SUV vs. Crossover: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters in 2025

The essential difference is construction: traditional SUVs are body-on-frame, built like trucks for maximum towing and off-road durability, while crossovers use unibody car platforms for better ride comfort, handling, and efficiency; today, most vehicles marketed as “SUVs” are actually crossovers. This distinction affects capability, ownership costs, and how the vehicle feels day to day, even as marketing blurs the lines.

Definitions and the Core Distinction

In automotive terms, “SUV” historically means a body-on-frame vehicle—essentially a separate body bolted onto a ladder-like frame—similar to a pickup. Crossovers (often called CUVs) are unibody vehicles, where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure more like a car.

Platform construction, explained

Body-on-frame designs prioritize durability, higher tow ratings, and resistance to twisting over rugged terrain. Unibody designs excel at reducing weight, improving crash energy management, and delivering a quieter, more composed on-road experience.

Key Differences at a Glance

The points below outline how the construction differences show up in real-world ownership, from towing and off-road use to fuel economy and daily comfort.

• Chassis: SUVs (body-on-frame) vs. crossovers (unibody).
• Ride and handling: Crossovers feel more car-like with less body roll; SUVs can feel stiffer and more truck-like.
• Capability: SUVs typically offer higher tow ratings, better resistance to frame twist, and available low-range 4WD; crossovers prioritize on-road traction via AWD.
• Efficiency and weight: Crossovers are usually lighter and more fuel-efficient (or offer better EV range) than comparable-size SUVs.
• Interior packaging: Unibody layouts often yield more cabin space relative to exterior size; third-row access can be easier.
• NVH (noise, vibration, harshness): Crossovers tend to be quieter and smoother on pavement.
• Safety dynamics: Lower centers of gravity in crossovers benefit emergency handling; both types can be very safe depending on design and equipment.
• Off-road hardware: SUVs more often include 2-speed transfer cases, skid plating, and solid-axle setups; crossovers rely on traction software and street-oriented suspensions, with some exceptions.
• Cost and maintenance: SUVs can carry higher purchase prices and tire/suspension costs; crossovers can be cheaper to run, model-for-model.

In practice, these differences mean SUVs shine for heavy towing and serious off-road work, while crossovers dominate for family duty, commuting, and road trips.

How to Tell What You’re Looking At

Because marketing frequently labels unibody models as “SUVs,” it helps to verify the underpinnings and hardware when shopping.

1. Check the platform: Manufacturer specs or reviews will state body-on-frame vs. unibody.
2. Look for a 2-speed transfer case (4LO): Common on true SUVs; rare on crossovers.
3. Compare tow ratings and payload: Body-on-frame SUVs often post higher figures.
4. Inspect suspension and tires: More robust off-road components and LT-rated tires often indicate SUV-duty intent.
5. Note curb weight and roof height: SUVs tend to be heavier and sit taller at similar sizes.

If the brochure emphasizes car-like handling and efficiency, it’s likely a crossover—even if the badge says “SUV.”

Examples in Today’s Market

Generally Body-on-Frame SUVs

These models exemplify traditional SUV construction and capability, favoring towing and off-road performance.

• Toyota 4Runner (2025 redesign on TNGA-F), Toyota Land Cruiser (U.S. 250 series), Toyota Sequoia
• Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco
• Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon
• Ford Expedition
• Nissan Armada, 2025 Infiniti QX80
• Lexus GX (2024+)

These vehicles typically offer higher tow ratings and tougher frames, plus hardware like low-range 4WD and heavy-duty axles or differentials for sustained off-road use.

Generally Unibody Crossovers (Often Marketed as “SUVs”)

These prioritize daily comfort, efficiency, and car-like dynamics while offering available AWD for weather and light trails.

• Compact/midsize: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX‑5/CX‑50, Subaru Forester
• Three-row: Toyota Highlander/Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Subaru Ascent, VW Atlas
• Off-road-leaning unibody: Jeep Grand Cherokee (with available low range), Subaru Outback Wilderness
• EV crossovers: Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach‑E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Chevy Blazer EV, Volkswagen ID.4

While many of these are called “SUVs” in ads, their unibody platforms deliver the quietness, efficiency, and handling most families prefer.

