Car sales statistics around the world clearly indicate that the most popular and best-selling in the markets of most countries is such a type of passenger car as a crossover. This trend has been observed for a number of years, and therefore it is safe to say that these cars have firmly and, apparently, become fashionable for a long time.

It is noteworthy that most motorists do not know exactly what a crossover is, not only beginners, but also very experienced ones. Many believe that this term refers to all cars of impressive size and with increased ground clearance.

In fact, this is not at all the case. A crossover is a well-defined subspecies of vehicles, for which whole line features. Let's try to understand this issue, as well as get a little acquainted with those crossovers that are currently the most popular in Russia.

A crossover (or CUV from the English Crossover Utility Vehicle) is a car that is designed for at least five people, and also differs cross-country ability And roomy trunk. If we detail this definition a little, then we can distinguish the following main features inherent in this particular type of passenger car:

• Significant ground clearance;
• Spacious salon;
• The presence of all-wheel drive;
• Good road lighting.

In principle, with regard to all-wheel drive, it is customary to classify some models of cars that do not have it, but the rest of the listed features are fully present in the class of crossovers. At the same time, they are somewhat "inferior" in the sense that their operation in suburban conditions is expected only with very serious reservations.

It should also be noted that crossovers are usually divided into several subclasses, namely:

• Full size;
• Medium size;
• Compact;
• Small size;
• Mini.

TO full-size crossovers include models such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. These cars meet the definition of this type of car to the fullest extent. They are prestigious and sell very well even despite their very rather big price.

Crossovers of medium size, as you might guess from the very name of the classification item, are somewhat smaller in size than full-size ones. Their most typical representatives are Kia Sorrento and Volvo XC60. It is customary to refer to the compact class very popular in Russian Federation Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga, small-sized - these are also very well known to our motorists Renault Duster, Nissan Quashkai and Kia Sportage, and the compact ones include Toyota Avanza and Ford EcoSport, which are quite rare in the Russian Federation.

Differences between a crossover and an SUV and SUV

In principle, as more and more new car models appear, the differences between their "established" classes are gradually leveled, but still some basic principles classifications remain unchanged. It is about them that it is worth talking about when it comes to the differences between crossovers, SUVs and SUVs.

It is perhaps best to start with SUVs, since they historically appeared much earlier than crossovers and SUVs. Their main distinctive feature is a frame structure. Thanks to her, these cars are best suited for operation in really difficult conditions real off-road. All SUVs are distinguished by excellent cross-country ability, but as for size, there are also very large ones among them (for example, Nissan Pathfinder) and miniature ones (say, Suzuki Jimny). Crossovers are often referred to as SUVs, and these classes of cars are really similar, but by no means the same. As already mentioned, SUVs necessarily have a frame, while crossovers do not have it.

The situation is somewhat simpler with SUVs, although some of their models are often mistakenly classified as crossovers. How do solid automotive experts, the main distinguishing feature of the SUV is a spacious and comfortable interior. As for cross-country ability, in this respect, almost all of them are hopelessly inferior to both SUVs and crossovers. They almost never have all-wheel drive, and, in fact, they don’t need it: cars of this class are designed to move around the city or high-quality country roads. Frankly speaking, they only have “off-road” appearance.

The most popular crossover models in Russia

Crossovers in Russia are no less popular than in other countries of the world. According to sales statistics for the last year, the following models are the most popular with us:

• Kia Sportage;
• Nissan Qashgai;
• Toyota RAV4
• Renault Duster.

It makes sense to tell a little more about each of these cars.

Kia Sportage

Four-wheel drive, a modern, powerful engine, acceleration to 100 km / h in just 9.8 seconds - these parameters make the model really worthy choice. To Omu, he has a roomy, enough comfortable interior, very attractive in appearance, when ordering it, many useful and desired options(for an additional fee, of course).

Nissan Qashqai

This compact crossover able to comfortably accommodate five passengers and a considerable amount of luggage. It is noteworthy that, at the request of the buyer, it is supplied either in all-wheel drive or in front-wheel drive. One of the main advantages of the Nissan Qashgai is a fairly rich basic equipment.

All-road vehicle (English off-road vehicle, all-road vehicle, German Gel? Ndewagen) - all-wheel drive (4 × 4) passenger or light commercial vehicle cross-country ability for operation on roads of all categories, as well as on rough terrain. "Off-road vehicle" is the official term. You can read more about jeeps on the page.

