It's All About The Platform

Basically, the single big difference between the two is their frame. If your vehicle is built on a truck's platform, it's an SUV, and if it's built on a car's platform, it's a crossover. This means that an SUV uses a body-on-frame construction while all crossovers are classified as unibody vehicles.

Body-On-Frame vs. Unibody

Ever since the Model-T began production, the body-on-frame way of building cars has been used. This style of design was money-saving because manufacturers could put different body styles on the same frame. Today, barely any vehicles besides commercial vehicles, trucks and off-road vehicles are made this way. However, unitary body construction means that a vehicle's frame and body are built together and are part of the same structure. Although a bit more complex to make, unibody vehicles tend to be safer, due to incorporated crumple zones.

Which Is Right For You?

If you favor large vehicles or you know you'll need a vehicle able to handle towing or off-roading, then an SUV might be a good choice for you. Otherwise, a crossover may be the better pick. If you're still not sure, don't hesitate to consult our friendly and knowledgeable sales team, who can assist you in you narrowing down your options and making the best choice for your lifestyle.