So what's the point of crossover vehicles again?

[nublikescake]

Explain the utility of a crossover to an automotive noob like me. These things certainly don't have the off-road capabilities of SUVs and seemingly the only difference between crossovers and hatchbacks is that crossovers are higher with taller interiors? Is that it? Just a little bit more room than smaller sedans and hatchbacks and more sporty-looking? To look down upon drivers in sedans?

If I wanted the elegance and the power of a luxury sedan, I'd get a luxury sedan. If I wanted the off-road capabilities and the utility of an SUV, I'd get an SUV. Even though I see them all around me, I just can't see the point of these things. Enlighten me...

 

[Bignate603]

<--- Garage is that way

 

[Vic Vega]

I have no idea. I would never buy one.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Majority of SUVs now are car-based, ie. cross-overs.

 

[zerocool84]

Crossover between a car and a SUV.

 

[nublikescake]

Crossover between a car and a SUV.

I know what IT IS. But what's the POINT? What kind of a person/family would it be suitable for?

 

[coxmaster]

I know what IT IS. But what's the POINT? What kind of a person/family would it be suitable for?

People like them (apparently..) and that is all that matters.

Did you really say that crossovers look "more sporty" than sedans/hatchbacks? come on now..

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

People like driving cars that they feel they could murder someone in another car with and still themselves walk away. Sitting up higher gives them this feeling.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I know what IT IS. But what's the POINT? What kind of a person/family would it be suitable for?

You don't see the point in any of these 90 vehicles? http://www.edmunds.com/finder/car-finder-results.html?finder_q=type:Crossover;

 

[lxskllr]

Is that like an Outback? You get better visibility, better ground clearance, and usually A/4wd for bad weather, and offroad driving. What's not to understand?

 

[Numenorean]

Is that like an Outback? You get better visibility, better ground clearance, and usually A/4wd for bad weather, and offroad driving. What's not to understand?

lulz

Crossovers don't belong offroad.

 

[lxskllr]

lulz

Crossovers don't belong offroad.

There's more to offroad driving than your teenage fantasy of slopping through mud holes, and rock climbing ;^)

 

[Capt Caveman]

lulz

Crossovers don't belong offroad.

Some maybe but some do well offroad - Subaru Outback, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne.

 

[PingSpike]

The purpose of crossovers is to allow people to buy the station wagon they actually want without having to call it one because station wagons aren't cool.

 

[zerocool84]

The purpose of crossovers is to allow people to buy the station wagon they actually want without having to call it one because station wagons aren't cool.

or Minivan

 

[sdifox]

for you to cross gradually to minivan.

 

[paulney]

A crossover includes:
- 3rd row seating
- decent ground clearance
- AWD
- towing capacity
- large trunk
- car handling and car quality ride

It's a minivan with better looks and better handling. Also, better mpg and I don't need to put on chains on it most of the time to get to ski resorts and back. It has enough clearance to get to most trailheads on forest roads where I go backpacking. If needed, I can attach a jet skit or a Uhaul trailer. And I can seat my family plus some relatives.

What's not to love about crossovers?

 

[vi edit]

Better handling and milage than a minivan? Eh? Maybe similar milage than a van but certainly not "better" than most. And handling wise you are still fighting the higher center of gravity of a crossover. And then there's the cargo flexibility and and seating space of which almost nothing short of a full size Suburban can match.

I'll give you clearance and awd but not the other stuff.

 

[paulney]

Better handling and milage than a minivan? Eh? Maybe similar milage than a van but certainly not "better" than most. And handling wise you are still fighting the higher center of gravity of a crossover. And then there's the cargo flexibility and and seating space of which almost nothing short of a full size Suburban can match.

I'll give you clearance and awd but not the other stuff.

Ok, maybe not better mileage, but handling-wise crossovers I tried (MDX, CX-9) are way more nimble than minivan I tried (Odyssey). And don't forget the looks!

 

[Numenorean]

There's more to offroad driving than your teenage fantasy of slopping through mud holes, and rock climbing ;^)

No fantasy here. Although I stay away from mud holes if possible. I don't like to do the cleaning required afterwards.

Some maybe but some do well offroad - Subaru Outback, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne.

Maybe on a dirt track. Not offroading.

 

[Capt Caveman]

No fantasy here. Although I stay away from mud holes if possible. I don't like to do the cleaning required afterwards.



Maybe on a dirt track. Not offroading.

Shows how little you know:
Video of the Touareg Offroading in the Moab.

The Touareg and Cayenne share the same platform.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Better handling and milage than a minivan? Eh? Maybe similar milage than a van but certainly not "better" than most. And handling wise you are still fighting the higher center of gravity of a crossover. And then there's the cargo flexibility and and seating space of which almost nothing short of a full size Suburban can match.

I'll give you clearance and awd but not the other stuff.

With ESC, you'll find it hard to rollover any of the newer crossovers/suvs. High performance crossovers/suvs will destroy any minivan in handling.

 

[gotsmack]

What is there to Understand? I own a Subaru Forester and my mom is most likely going to get a Honda CRV as her next vehicle.

I like my Forester because:

1. I can put stuff in the trunk that didn't fit in the back of my full sized volvo (assembled 2 shelf book shelf)

2. The extra ground clearance is awesome. I can pull right up to the concrete block in parking lots.

3. Extra ground clearance part 2, I also don't bottom out when I pull out of some driveways anymore.

4. AWD is good for when I'm on top of a patch of ice at a stop sign.

5. More comfortable to nap in the car at lunch.

6. Seating position is more upright, instead of leaning back. I find this to be more natural.

 

[vi edit]

With ESC, you'll find it hard to rollover any of the newer crossovers/suvs. High performance crossovers/suvs will destroy any minivan in handling.

Stability control doesn't fix body roll/lean or damping. As far as performance goes...a performance station wagon will destroy a crossover in handling.

I don't have anything against crossovers...I've owned several in the past (Highlander & Equinox). But *most* of them are by no means an enthralling drive or anything close to a performance machine.

 

[Genx87]

I know what IT IS. But what's the POINT? What kind of a person/family would it be suitable for?

For people who want a higher up SUV feel on a car chassis?