SUV Toyota Land cruiser 76
The first mass army all-wheel drive SUV with dependent suspension all wheels and simplified open body with cutouts instead of doors (runabout type - runabout) was created in the USA after the start of World War II by American Bantam, Willys-Overland and Ford motor by tender american army. Cars produced by Ford received the name GPV (General Purpose Vehicle), that is, “General Purpose Vehicle”. According to the first letters ("JP"), the soldiers dubbed them jeeps. There is another version, according to which the nickname Jeep is associated with army slang, according to which it means “hard worker”, “hard worker” and goes back to the pre-war cartoon about the sailor Popeye. It is worth noting that in the Soviet Union during the war, all cars american cars of this type were called "jeeps" (regardless of who they were actually produced by: Willys or Ford), and after the war, the word jeep, convenient in pronunciation and spelling, was assigned to this type of car, and the term "off-road vehicle" (variant "off-road vehicle") was coined and introduced into use in the early 90s by a number of popular automotive publications, so as not to create problems with the Chrysler corporation, which owns the USSR trademark in 1941-1945, the first in the world was produced in a limited series all-wheel drive sedan GAZ-61-73 with a comfortable closed body from Emka, and since the summer of 1941 - the first soviet SUV GAZ-64, nicknamed "Ivan-willys" by front-line soldiers for its resemblance to the original Willys MA of the 1941 model, supplied to the USSR under Lend-Lease in the initial period of the Great Patriotic War. During the years of World War II, off-road vehicles became one of the most common military vehicles in the Allied armies, and the total circulation of their production reached 620 thousand copies.

After the war, to the conversion version of the SUV, which received trademark Jeep CJ2A (index CJ from Civilian Jeep - civilian jeep), around the world showed interest strong structure, including the military, police, firefighters, foresters, as well as the civilian sector represented by farmers, geologists, doctors, hunters, tourists, and so on. In a number of countries, the production of their own imitation models has begun, for example, English Land Rover sample 1948. Gradually, the design of the SUV became more mature. So in the USA, since 1947, on the basis of the Jeep CJ3, the production of an all-metal three-door station wagon Jeep 463, as well as a 3/4-ton Jeep Truck pickup truck, began. At the turn of the 50-60s in the United States appeared all-wheel drive versions comfortable station wagons with frame chassis from pickups, for example, Chevrolet Suburban 1958 and Jeep Wagoneer 1962.

in the USSR and Western Europe in the late 1950s there was a fashion for creating all-wheel drive models increased cross-country ability based on conventional passenger sedans and station wagons with reinforced load-bearing bodies: GAZ-M72, MZMA-410 and? 411 Moskvich, Citroen 2CV Sahara (by the way, twin-engine), Renault Nomad, etc.

In the late 1960s, the first "sport utility vehicle" (SUV) appeared in the United States - Chevrolet Blazer 1969, which differed somewhat more compact size compared to the Suburban station wagon and a removable plastic roof.

The first European comfortable frame Range SUV Rover with permanent four-wheel drive, nicknamed "the farmer in tails" for its prestige and off-road ability, was introduced by Land Rover in 1970.

In 1977, the USSR was launched in mass production the world's first compact SUV with a load-bearing body and permanent all-wheel drive VAZ-2121 Niva. This revolutionary low-cost, fuel-efficient and comfortable model became quite popular all over the world and actually sparked the emergence of a new class. compact SUVs in Japan and the USA. Later, this class of SUVs actually merged with the compact crossover segment.

From the mid 1980s to the mid 2000s. in the North American market, the share of SUVs classified in the US as Light Trucks, that is, "light trucks", has steadily increased, but in last years they are being replaced by more economical and safer crossovers. Currently, only a few well-known auto brands do not offer SUVs or SAVs on the world market.

Every motorist has heard such concepts as "crossover" and "SUV". Some mistakenly believe that they are one and the same. Today we, dear visitors of the site ad-auto.ru, will try to understand the intricacies of this issue and give clear definitions to the above concepts, find out what they have in common and how one type of car is fundamentally different from another.

At the very beginning, let's get acquainted with the general definitions.

So, SUV(from the English off-road vehicle) is a car that, thanks to its high ground clearance, wide wheels, all-wheel drive, has excellent cross-country ability.

crossover(often called CUV, from the English Crossover Utility Vehicle) is a type of car that is characterized by increased cross-country ability. Such cars are built on the same platform with passenger cars, they also stand out for their high ceiling and seating position, high ground clearance, economy and good handling. This type of car combines a variety of design innovations, as well as other features that make your car trips more comfortable. Crossovers are not designed for serious off-road testing.

