Should I Buy a Crossover or a Sedan?

 

Should I Buy a Crossover or a Sedan?

If you're in the market for a practical, daily driver, you’ve got plenty of options. In years past, if you wanted a reliable, affordable ride, the obvious answer would have most likely been a sedan. They’re affordable, offer great gas mileage and are easy to drive. However, with the auto industry advancing and the needs of drivers changing, the crossover SUV has started to take the place once held solely by sedans. Nowadays, it’s almost just as common to see a Ford Escape on the highway as it is a Fusion or Fiesta!

What Are Your Vehicle Needs?

The first thing you need to do is figure out what it is that you’re looking for in a vehicle. Whether it’s fuel-efficiency, cargo space or something with four-wheel or all-wheel drive, knowing what you need is the first step in car shopping. Once you know your needs, it’s time to shop.

Crossovers and Sedans: What’s Similar and What Isn’t

Although they look quite different, crossovers and sedans are quite similar. Both are much more affordable than minivans or full-size SUVs, and it’s easy to find a crossover or sedan that comes standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth® and modern safety features. Additionally, many crossovers and sedans share the same engines.

Despite these similarities, there are several major differences, with the most obvious being cargo space. For example, the 2020 Ford Escape offers up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 2020 Ford Fusion only offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk. If you plan on moving a lot of items, you’ll want to consider a crossover.

Another big difference is the gas mileage. As practical as crossovers are, their gas mileage doesn’t quite compete with sedans. The 2020 Edge gets up to 29 MPG, but the 2019 Fiesta gets up to 35 MPG. 

That being said, when it comes to versatility, crossovers have the advantage. Most are offered with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), something that’s hard to find in a sedan. AWD and 4WD are crucial if you plan on driving off-road or drive in a lot of snow. 

Finally, crossovers and sedans differ when it comes to price. While both vehicles are affordable, sedans are often much cheaper. It’s easy to find new sedans for under $20,000, but according to Kelley Blue Book®, the average price for a small SUV like a crossover is $26,000. For example, the 2019 Ford Fiesta, Ford’s smallest and cheapest sedan, starts at $14,260, while the 2020 EcoSport, Ford’s smallest and cheapest crossover, starts at $20,485.

So Which One Should I Buy?

Choosing between a crossover or a sedan depends on what you need it to do and your budget. There’s no right or wrong answer here! Do your homework, schedule test drives and find the vehicle that’s best for you.