Which Should You Choose?

Match the vehicle to how you live: the right pick depends on towing needs, terrain, and comfort preferences.

• Choose an SUV if you tow heavy (boats, large campers), frequently drive rough trails, or want maximum durability for work or overlanding.
• Choose a crossover if you prioritize fuel economy or EV range, smoother ride, easier parking, better cabin packaging, and lower running costs.
• If you need both: Some unibody models (e.g., Jeep Grand Cherokee) blend real off-road tech with unibody comfort, though with trade-offs in weight and price.

For most urban and suburban drivers, a crossover is the more practical daily companion; for specialized tasks, a true SUV still has the edge.

The Blur: Why the Terms Get Mixed

Consumer demand for “SUVs” has led brands to market nearly all high-riding vehicles under that umbrella, regardless of platform. Meanwhile, technology has improved crossover traction and durability, and some unibody models now offer low-range gearing and underbody protection. Conversely, modern body-on-frame SUVs have added refined suspensions and active safety tech. The result: capability and comfort are converging, even if the underlying engineering remains different.

Summary

A traditional SUV rides on a body-on-frame chassis for superior towing and rugged off-road use; a crossover uses a unibody car platform for better efficiency, handling, and everyday comfort. Most “SUVs” on sale today are crossovers, which suit the needs of most drivers. If you regularly tow heavy or tackle tough trails, a body-on-frame SUV is still the right tool; for commuting, family hauling, and road trips, a crossover is usually the smarter, more economical choice.

Which is better, a crossover or a SUV?

Crossovers get their name for crossing the best traits of a car (convenience and efficiency) with the best traits of an SUV (versatility and practicality). But in essence, whether you call them crossovers or SUVs, what matters is that the vehicle you choose both meets your needs and fits your budget.

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 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. 

What’s the difference between a standard SUV and a standard crossover?

The main difference is construction: “Standard SUVs” are built on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis, while “crossovers” are built on a car-like unibody platform. This leads to significant differences in their characteristics: SUVs offer greater off-road capability and towing capacity but have a rougher ride, lower fuel economy, and are larger, while crossovers provide a more car-like, comfortable, and fuel-efficient ride with lighter handling suitable for daily driving and light off-roading. 
This video explains the key differences between SUVs and crossovers, focusing on their construction: 59sHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · Oct 31, 2024
Standard SUV

• Construction: Features a body-on-frame design, where the body is mounted on a separate, heavy-duty frame, similar to a truck. 
• Capabilities: Excels in off-road driving, heavy towing, and handling tough terrain due to its robust chassis and higher ground clearance. 
• Ride & Handling: Offers a more truck-like driving experience with a commanding driving position but less refined on-road comfort and handling. 
• Size & Weight: Generally larger and heavier, leading to lower fuel efficiency and making them more challenging to maneuver and park in urban environments. 
• Examples: Traditional vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition. 

Standard Crossover

• Construction: Built on a unibody platform, where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure, like a car. 
• Capabilities: Designed for on-road driving, offering a car-like experience with smooth steering and a more comfortable ride for daily commuting. 
• Ride & Handling: Provides responsive, car-like handling and a quieter, smoother ride compared to an SUV. 
• Size & Weight: Lighter and more fuel-efficient than SUVs, with a more compact design that is easier to drive and park. 
• Examples: Popular models include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Outback. 

This video provides a visual comparison of SUVs and crossovers, highlighting their key features: 50sCarMaxYouTube · Dec 6, 2023
Which is right for you?

• Choose an SUV if: Opens in new tabYou need serious off-road capability, high towing capacity, or plan to tackle rough terrain regularly. 
• Choose a Crossover if: Opens in new tabYou prioritize a comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and easy handling for city driving and occasional light off-road use.