Agree, the concepts are quite general, hardly having got acquainted with them, you can easily distinguish a crossover from an SUV on your own. So let's give Special attention main design features these car classes.

Size

A crossover is smaller than an SUV. The ground clearance of the crossover is also a few millimeters less. However, these differences are so subjective that it will be quite difficult to distinguish one body type from another only by their size.

Body

A car that has a frame structure is considered a real SUV, although it is worth recognizing that at present such cars are produced less and less often, and SUVs with a lightweight structure and a load-bearing body are increasingly leaving the assembly line.

All crossovers have only a load-bearing body type, with high torsional rigidity, which provides better handling.

Engine

Under the hood of an SUV, a not always too powerful engine is hidden, which cannot be said about the crossover. Often the power of the crossover exceeds a couple of hundred horses. But both types of cars can eat both gasoline and diesel fuel.

Chassis

The main characteristic of the undercarriage of an SUV is four-wheel drive, which can be either pluggable or permanent. Among the main features of this type cars also emit a number of low gears, forced blocking one or both cross-axle differentials. Suspension true SUV it can be both completely and partially dependent, and also has a margin in elements and strength.

As for crossovers, the above can hardly be seen in them, and they often have a drive on one axis.

patency

And finally, the main difference between an SUV and a crossover is patency. As the name implies, the SUV will easily overcome any obstacles in its path. The crossover, although it is characterized by increased ground clearance, nevertheless we do not recommend testing it for strength off-road, since these cars were created for urban, broken asphalt and dirt roads.

Price

Well, now the price of the question. From the foregoing, it is not surprising that an SUV is much more expensive than a crossover. You should buy it if you like to ride off-road. If you need a comfortable car for the city, with high ground clearance and unpretentious maintenance, then we advise you to buy a crossover, besides, it will be cheaper to maintain.

Representatives

It will not be superfluous to report on the representatives in each category. So, the most popular SUVs on Russian roads are all models of UAZ, beloved by many "Niva", Mercedes-Benz G-Class / ML, Toyota Land Cruiser of all generations, VW Touareg, Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender/ range rover/Discovery, Jeep Wrangler/ Grand Cherokee/Cherokee and others.

Among the crossovers, I would like to highlight the BMW X1 / X5 / X6, Infinity FX / EX, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5/Q7, Porsche Cayenne Lexus RX, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, Cadillac SRX etc.

Everyone knows about SUVs: both serious motorists and those who do not understand cars at all. But after the appearance of crossovers and their mass distribution in the world market, there was some confusion. Many, having considered the similarities in the design of these classes of cars, mistakenly expect the same power and functions of an all-terrain vehicle from crossovers. In fact, there is a big difference between them: below we will consider in detail what exactly it is.

Definitions

A car in which all the main components are taken from a passenger car, but at the same time the design and high seating belong to a jeep - that's what a crossover is. Some representatives of this type of car will not be able to drive off-road, they are driven by the front wheels and lack power on the track. Even all-wheel drive models are only capable of being more resilient than cars, overcome urban slush, sleet and gravel. Because of these features, they were nicknamed "".

At the same time, the price of crossovers is much lower than jeeps, they are more accessible to the average person, they consume fuel more economically, they are easier to manage due to their moderate weight, they can comfortably carry passengers, since the interior is quite spacious.

The classic SUV is a car that can drive off-road: embankments, rough terrain, puddles, heavy mud. This effect is achieved due to all-wheel drive, high seating position, powerful wheels and heavy weight. Of course similar car is expensive and absorbs a lot of fuel, it is not very easy to manage.

Differences on the technical side

Now let's talk in more detail about how the crossover differs from the classic SUV, dwelling on every detail so that you can get a complete picture of both categories of cars.

Body

One of the significant differences between a crossover and a real SUV lies precisely in its structure. The body is the part of the car where the passenger seats and trunk. It is attached to the "skeleton" of the car - the frame.

The body of the crossover is designed in such a way that it does without a frame: it has sufficient rigidity for moderate loads. The body of the SUV is attached to a powerful base - hence its heavy weight and some sluggishness.

wheels

Crossovers are equipped with wheels that have thinner tires to reduce drag on good paved roads and provide desired speed. , on the contrary, are thicker and more embossed to drive through difficult ground and slippery surfaces, as well as withstand weight load frame - that's the difference between the wheels of the two types of cars.

