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The Unique Reasons for the Popularity of Crossovers

ByMatsumoto Naoki-January 23, 2022

We all know what a crossover vehicle is: a car that’s not an SUV, but it’s also not a station wagon. It’s got truck-like capabilities with a car’s styling, which means it’s somewhere in the middle. Crossovers have grown to be almost as desired as minivans at this point because they offer similar functionality without the stigma of driving something that looks like an ice cream truck. But is this the only reason behind their soaring popularity?

Mystery of Crossovers: Reasons for Their Popularity

People love these vehicles because they offer the best of both worlds. They are like a car and a truck, which means they can handle both city and country driving equally well. Here are 5 reasons why they are so popular:

Fuel efficiency

Crossover utility vehicles or CUVs are fuel-efficient because they have smaller engines than trucks and SUVs. This means that you can save money at the pump without sacrificing performance.

CUVs used to guzzle down fuel like crazy in the old days. For example, a 1999 Range Rover’s mileage was only 13 mpg. But automakers now use turbocharged engines that are powerful but consume less fuel.

Plenty of cargo space

SUVs used to have a monopoly on cargo space, but not anymore. With a crossover, you can get all of the benefits of an SUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency or maneuverability. CUVs are perfect for carrying around all of your belongings. Whether you are going on a camping trip or moving to a new house, the extra storage space will come in handy.

Honda CR-V has plenty of cargo space. (Credit: Jason Lawrence / Flickr)

For example, a compact crossover like Honda CR-V has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space that extends to 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Impressive drivetrain options

Crossovers come with various drivetrain options, which means that you can find the perfect one for your needs. If you need a vehicle that can handle off-road terrain, choose a 4×4 model.

For instance, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk comes with the best in class 4×4 drivetrain. It can handle any terrain, whether you are driving through the city or the wilderness.

If you need a more suitable vehicle for urban driving, some CUVs come with a front-wheel drivetrain.

Easier to get in and out

CUVs are easier to get in and out of than coupes or sedans because of a high off-the-ground framework. This is perfect for those who have trouble bending down. This is also helpful when you carry a lot of cargo and need to access the backseat quickly.

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Improved ride quality

Riding in a crossover was not a pleasant experience in the old days. But the automakers have improved the structure, suspension, and overall technology to ensure a smooth ride. Take Jeep Cherokee’s Active Drive II technology as an example. It gives you the best of both worlds: a smooth ride on paved roads and impressive performance when driving on unpaved surfaces.

Conclusion

Why is it that crossovers are so popular? Is it because they’re the most efficient way to get from point A to point B. They can handle both city and country driving, are more stylish than SUVs and are more spacious than sedans. So if you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider purchasing a crossover. You won’t regret it!

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

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