When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you have an important decision to make: sedan or SUV. There are pros and cons to both kinds of vehicles, but the tide of consumer preferences has certainly shifted.
As of 2022, trucks and SUVs made up 80 percent of new vehicle sales. In 2010, they made up just slightly over 50 percent. That’s left sedan drivers in the minority on the roads, but they’re committed for a reason.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a sedan vs SUV to find out which type of vehicle you should get next.
Pros Of Buying An SUV
SUVs have become the most popular vehicle on the road, and it’s not hard to see why. These are some of the most common reasons people are switching to SUVs.
1. More Space
SUVs are a popular option for families because they offer more seating, cargo, and interior space all around than a sedan. It’s a great option when you need all the space you can get.
2. All-Wheel Drive
While you can get AWD sedans, strong All-Wheel Drive systems are effectively a prerequisite for most SUVs. AWD automatically sends power to all four wheels when appropriate, balancing fuel economy with traction and giving the driver more control over their vehicle.
3. Vantage Point
The higher vantage point of the SUV’s driver’s seat is great for seeing the distance ahead of you (though you do have a bigger blind spot close to you). With more and more vehicles getting bigger on the road, an SUV can provide some reassurance.
Why Buy A Sedan Instead Of An SUV
While SUVs, trucks, and crossovers have become among the most popular vehicles on the road, there are always those who choose not to follow the pack. There are still plenty of reasons to get behind the wheel of a sedan, and these are just a few.
1. Better Fuel Efficiency
Comparing a sedan and an SUV with the same powertrain, the sedan will always come on top when it comes to fuel efficiency. Cars are lighter and more aerodynamic, and that will get you further on a single tank of gas.
2. Affordability
If you’re looking for better affordability when you’re buying the vehicle as well as at the pump, a sedan has you covered. When you’re looking at vehicles with similar performance and trims, a sedan is usually going to be cheaper than an SUV. That’s largely because the sedan weighs about 500 pounds less, meaning fewer materials go into making it. That can usually save you a few thousand dollars when you compare apples to apples.
3. Better Driving
One of the main reasons sedan drivers stick to their favorites even as the vehicles around them get bigger is driving dynamics. Many sedan drivers enjoy the act of driving for themselves, and sedans can give you better handling and dynamics.
The lower center of gravity makes it easier to handle curves, and they’re generally more fun to drive. They’re faster and more fun, and that still counts for a lot for some drivers.
It all comes down to personal preference when you can’t decide between an SUV and a sedan. These are just some of the pros and cons of the two.