Transmission

The difference in the mechanisms that connect the engine and the wheels and make the latter rotate lies at the basis of fundamental difference between crossover and SUV. An aggregate is installed on the latter, distributing the received power to the axles and wheels, controlling the efforts of the machine depending on the quality of the track.

Crossovers do not provide this, but some have snow, slush, etc. modes, which make it easier to move. However, as part of the transmission, it is quite traditional: it can be mechanical or automatic, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive without additional devices.

Suspension

Also, the differences between these types of machines are clearly manifested in the suspension system. SUVs are usually equipped with suspension, where the wheels are connected common axis, interdependent - synchronously change position. This provides good grip on the road, whose surface is far from ideal.

The reverse situation with the crossover is that its wheels are independent of each other, which makes it easier to move on asphalt and in urban conditions, but makes it impossible to drive off-road.

patency

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that an SUV is a type of car that is characterized by increased cross-country ability. It usually takes long country trips, travel. On such cars you can move both on asphalt and off-road. There are also specific SUVs designed for specific professional tasks, for example, mining trucks, military jeeps. Due to their powerful weight and peculiarities of movement, such vehicles are prohibited from driving on public roads.

Crossovers with all-wheel drive can also overcome some obstacles: country and unmade roads, slush, small snowdrifts. Their "brothers" with front-wheel drive in operation are no different from ordinary cars.

The main representatives of the classes

Sometimes it is not easy to find out whether the SUV is in front of it or the crossover, especially since they have a similar design, and many cars of both classes are produced by the same concerns.

Most famous representatives SUVs:

• Hummer.
• Toyota Land Cruiser and RAV4.
• Mitsubishi Pajero.
• Nissan Patrol.
• Land Rover.
• Suzuki Jimny.
• Infiniti QX80.
• Cadillac Escalade.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• Mercedes-Benz G.
• UAZ "Patriot" and "Hunter".
• "Niva".
• Lexus LX and GX.

Most actual models crossovers:

• Peugeot 2008.
• Nissan Juke.
• Suzuki SX4.
• Mercedes-Benz GLA.
• Opel Moka.
• Citroën C4 Aircross.
• Nissan Dualis.
• Renault Duster.

What to choose

First of all, you need to consider that there is a price gap between SUVs and crossovers (at least those of foreign origin). The former are much more expensive and require a large amount of fuel. If the price does not matter, or buying a used car is considered, then we choose what is best for us, depending on our lifestyle.

An article about crossovers and SUVs - how they differ, what are their main features. At the end of the article - interesting video about the 10 most expensive crossovers and SUVs.

The content of the article:

Perhaps there is not a single man who would not dream of acquiring an expensive bulky jeep like a Land Rover or even a Hummer. Therefore, it is not surprising that the appearance of a new model of this type of car immediately causes a heated discussion among representatives of the strong half of humanity. She becomes for them main theme during their lunch break at work, they heatedly discuss her strengths and weaknesses on social media. At the same time, few drivers decide to buy a jeep. Still, this is a car that is designed for driving on bumpy country roads, and not for driving on city streets.

But, if earlier the jeep was an exceptionally bulky car with a 4x4 wheelbase, then over time several varieties of this vehicle appeared. For example, crossovers and SUVs. Now these machines are in high demand. However, not every motorist will be able to answer the question, what are the fundamental differences between them.

How to recognize a crossover

Recently, many so-called crossovers have appeared on city streets. These cars are a symbiosis of cars, minivans and jeeps. They are distinguished by a high ceiling, a large clearance between the body and the road. However, the SUV also corresponds to exactly the same characteristics. But the latter, if we draw a parallel with the crossover, has a less comfortable interior.

Mitsubishi Outlander

By the way, this type of jeep can also be called an SUV for the city. By and large, this term is more correct, since the crossover is a cross between a passenger car and an SUV. From an ordinary passenger vehicle, he borrowed a sports appearance, convenient control and good dynamics. At the same time, he got a body, increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive equipment from an SUV.

In general, these models are not designed for driving on too hopeless off-road. They can only cope with small slides and relatively smooth descents.

They also have more reliable suspension than passenger cars. But according to this parameter, SUVs bypass them. If a car enthusiast has bought such a car for himself, then it is better not to take risks and stay away from deep holes and various obstacles.

Hyundai-HB20X

Motorists dubbed them the new generation of jeeps. These machines are not much different from good jeeps. But still there are certain signs with which you can notice the difference between these classes. As a rule, in crossovers of this type there is a small refrigerator, air conditioning, multimedia system and other useful things. It is noteworthy that they are still unofficially called SUVs.

