What Car Is Considered a Crossover?

A crossover is a vehicle built on a car-based unibody platform that blends SUV-like ride height and styling with the driving manners and efficiency of a passenger car. In practice, most modern “SUVs” you see at dealerships—such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, Tesla Model Y, Subaru Outback, Kia Telluride, and Lexus RX—are crossovers. The term distinguishes them from traditional, truck-based SUVs that use body-on-frame construction.

What “Crossover” Means

In the auto industry, a crossover (often written CUV, for crossover utility vehicle) is defined primarily by its construction: it uses a unibody platform shared with cars, rather than a body-on-frame chassis shared with pickup trucks. That car-like foundation typically yields better on-road comfort, handling, and efficiency, while still offering the taller seating position, flexible cargo area, and available all-wheel drive that shoppers expect from SUVs. The line between “crossover” and “SUV” has blurred as many automakers market crossovers simply as SUVs, but the underlying platform remains the key differentiator.

Crossover vs. Traditional SUV

While crossovers are unibody, traditional SUVs use body-on-frame construction, which is generally tougher for heavy towing and off-roading but can ride more stiffly and use more fuel. These are the classic truck-based models.

• Toyota 4Runner
• Jeep Wrangler
• Ford Bronco
• Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
• Toyota Sequoia

These examples illustrate the contrast: crossovers prioritize everyday comfort and efficiency, whereas body-on-frame SUVs emphasize rugged capability and towing strength.

Key Traits of a Crossover

Most crossovers share a common set of characteristics that help distinguish them from sedans and traditional SUVs.

• Unibody construction (car-based platform)
• Higher ride height and upright seating vs. cars
• Hatchback-style cargo area with folding rear seats
• Front-wheel drive standard on many; all-wheel drive optional or standard
• Independent suspension tuned for on-road comfort
• Often better fuel economy than comparable body-on-frame SUVs

Taken together, these features deliver the blend of practicality and manners that defines the crossover category.

How to Tell if a Car Is a Crossover

If you’re unsure whether a vehicle is a crossover or a traditional SUV, a few quick checks can clarify what you’re looking at.

• Look up the platform: if it shares architecture with a car (e.g., a sedan or hatchback), it’s a crossover.
• Check the manufacturer specs: “unibody” construction indicates a crossover; “body-on-frame” suggests a traditional SUV.
• Evaluate towing and payload: lighter ratings typically align with crossovers; higher, truck-like numbers often suggest body-on-frame.
• Ride and handling feel: crossovers generally ride and steer more like cars.
• Marketing can mislead: many brands label crossovers as SUVs—rely on construction details, not badges.

These clues help you cut through branding and focus on the vehicle’s engineering, which is what truly defines the category.

Examples of Crossovers on Sale Now

Subcompact Crossovers

These are the smallest crossovers, offering city-friendly size with added ground clearance and cargo versatility.

• Hyundai Kona
• Kia Seltos
• Mazda CX‑30
• Chevrolet Trax
• Honda HR‑V
• Volkswagen Taos

Subcompacts prioritize efficiency and easy parking, trading some rear-seat and cargo space compared with larger classes.

Compact Crossovers

The compact class is the heart of the market, balancing space, fuel economy, and price.

• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR‑V
• Subaru Forester
• Nissan Rogue
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Mazda CX‑5 and CX‑50
• Ford Escape
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Volkswagen Tiguan

These models suit families and commuters alike, with many offering hybrid or AWD options.

Midsize and Two-Row Crossovers

Midsize crossovers offer more power and room without the bulk of three-row models.

• Honda Passport
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Ford Edge (availability varies by market and model year)
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Subaru Outback

They’re a sweet spot for buyers who want extra space and comfort but don’t need seven seats.

Three-Row Crossovers

These unibody models provide family-hauling space with car-like manners.

• Honda Pilot
• Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander
• Kia Telluride
• Hyundai Palisade
• Mazda CX‑90
• Ford Explorer
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Volkswagen Atlas

Three-row crossovers maximize seating and cargo flexibility, often at the cost of fuel economy versus smaller classes.

Luxury Crossovers

Premium models add upscale interiors, advanced tech, and refined ride quality.

• Lexus RX and NX
• Audi Q5 and Q7
• BMW X3 and X5
• Mercedes‑Benz GLC and GLE
• Volvo XC60 and XC90
• Acura RDX and MDX

Luxury crossovers pair practicality with comfort and brand-specific performance or design cues.

Electric Crossovers

EV crossovers are rapidly expanding, combining zero-emission powertrains with familiar shapes and utility.

• Tesla Model Y
• Ford Mustang Mach‑E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Nissan Ariya
• Chevrolet Blazer EV (availability and trims evolving)
• Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra

Electric crossovers often provide generous interior space thanks to skateboard-style EV platforms and can offer brisk acceleration.

Advantages and Trade-Offs

Advantages

Crossovers appeal to a wide audience because they blend the best attributes of cars and SUVs.

