What is an SUV?
An SUV, short for sport utility vehicle, is a tall vehicle with a rear liftgate, more ground clearance than a car, and often all-wheel drive and a third row of seats. Traditional SUVs are built on a truck frame for towing and off-road work; most SUVs sold today are crossovers, built on a car platform instead.
Key traits.
- A tall body with a high seating position and a commanding view of the road.
- A rear liftgate and folding seats; many midsize and full-size SUVs add a third row.
- More ground clearance than a car, typically about 7 to 9 inches, and more on off-road models.
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive, standard or available on most.
- Two ways to build one: body-on-frame (a separate truck frame) or unibody (body and frame as one, like a car).
SUV sizes, with examples.
| Size | Seats | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Subcompact | 5 | Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Honda HR-V |
| Compact | 5 (some 7) | Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLC, BMW X3, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V |
| Midsize | 5 to 7 | Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Toyota Highlander |
| Full-size | 7 to 9 | Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition |
| Off-road | 4 to 7 | Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco |
Body-on-frame vs unibody.
A body-on-frame SUV bolts its body to a separate steel ladder frame, like a pickup truck. It tows more and stands up to hard off-road use: think Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota 4Runner, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. A unibody SUV builds body and frame as one structure, like a car, so it is lighter, rides more smoothly, and uses less fuel. Unibody SUVs are usually called crossovers. Here is the full comparison.
AWD vs 4WD.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels automatically as grip changes. Best for rain, snow, and gravel roads.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD) adds a transfer case, often with low-range gearing, for steep, slippery, or rocky off-road terrain.
Pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High seating and a clear view | Uses more fuel than a car of similar size |
| Room for families, gear, and a third row | Taller and heavier, so it handles less sharply |
| Ground clearance and all-weather traction | Usually costs more than the matching sedan |
| Body-on-frame models tow and go off-road | Third rows in smaller SUVs are tight |
Who an SUV fits.
- Families who need five to eight seats.
- Drivers in snow country or on gravel roads.
- Anyone towing a boat or trailer (a body-on-frame SUV).
How an SUV compares.
Quick answers.
What does SUV stand for?
Sport utility vehicle.
What is considered an SUV?
A tall vehicle with a rear liftgate, more ground clearance than a car, and usually available all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Crossovers are a type of SUV built on a car platform.
What are the different types of SUVs?
By size: subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size. By construction: body-on-frame (truck-based) and unibody (car-based, called crossovers). There are also off-road SUVs and coupe SUVs with a sloping roof.
SUV vs crossover: what is the difference?
A crossover is built on a car platform (unibody); a traditional SUV is built on a truck frame (body-on-frame). Crossovers ride more smoothly and use less fuel; traditional SUVs tow more and go further off-road.
SUV vs sedan: which is better?
An SUV carries more and sits higher, with more ground clearance; a sedan handles better, uses less fuel, and usually costs less.