The increasingly popular SUV vs the classic, stylish sedan — choosing between them is more difficult than ever. To make the decision, you should do a little research. Think about what your lifestyle requires from a vehicle and what your personal style is. Do you want higher fuel efficiency or more cabin room?
These talking points will help you make the decision:
Passenger and Cargo Space
The biggest selling point for SUVs is increased interior room. Simply put, you can fit more people and cargo into an SUV. For instance, the 2020 Escalade can sit up to eight passengers and has up to 94.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.
On the other side of the coin, sedans generally fit up to five people in their cabins and have significantly less room for cargo. The 2019 CTS, for example, has 13.7 cubic feet in the trunk. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can hold a lot of stuff or a large family, you should opt for an SUV. Think about what you mainly use a vehicle for, to decide on the amount of space you need.
Fuel Economy
Sedans still rule the fuel economy game. That being said, crossover SUV technology is advancing and producing more efficient fuel systems.
In Cadillac’s 2019 model lineup, the CT6 has the highest fuel economy — up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway for a combined rating of 28 mpg. But, second place goes to a crossover: the XT4. This five-seater gets a combined economy rating of 26 mpg.
It’s the full-size SUV options that get you when it comes to fuel economy. The 2019 Escalade gets 17 mpg. Make sure to keep your fuel usage in mind when shopping for an SUV or sedan.
Performance
This is where the decision comes down to your personal preference. In general, sedans are easier to navigate through busy city streets and packed parking lots. But if you want pulling power, an SUV is the way to go.
The 2020 Escalade generates 420 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. This allows it to tow up to 8,300 pounds. SUVs also often come with access to superior four-wheel-drive systems that give you increased traction and confidence driving through inclement weather.
If you don’t need all that power, sedans have more dynamic, lighter rides. They can take turns more easily and accelerate faster than the larger, clunkier SUVs. They don’t need as much power as SUVs need, because there’s less to pull around.
However, if you’re looking for a middle ground between the two, you might be a budding crossover SUV driver. They’re smaller and more nimble than a full-size SUV, but have more four-wheel-drive confidence than a sedan.
If you need some hands-on experimentation to decide between an SUV or a sedan, stop by Service Cadillac. After a few test drives, you’ll know which vehicle is right for you.
Image via Cadillac.com | Cropped from original