What is a Crossover?

On a traditional SUV, the truck-sourced heavy duty steel frame, leaf spring/solid axle suspension and truck-sourced four-wheel-drive system with two-speed transfer cases are just part of the package. Buyers of pure SUVs have always been willing to deal with these downsides in order to benefit from the SUV's many upsides.  But, in recent years a new market has emerged, offering consumers the best of both worlds; SUV-like size and abilities along with passenger-like handling.  The crossover, as these types of vehicles are called, has a major advantage in that it has a passenger car chassis, with a passenger car suspension system designed mainly for on-road driving, not off-roading. This is why crossovers handle and stop better -- and get significantly better fuel economy, while delivering equal or better acceleration/performance -- than a similar-in-size conventional SUV.  Toyota has entered this market with a promising model – the Toyota Venza.

Another crossover advantage is all-wheel-drive (AWD) vs. the truck-sourced 4WD systems found in the typical SUV.  Truck-style 4WD systems typically operate in 2WD most of the time.  There is no more traction or grip than a standard passenger car -- less, in fact. A modern front-wheel-drive car with a good set of all-season tires will handle snow and rain better than a rear-drive SUV in 2WD mode.

The only "downside" to a crossover is that AWD systems don't have the Low range gearing that is found in a truck-based 4WD SUV -- but that's a feature you'd only need if you were going to engage in serious off-roading .  An AWD-equipped vehicle system can handle most dirt/gravel roads -- and snow covered highways -- as well as a 4WD SUV. And the AWD-equipped vehicle handles better, stops faster and is more stable when subjected to panic stops or sudden, accident-avoidance maneuvering.

The risk is for rollover is lower in the crossover segment than with an SUV built on a truck-based chassis due to the built-in design differences -- in particular the SUV's higher center of gravity and its truck-style suspension system.  The benefits of a crossover are expansive.  They are safer, get better fuel economy, and handle better.  As long as the vehicle is not intended for heavy duty off roading, a crossover may be the way to go.