVs are, however, more likely to roll over.
Driving an SUV can be a little daunting at first. After all, they’re huge machines that take up large chunks of road, and, as we’ve mentioned, they’re not as easy to maneuver as their smaller counterparts. Keep these tips in mind when driving an SUV for the first time:
Even experienced drivers need some practice if they’re transitioning to SUV driving from sedan driving. Find an empty parking lot and drive around for a bit to accustomize yourself with the SUV’s larger road footprint. Practice more delicate maneuvers while you’re there, like passing and parallel parking.
Once you’re on the road, remember to stay calm. SUV drivers are known to drive more aggressively than passenger-car drivers. Aggressive driving can be dangerous, so try to avoid it, especially in a larger, more lumbering vehicle.
Larger vehicles have larger blind spots. Learn these blind spots as best you can, and rely on your SUV’s backup cameras while reversing into a parking space. You might also want to check for any objects around your SUV before entering. The higher seating position makes it difficult to see small objects like bicycles and low retaining walls.
It’s easier for SUVs to drive onto the shoulder while cornering. This gets even worse when taking sharp corners, so drive at safe speeds, especially on curved roads. Steer smoothly and try not to make any extreme turns, or you’ll risk a bad rollover. Modern SUVs might be more stable thanks to electronic stability control (ESC), but they’re still more likely to roll over thanks to their higher center of gravity.
Keep to a safe speed and drive slowly and defensively.
Because they’re larger and heavier, it takes longer for SUVs to stop. Take this into account when driving one, and remember that the added weight and size means your vehicle can cause more damage to smaller vehicles on the road too.
If you’re returning or transitioning to sedan driving from SUV driving, it might be a bit jarring. Here are some tips that can help:
You’re more vulnerable in a smaller vehicle, so remember to drive defensively and safely while on the road. Remain aware and don’t get swept up by the extra maneuverability that comes with sedan driving.
Remember that SUVs are more difficult to drive and require more space on the road. Try not to aggravate larger vehicles and be courteous.
The lower seating position in sedans makes for more difficulty seeing down the road. This can be a big adjustment for drivers who are used to SUV driving. Be aware of the difference and account for it as you drive.
There are many differences between sedans and SUVs, and driving experience isn’t the least of them. Use these tips when going from one vehicle to the other, and remember that a bit of empathy on the road goes a long way to making driving in any vehicle more pleasant and safe.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.