Crossover vs. SUV: What’s the Difference?

The core difference is construction: most crossovers use a car-like unibody platform, while traditional SUVs are truck-based with body-on-frame construction; this affects ride comfort, towing, off-road durability, and efficiency, though marketing now blurs the terms and many “SUVs” sold today are actually crossovers.

Where the Terms Come From

“Crossover” originally described vehicles that blended car platforms with SUV styling and practicality. These models ride on unibody architectures shared with cars, prioritizing comfort and efficiency. “SUV” grew out of truck-based, body-on-frame vehicles designed to haul, tow, and handle rugged terrain. Over time, automakers and dealers began labeling nearly any high-riding, hatchback-like vehicle an “SUV,” even if it’s a unibody crossover, making the terminology confusing for shoppers.

The Core Technical Distinction

Construction: Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame

Unibody crossovers integrate the body and frame into a single structure, reducing weight and improving handling and crash energy management. Body-on-frame SUVs mount the body on a separate ladder-like frame, boosting durability for towing, payload, and severe off-road use.

These construction differences have practical consequences you’ll feel from the driver’s seat and see on the spec sheet:

• Ride, handling, and noise: Crossovers are typically quieter and more car-like, with better on-road manners; body-on-frame SUVs can feel heavier and more truck-like.
• Towing and payload: Traditional SUVs usually offer higher tow and payload ratings, thanks to stronger frames and driveline components.
• Off-road durability: Ladder frames tolerate twisting forces, hitting obstacles, and winching better; crossovers can be trail-capable but are usually limited by structure, clearances, and cooling.
• Weight and efficiency: Crossovers are generally lighter and more fuel-efficient; body-on-frame SUVs often consume more fuel (or electricity) due to mass and aerodynamics.
• Safety and crash behavior: Unibody designs help manage crash energy and can enhance rollover resistance; modern BOF SUVs are much improved but remain heavy and tall.
• Interior packaging: Crossovers often have lower floors and better space efficiency; BOF SUVs may have higher cargo floors due to the frame and rear suspensions.

While there are exceptions at the high end, these trends hold across mainstream models in 2025.

Drivetrain and Capability: AWD vs. 4WD

Most crossovers use automatic, on-demand all-wheel-drive systems without a low-range transfer case; they’re optimized for wet roads, snow, and light trails. Traditional SUVs commonly offer part-time or full-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case (low range), locking differentials, robust axles, and higher clearances. Notable exceptions exist: some unibody vehicles—such as Land Rover Defender and Range Rover—offer a low range and advanced terrain systems, while some BOF SUVs are tuned primarily for comfort rather than rock-crawling. Always check the specs, not just the badge.

Size Classes and Market Reality in 2025

Today, the vast majority of vehicles marketed as “SUVs” are technically crossovers. Traditional, body-on-frame SUVs remain popular for towing, overlanding, and durability, but they’re a smaller slice of the market compared with unibody crossovers.

Here are examples of body-on-frame SUVs currently on sale in major markets (model availability varies by region):

• Toyota 4Runner (new generation launching as a 2025 model), Land Cruiser (250 Series), and Sequoia
• Lexus GX 550
• Ford Bronco and Expedition; Lincoln Navigator
• Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban; GMC Yukon; Cadillac Escalade
• Jeep Wrangler (Grand Cherokee is unibody)
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class
• Nissan Armada/Patrol; Infiniti QX80
• Suzuki Jimny (select markets)

These models exemplify the BOF formula: strong towing, robust frames, and serious off-road credibility where equipped.

By contrast, most popular “SUVs” are actually crossovers (unibody):

• Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander; Honda CR-V, Pilot
• Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade; Kia Sportage, Sorento, Telluride
• Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Edge
• Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer, Traverse; Buick Enclave
• Subaru Forester, Outback, Ascent
• Mazda CX-5, CX-50, CX-90
• BMW X3/X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC/GLE, Audi Q5/Q7, Volvo XC60/XC90
• EVs such as Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Rivian R1S (EV “skateboard” platforms are structurally unibody-like, further blurring definitions)

In marketing and on dealer lots, most of these are simply called “SUVs,” even though they’re crossovers by construction.

How to Tell Which Is Which When Shopping

Don’t rely on the name. Look for platform details, towing numbers, and whether a two-speed transfer case is available. Manufacturer brochures, spec sheets, and enthusiast reviews will often state “unibody” or “body-on-frame.”

Use this quick checklist to gauge what you’re looking at:

1. Frame type: Does the manufacturer specify a ladder frame (body-on-frame) or a unibody platform?
2. Transfer case: Is there a 2-speed transfer case with low range? That’s usually a traditional SUV feature.
3. Towing and payload: Ratings above roughly 5,000–7,500 lb (varies by class) often indicate BOF hardware; crossovers typically rate lower.
4. Off-road hardware: Locking differentials, solid rear axles, skid plates, recovery points, and all-terrain tires suggest serious SUV intent.
5. Weight and efficiency: Lower curb weight and better fuel economy usually point to a crossover.
6. Ride and packaging: A lower cargo floor and more car-like road feel often indicate unibody construction.

