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Estate cars and SUVs are the two options that stand out for anyone choosing a family car. Both car types have gathered a loyal following from many drivers over the years due to their distinct features and advantages. But is there really any clear winner in the ‘estate vs SUV’ battle?
Both estate cars and SUVs are spacious cars that prioritise comfort and cargo space. If you’re torn between both options and don’t know what to choose, we’re here to help. Read on, and we’ll help you understand everything you need to know about these car classes. We’ll also explain what you must pay attention to when renting or buying one of the two cars.
Table Of Contents
The Difference Between An Estate Car And An SUV
An estate car is characterised by its extended rear. These cars are designed like hatchbacks, but their boot compartment extends to the back, sloping downward to create extra space for cargo.
Estates are the go-to car for anyone who frequently transports items or travels with a large load. Examples of cars with an estate body include the Ford Galaxy and Vauxhall Zafira. See our Saloon vs Estate article to learn the difference between those two types.
SUV stands for ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’. These cars are characterised by their big wheels, off-roading capabilities and high-seating positions. Originally, the majority of SUVs had four-wheel drive, but there is an increasing trend of car makers producing two-wheel-drive models, particularly with front-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV 4 and Range Rover are examples of popular SUV models. Read here to see how SUVs compare to hatchbacks.
Both estates and SUVs are often referred to as five-door cars because their boot lid opens upward and provides access to the rear seats.
Estate Vs SUV
Now that we understand the significant differences between an estate and an SUV, it’s time to examine the pros and cons of both cars.
The Pros & Cons Of An Estate
We’ll start with estates, showing the major benefits and drawbacks of buying a car with an estate body design.
Pros
- Boot Space: Spaciousness is one of the major selling points of estate cars. These vehicles have a large boot space and room for passengers. Their roomy design makes them popular as family cars, as they can carry up to five people while leaving plenty of cargo space.
- Versatility: The unique design of an estate car makes it very versatile. The extended roofline and tailgate make it easy to transport long and irregularly shaped items. As a result, they are suitable for various activities, ranging from daily shopping to vacations.
- Fuel Economy: Despite being very spacious, estates are more fuel efficient than SUVs because they weigh less.
- Driving Dynamics: Estates’ lower centre of gravity ensures more precise handling and better road holding. Because of this, they can be more enjoyable to drive. Also, they suffer less from body rolls.
Learn even more about estates here.
Cons
- Style: Estates are generally not as stylish as SUVs. However, car makers have been putting more effort into the design of most vehicles to make them more fashionable.
- Visibility: Estates lack the high driving position of SUVs. As a result, they provide less visibility of the road ahead.
Some estate cars offer four-wheel drive systems for better off-road performance.
The Pros & Cons Of An SUV
It’s time to go over SUV pros and cons vs estates and other family cars.
Pros
- Passenger Space: SUVs are incredibly spacious, so they can carry several passengers without compromising their boot space. Some SUVs have seating for up to seven people.
- Visibility: The high driving position of the SUV is a major attraction for most car buyers, as they get to enjoy a good view of the road.
- Style: SUVs have a more rugged and adventurous look than estate cars.
- Off-roading: A good number of SUV models come with a four-wheel drive system, which is great for off-road adventures. Many SUVs also have rugged bodies, and they have traction to provide a good grip on slippery surfaces.
- Safety: SUVs tend to be safer than estate cars due to their larger size and high seating position. You can also see how the SUV compares to the MPV.
Cons
- Fuel Efficiency: SUVs generally consume more fuel than estates due to their bulky design and heavy bodywork.
- Costs: SUVs are generally more expensive to purchase than estates. They also cost more to run.
Most modern SUVs and estate cars have foldable rear seats that you can collapse to increase cargo space.
Things To Consider When Choosing Which Car Type Is Right For You
When faced with an SUV vs estate car decision, consider the following factors.
- Purpose: First consider what you intend to use the vehicle for. Estate models offer more cargo space for transporting goods. While SUVs are also spacious, their major selling point is their higher ground clearance and ability to handle off-roading.
- Seats: Estates generally accommodate five people, but some SUV models have up to seven seats.
- Budget: Estate cars tend to cost less money than SUVs. This is because they require less extensive engineering and are cheaper to produce. They also have lower running costs.
- Towing Capacity: SUVs have a higher towing capacity, which makes them great if you plan to attach a caravan to your car.
- Emissions: SUVs emit more CO2 on average than conventional cars like an estate or saloon model.
Should You Hire Or Buy An Estate Car Or An SUV?
You should hire or buy an estate car if you want a simple car with a lot of room and boot space. Estates offer ample passenger space, but their greatest benefit is the huge cargo compartment. These vehicles are great choices as family cars because of their fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
Convinced to hire an estate? Dive into our estate car hire.
An SUV is an ideal choice if you want a spacious car with even more passenger space and great off-roading abilities. SUVs have high ground clearance, and many models are equipped with four-wheel drive, allowing them to handle rugged terrain with ease. Also, people will usually say SUVs are more stylish.
See our SUV hire deals if you prefer this car type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Differences Between An SUV And An Estate Car?
The differences between an SUV and an estate car mostly lie in their design and usage. While SUVs have a higher driving position and a rugged body, estates are longer and more streamlined, with plenty of cargo space. SUVs are popular for their ability to handle rough terrain, while estates provide room for lots of cargo.
Which Car Is Better For A Family: An SUV Or An Estate?
Both car types are excellent for a family. They have spacious interiors to ensure that everyone enjoys a comfortable ride. The SUV has a high towing capacity, allowing you to attach a caravan when you’re going camping, and some models have four-wheel drive for off-roading. On the other hand, an estate has an extended boot to ensure plenty of room for cargo, and it is generally more fuel efficient.
Does An SUV Consume More Fuel Than An Estate Car?
Yes, an SUV consumes more fuel than an estate car. SUVs are larger and heavier than estate cars. Due to their extra weight, they require more energy to move, leading to high fuel consumption. Additionally, estate cars have a more aerodynamic design, allowing them to travel without much air resistance and increasing fuel economy. However, fuel consumption may vary greatly depending on the model, so this is not always the case.
Who Should Choose An Estate Over An SUV?
People who prioritise cargo space and fuel economy should choose an estate over an SUV. Estates have van-like space, making them great for anyone who requires ample room for luggage and groceries. They consume less fuel on the road due to their lighter weight and aerodynamic design. Estates also offer better handling than SUVs, ensuring smooth drives.
Who Should Choose An SUV Over An Estate?
People who prioritise off-road capability and safety should choose an SUV over an estate. An SUV has a higher ground clearance, and some models come with four-wheel drive for serious off-roading. Additionally, the higher driving position and good visibility of an SUV provide some sense of safety when driving.
Conclusion
After going back and forth and examining the pros and cons of both cars, it’s fair to say that there is no clear winner in this Estate vs SUV debate. It all comes down to personal preference. You can rent or buy estate cars if you’re looking for an excellent family transport vehicle with plenty of cargo space. You’ll also find spacious SUVs that make great family cars, albeit at a higher price point and with more power.