• Comfortable, car-like ride and handling
• Better fuel economy than body-on-frame SUVs
• Flexible cargo space and easy access via hatch
• Available AWD for all-weather confidence
• High seating position and visibility

For daily driving and family duties, these strengths make crossovers a practical default choice.

Trade-Offs

There are compromises to consider depending on your needs.

• Lower maximum towing capacity than truck-based SUVs
• Less suited to extreme off-roading
• Often pricier than comparable sedans/hatchbacks
• Taller profile can slightly reduce highway efficiency vs. cars

If you prioritize heavy towing or serious off-road use, a body-on-frame SUV or pickup may be a better fit.

Buying Considerations

To choose the right crossover, match the vehicle’s strengths to your lifestyle and priorities.

• Space needs: seating for five vs. seven/eight; cargo volume with seats folded
• Powertrain: gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or full electric
• AWD vs. FWD/RWD depending on climate and terrain
• Safety: crash-test ratings and availability of advanced driver-assistance systems
• Fuel economy or range, including charging access for EVs
• Towing requirements and rated capacities
• Budget: purchase price, incentives (especially for EVs/PHEVs), and ownership costs

Clarifying these factors will narrow the field and help you test-drive the models best aligned with your needs.

Summary

A crossover is a car-based, unibody vehicle that mixes SUV style and utility with car-like comfort and efficiency. While many are marketed simply as “SUVs,” the construction tells the story: crossovers are built like cars, not trucks. Popular examples span every size and budget—from compact stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR‑V to three-row choices like the Kia Telluride and electrics like the Tesla Model Y. If you want everyday practicality, confident road manners, and good efficiency, a crossover is likely the right tool for the job; if you need heavy towing or extreme off-road capability, consider a traditional, body-on-frame SUV instead.

What are considered crossover vehicles?

Examples of crossover vehicles include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Venue, and the Mazda CX-5. These vehicles are characterized by their combination of car-like features, such as a unibody construction and comfortable ride, with SUV-like styling and a higher driving position.
 
Why these are considered crossovers:

• Car-based platform: Crossovers are built on car platforms (unibody construction), which provides a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs. 
• SUV-like styling: They feature design elements that resemble traditional SUVs, such as higher ground clearance and a more rugged appearance, making them a popular lifestyle choice. 
• Versatility: Crossovers offer a blend of passenger comfort, cargo space, and the option for all-wheel drive, making them suitable for a wide range of driving conditions and needs. 

Popular Crossover Examples:

• Honda CR-V: A long-standing leader in the compact crossover segment, praised for its all-around capabilities and practicality. 
• Toyota RAV4: An early pioneer in the crossover market, known for its reliability and versatility. 
• Ford Explorer & Ford Escape: Offer different sizes and configurations within the crossover segment. 
• Hyundai Venue & Hyundai Kona: Examples of smaller, more affordable subcompact crossovers. 
• Mazda CX-5 & CX-30: Known for their athletic dynamics and attractive designs. 
• Electric Crossovers: Newer models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are also examples of the crossover concept in an electric format. 

What qualifies a car as a crossover?

“A crossover refers to a vehicle that is built on a car platform but has an increased ride height with a higher ground clearance like an SUV, that can handle any terrain.”

What is the most popular crossover vehicle?

The 25 Most Popular SUVs of 2025 … So Far

• Toyota RAV4. Total Units Sold: 239,451.
• Honda CR-V. Total Units Sold: 212,561.
• Chevrolet Equinox. Total Units Sold: 157,638.
• Tesla Model Y. Total Units Sold: 150,171.
• Chevrolet Trax. Total Units Sold: 119,593.
• Hyundai Tucson. Total Units Sold: 113,310.
• Nissan Rogue.
• Ford Explorer.

Is the RAV4 a crossover or SUV?

The Toyota RAV4 is a crossover SUV. It’s built on a car’s platform (unibody construction) but offers the sport and utility characteristics of an SUV, creating a vehicle that is versatile, agile, and capable for urban and suburban driving.
 
Key distinctions

• SUV vs. Crossover: Opens in new tabTraditional SUVs are built on a truck’s chassis, known as body-on-frame construction, making them heavier and more rugged. In contrast, a crossover is built on a car’s platform, giving it a more car-like ride and handling. 
• RAV4’s classification: Opens in new tabThe RAV4 is a pioneer in the crossover segment and has been a compact crossover SUV since its inception. 

Why this matters to you

• Ride Quality: As a crossover, the RAV4 offers a comfortable and car-like ride, making it pleasant for daily driving and commuting. 
• Versatility: The RAV4 provides a good balance of SUV-like features, such as a higher driving position, available all-wheel-drive, and good cargo space, with the practicality of a car. 
• Maneuverability: Its design on a car platform allows it to be agile and easy to maneuver in city environments and tight parking spaces.