Taken together, these clues paint a clearer picture than the model’s marketing label.

Cost, Comfort, and Ownership Trade-offs

Crossovers tend to cost less to run, ride more comfortably, handle better, and return better fuel economy or range. Body-on-frame SUVs often cost more to purchase and maintain (larger tires, heavy-duty components), but they shine when towing boats or campers, carrying payload, or tackling demanding trails. Insurance and safety outcomes vary by model; modern driver-assistance and stability-control systems have improved safety across both categories.

The Bottom Line

Technically, the difference is structural: crossovers are unibody, traditional SUVs are body-on-frame. Practically, that means crossovers prioritize comfort and efficiency, while SUVs emphasize towing capacity and rugged, off-road durability. Because automakers broadly market both as “SUVs,” shoppers should read the specifications and choose based on their needs—daily comfort and economy versus heavy towing and true off-road use.

Summary

A crossover is a unibody, car-based vehicle offering car-like ride, space efficiency, and better fuel economy; a traditional SUV is body-on-frame, truck-based, built for higher towing, payload, and tougher off-road work. In 2025, most “SUVs” on sale are actually crossovers, and some unibody models can be very capable, so the only reliable way to tell is to check the platform, drivetrain (especially low range), and capability specs that match your priorities.

What are the disadvantages of a crossover?

The disadvantages of a crossover include limited off-road capability and strength compared to a true SUV, potentially higher costs for powerful engine and AWD options, less commanding visibility than some SUVs, and potentially poor handling and body roll due to a higher center of gravity. They can also be difficult to park in tight urban areas due to their size. 
Vehicle-Related Disadvantages

• Poor Off-Road Performance: Opens in new tabCrossovers are built on car platforms (unibody) and have less ground clearance, limiting their ability on rough terrain compared to true SUVs. 
• Limited Towing and Hauling: Opens in new tabTheir design is not as robust as an SUV’s, making them unsuitable for heavy loads or difficult off-road situations. 
• Higher Costs: Opens in new tabWhile some crossovers come with optional all-wheel-drive, adding this and a powerful engine can make the vehicle more expensive, sometimes more than a similarly capable SUV. 
• Less Capable Than Trucks: Opens in new tabA crossover’s performance can’t compete with a pickup truck, especially when it comes to serious work. 

Handling and Driving Disadvantages 

• Worse Handling and Body Roll: With a higher center of gravity than a sedan, crossovers can experience more body roll and less agile handling, although they are still better than traditional SUVs.
• Parking Difficulties: The larger size of a crossover makes it more challenging to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces.

Other Potential Disadvantages

• Higher Repair Costs: The unibody construction of a crossover can lead to higher repair costs in the event of a collision compared to some other vehicle types. 
• Limited Additional Space: For some, a crossover may not offer significantly more interior space than a well-designed hatchback. 

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. 

Which is better SUV or crossover?

Whereas a crossover (or a CUV) has a unibody that is manufactured upon a chassis of a car, which makes for a more comfortable drive and better handling in comparison to an SUV. Therefore most drivers find crossovers easier to park and maneuver around corners thanks to the familiarity from their car chassis.

What qualifies as a crossover?

A crossover is a type of vehicle built on a car’s platform (unibody construction) that combines the comfort and handling of a car with the higher ground clearance, increased ride height, and SUV-like versatility of an SUV. Unlike traditional, truck-based SUVs, crossovers are lighter, more fuel-efficient, and offer easier maneuverability, making them ideal for urban driving and everyday use.
 
Key Characteristics of a Crossover

• Platform: Built on a lighter, car-based unibody chassis rather than a heavier, truck-based frame. 
• Construction: Features a rigid, one-piece body for better handling and efficiency. 
• Design: Blends the raised seating position of an SUV with the more compact and comfortable design of a car. 
• Performance: Offers good fuel economy and agile handling, though generally with lower towing capacity than traditional SUVs. 
• Purpose: Primarily designed for paved roads and urban environments, providing a balance of practicality and car-like driving. 

Crossover vs. Traditional SUV
The main difference is their underlying construction. 

• Crossover: Opens in new tabUses a car platform (unibody) for a lighter, more comfortable, and fuel-efficient ride. 
• Traditional SUV: Opens in new tabUses a truck-based, body-on-frame construction, providing superior ruggedness and higher towing capacity but at the cost of size, efficiency, and fuel economy. 

Why the Name “Crossover”?
The term “crossover” comes from the way these vehicles “cross” over the features of both cars and SUVs, offering the best of both worlds: 

• Car Traits: Fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and easy maneuverability.
• SUV Traits: Higher ground clearance, versatile cargo space, and the practicality of a higher seating position.