People come to Keyes Hyundai from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Van Nuys looking for a new SUV and thrilled by the diversity of our inventory. We don't have the heart to tell them that most SUVs they see nowadays aren't actually SUVs. If that sounds confusing - or if you're having a flashback to watching Mom hide your Easter basket - we can explain (the SUV bit… you'll have to take the Easter Bunny up with Mom).
What Is A Crossover?
Most people - and if we're being honest, "most people" includes the team here at Keyes Hyundai - use the terms SUV and crossover interchangeably. They do share a lot in common, after all. They're bigger than most cars, they ride higher, and they're better suited to rough terrain than your average coupe or sedan.
But there's a big difference too, one that makes your crossover a closer sibling to your neighbor's sedan: how it's built. New Hyundai crossovers use a unibody platform, meaning the frame is a single piece.
This has some big advantages. Crossovers are lighter, making them more fuel efficient. Their ride quality feels similar to that of a sedan. That said, a crossover like the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport gives you a degree of versatility that a car just can't match. It's great for everything from shopping to soccer practice, and it's also fun for those quick getaways.
What Is An SUV?
So if that's not an SUV, what is? An SUV is built like a truck - in fact, old ones often shared truck platforms - and uses body-on-frame construction. This is heavier and less fuel-efficient, though fuel economy has improved with newer powertrain designs and the use of composite materials.
But an SUV has advantages too. It's a heavier-duty design that can take a lot more punishment, whether it's hauling heavier loads or tackling some truly awful terrain.
Comparing Hyundai Crossovers And SUVs
So is a Hyundai Tucson an SUV or a crossover? It's a crossover, but don't let that put you off. Most of us, after all, use our crossovers that we call SUVs for everyday driving, better traction in bad weather, and a bit of mild off-roading. In those settings, any Hyundai crossover earns its stripes. Why not see for yourself? Visit your Los Angeles area Hyundai dealership for a test drive. Keyes Hyundai is located at 5746 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys, CA.
