Can a crossover be an SUV? Is an SUV the same as a crossover? What is the difference between the two body styles?
What classifies an SUV and a crossover is simple yet confusing to those of us that do not build cars. The simplest answer is a crossover is built from a car frame using a uni-body construction, while the SUV is uses the chassis of a truck and is assembled “body on frame.” Confusing yet sounds simple, right? Let us break down the difference even further.
What Makes Up an SUV:
Sports utility vehicles, also known as SUV, have been on the market a lot longer than crossovers. The biggest difference between the two is the body style. As mentioned previously, an SUV uses the chassis of a truck and then the body is placed on top of the truck chassis.
Advantages To Buying an SUV
Since SUVs are built on the chassis of a truck, they sit higher up, have four-wheel drive, and can handle any drive terrain there is. One advantage the SUV has over a crossover is the towing capacity. Since sports utility vehicles are larger and are built off the chassis of trucks, they have higher towing capacities.
Examples of SUVs on the market today include:
Cadillac Escalade 
Ford Expedition 
Chevy Tahoe 
GMC Yukon
What Makes Up a Crossover:
A CUV, better known as a crossover is built based on a car’s platform which is called a uni-body. A uni-body is a supporting structure in which all components are attached.
Advantages To Buying a Crossover
Since crossovers are built like cars, they have a smoother, car-like ride to them. Since they are lifted higher off the ground than a car, they are nimbler when crossing over various terrains like the SUV. An advantage a crossover has over an SUV is better fuel economy since they are based off a car frame and not a truck.
Examples of Crossovers on the market today include:
Ford Escape 
Jeep Cherokee 
Kia Telluride 
VW Tiguan 
Chevy Equinox 
Buick Envision
To answer the question, the difference between a CUV and an SUV is that one is based off trucks and the other cars. More often than not you can still call a crossover or compact SUV an SUV, but if you want to get down to the nitty gritty, here’s your answer.
Contact us today if you have any questions about whether a crossover or an SUV is right for you. Shop our full inventory at McGrathAuto.com.