Among other jeeps, SUVs stand out:

• high landing and ceiling;
• small body;
• lack of a frame (it is this feature that distinguishes them from SUVs to a greater extent);
• economy;
• large clearance between the body and the road surface;
• more comfortable interior.

About SUVs

The history of the SUV goes back many years - it appeared long before the crossover. Basic hallmark SUV is the frame. However, some models of these machines do not have one, which introduces some confusion.

An SUV is a passenger car that is able to move not only on asphalt concrete pavement, but also on deaf country roads. Also, it will not be difficult for him to overcome forest paths, fields, ravines, hills. At the same time, he can even cross the river into a ford.

Absolutely all SUVs are equipped with a durable body and big wheels With wide tires. They also have a high seating position, thanks to which SUVs overcome serious obstacles with relative ease.

If the SUV gets stuck, you can pull it out with a winch. All that is required of the driver is to wind one end of the cable around the tree, making it a kind of lasso. Then start a powerful engine. Gradually, the cable will be wound on the winch, and the machine will overcome the obstacle.

SUV is four-wheel drive vehicle. That is, its motor has a connection with all 4 wheels, while a passenger car has only 1 pair. SUVs differ from crossovers in that:

• can overcome any obstacles;
• equipped with a winch;
• equipped with a large body.

Detailed analysis

And yet, in order to understand in detail how a crossover differs from an SUV, it is necessary to literally disassemble one and the other in parts and systematize some nuances:

Size

Compared to an SUV, the crossover has small dimensions. As for ground clearance, then the latter has a few millimeters less than the former. This parameter is so imperceptible that it is almost impossible to distinguish bodies from each other with the naked eye.

Body

The real representatives of the family of SUVs are cars equipped with a frame. However, now they are also producing jeeps that have a lighter design and a carrier-type body. So everything is subjective. At the same time, crossovers differ in a load-bearing body. It is more rigid in the process of torsion, which has a positive effect on the controllability of the machine.

Engine

Contrary to popular belief, not all SUVs are equipped with very powerful engines. But crossovers - on the contrary, sometimes the power of their motors exceeds 200 hp. In turn, both the SUV and the crossover can be refueled as regular gasoline as well as diesel.

Chassis

The main parameter of the chassis of such a type of jeep as an SUV is all-wheel drive. It is of 2 types: plug-in and permanent. SUVs are also equipped with features such as downshifts, forced blocking of 1 or 2 wheel differentials. In a true SUV in the truest sense of the word, the suspension can be fragmentary or entirely dependent. At the same time, it has a strength reserve.

All of these parameters are not characteristic of crossovers. Moreover, crossovers are equipped with a 1-axle drive.

patency

This criterion is fundamental when comparing a crossover with an SUV. If the former was created for the streets of the metropolis, roads with broken asphalt and soil, then the latter is designed to conquer off-road (this is not recommended on a crossover).

Price

Of course, the price of the issue is very important for the driver. First of all, many will look at the cost of the car, and only then - at its specifications. In this regard, the crossover looks in a more favorable light, since an SUV costs several times more than a “city jeep”.

But it is necessary to purchase an SUV only if the motorist does not live in the city, but in countryside, and often travels off-road. The crossover is ideal for city dwellers. It has a more comfortable interior, is unpretentious in maintenance, and does not cost a fortune, like a real SUV.

The most popular brands and models

In conclusion, we present the most popular brands and models of these machines among Russian motorists. So, let's start with SUVs. Most often, domestic drivers prefer UAZ, Niva. You can often meet on the streets of Russian cities and Toyota Land Cruiser, and absolutely all generations.

They also do not bypass Volkswagen Touareg. The Nissan Patrol is selling well. Vehicles such as the Range are also popular. Rover Discovery and, of course, the Grand Cherokee, as well as other models and brands.

At the same time, Russian motorists most often choose the following crossovers:

• BMW X1 (as well as X5/X6);
• InfinityFX (EX);
• Audi Q5 (Q7);
• Porsche Cayenne;
• Lexus RX;
• Cadillac SRX etc.

Afterword

There are many for sale now. good crossovers and SUVs. But it is up to the motorist to decide which car to choose, with a huge or small body, all-wheel drive or not ...

In order for the driver to finally understand what kind of car he needs - a crossover or an SUV, he must drive it for at least a few days. That is why, before buying a car, it is necessary to test it in real conditions. Renting a car can help here. Only then the motorist will draw certain conclusions for himself and acquire something vehicle which he will really like.

Video about the 10 most expensive crossovers and SUVs: