SUV vs. Sedan: Which One Should You Choose

The first step on your journey of choosing your next car, between sedan vs SUV, is understanding what your needs are. Determining your requirements regarding your daily usage, preferences, needs versus wants, budget and more will enable you to narrow down your choice of car. The sedan has taken a backseat to the SUV in recent times. Still, a sedan can be a better choice in some cases and for certain buyers, even if an SUV appears to be the one segment of car that “can do it all”. This article will illustrate the differences between the two: interior space, boot capacity, ride quality, handling, performance, fuel efficiency and price, making choosing between a sedan and an SUV easier, even when shopping for a used car. 

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Key Differences Between SUVs and Sedans

The difference in form factor between SUV vs sedans gives each slightly different characteristics. These include differing dimensions, which affect interior space, comfort and boot space — some in favour of the SUV, some in favour of the sedan. Other areas such as vehicle weight, ground clearance, aerodynamic drag affect aspects such as performance, fuel efficiency, ride quality and handling. As a buyer, you must decide what aspects rank higher in priority for you and if the price difference between a sedan and SUV is worth it.

Design and Size

There’s no denying that if size of vehicle is a deciding factor for you, SUVs win outright. Even when similarly sized, as is the case with compact sedans and compact SUVs, the SUV will appear larger due to its height. In terms of design, SUVs tend to take on more rugged styling. 

On the other hand, if the primary usage scenario is in the city, an SUV’s size can work against it. A sedan could be easier to fit in tight parking spots, for example. Styled to be low, sleek and premium-looking, the sedan comes across as more sophisticated. 

Driving Comfort

There will always be some buyers who simply prefer the more upright, higher driving position in an SUV along with the more commanding view of the road it brings. Similarly, others will prefer the feeling of being seated ‘in the car’ rather than "on it”, even if visibility of the edges of the car is compromised. 

Thanks to its higher seating, an SUV may be more suitable for older buyers or passengers. There is a point, however, where an SUV can be considered too high for someone advanced in age to climb into. Sedans, with their low seating can be more difficult to exit for an older person, so keep that in mind.

Generally speaking, SUVs will exhibit better ride quality over bad roads than sedans thanks to longer travel suspension. The downside is more pronounced body roll when cornering, something sedans naturally control better with their lower centre of gravity. The exception to this is body-on-frame SUVs which can often display an unsettled ride at city speeds. 

Purpose and Utility

Sedans, classified as a three-box design with separate compartments for engine, passenger and cargo, are generally limited in cargo-carrying versatility. Sedans can pack a large cargo volume for their size and correspondingly fit more luggage than a similarly sized SUV. In the case of the sedan though, the height of the boot is limited. An SUV, or two-box design with a combined passenger and cargo compartment is more versatile. Capable of carrying bulkier cargo by utilising the vertical space in the boot, SUVs provide more utility. 

When to Choose an SUV (New or Used)

An SUV makes the most sense for buyers who prioritise good ride quality over bad roads. Apart from this, if you have a large family, an SUV is the only choice with 7-seater options also available. Given the large cargo-carrying abilities of an SUV, especially with the second or third row of seats folded, it makes sense for people who regularly carry luggage or cargo. With the extra ground clearance and go-anywhere abilities of a true SUV, these vehicles are also a better choice for those who drive long distances regularly. Additionally, buyers with an adventurous spirit or those who regularly drive off-road only have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems available to them in the SUV body style.

Pros and Cons of Buying SUVs

The Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV, was originally engineered with body-on-frame chassis with heavy-duty suspension for hauling large payloads. Modern SUVs have largely moved to monocoque chassis platforms, which somewhat reduces their bad road capabilities but improves on-road manners including handling and high-speed stability. Compact, micro and mini SUVs are closer to hatchbacks with raised suspension and have to be viewed accordingly. These are the major pros and cons of an SUV to keep in mind: 

Advantages:

• SUVs provide a more commanding driving position with a better view of the road and of the corners of the vehicle to easily place the vehicle on the road
• SUVs in most cases have larger cabins and more versatile cargo areas that can be set up to carry cargo from luggage to odd-sized items
• Off-road capabilities come standard with most SUVs, even two-wheel drive ones. High ground clearance itself makes overcoming obstacles possible

Disadvantages:

• SUVs can be more expensive to buy upfront and more expensive in the long run compared to sedans, thanks to a higher cost of maintenance 
• Due to their heavier weight and bigger size, SUVs tend to wear out mechanical components such as suspension (dampers, lower arm ball joints, strut mounts etc) quicker 
• SUVs generally have a higher cost of running as well, with lower fuel efficiency compared to sedans
• Body-on-frame SUVs offer unsettling ride quality at speed over road imperfections 

When to Choose a Sedan (New or Used)

Most sedans offer more comfortable seating, better legroom, more boot space for luggage, better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. In many respects, the sedan offers a better overall experience than an equivalent SUV — except in the ground clearance department. If you would rather have a car that’s better in all the aspects listed above but are willing to drive carefully over bad patches of road or large speed breakers, the sedan may be the right choice for you. This is especially true if you enjoy more predictable and sporty handling characteristics.

Pros and Cons of Sedans

With a lower centre of gravity, sedans are inherently more stable and predictable in the handling department. Moreover, sedans can provide more enjoyment from behind the wheel even when engineered to be commuters and not sporty cars. At the same time, seating comfort is generally better in sedans, with higher-end sedans being the last word in comfort and luxury. On the other hand, some compromises may have to be made for the lower ride height of sedans in general, and the fixed cargo carrying capacity even with split seats. These are the major pros and cons of sedans: 

Advantages

• Sedans have lower seating positions better for gaining a sense of connection with the car while driving 
• Sedans have a lower centre of gravity and are more resistant to rollovers in high-speed mishaps 
• Generally, more fun to drive while providing better comfort and legroom for rear seat passengers
• Seating comfort is generally considered better in sedans over other car body styles 
• Sedans generally provide better value for money given the higher demand for SUVs which has raised their prices

Disadvantages

• Sedans have limited cargo carrying capacity thanks to the three-box design, even if boot space can carry more regular-shaped luggage than similarly sized SUVs
• With limited ground clearance, sedans aren’t ideal for regular travel over bad roads or tall speed breakers due to lower ground clearance, especially with passengers onboard 
• Sedans with limited suspension travel could prove to have a rough ride over bad roads
• Diesel engines in sedans are losing popularity thus less options are available if a buyer wants a diesel for higher-running

New vs. Used SUVs and Sedans

When approaching a car purchase, one of the biggest questions is whether to buy a new or a used car. It’s a similar story when choosing between an SUV or a sedan. With new SUVs priced at a premium over a new sedan even from the same manufacturer or segment, the price-conscious buyer will gravitate towards the sedan. This is generally a good choice, considering the lower running costs thanks to better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Unless a buyer specifically needs more bad road capabilities, cargo carrying capacity or more seating, a sedan is a safe choice. 

In the second-hand market as well, SUVs tend to be priced higher than sedans of a similar segment, age, mileage and condition. In this case, a buyer needs to account for the possibility of higher cost of repairs for an SUV’s suspension components that tend to take more of beating because of the weight/size and rougher usage that SUVs may be subjected to. Shopping for a used sedan or used SUV needs careful consideration but good deals are out there just waiting to be found. 

Popular SUV and Sedan Models in New and Used Markets

Conclusion

Despite the popularity of the SUV body style, for most people in most usage cases, a sedan would better fit their needs. However, the draw of the extra practicality of an SUV cannot be completely ignored. Our suggestion is to closely examine your needs and possible usage before deciding between SUVs or sedans.