Sedan Vs SUV: Comparison In 8 Key Segments & Final Verdict

Sedans and SUVs are incredibly popular car models enjoyed by drivers around the world. Those looking to buy or rent a vehicle are often at a crossroads – which one do you pick? Choosing between sedans and SUVs can be challenging if you aren’t sure about how you’re going to use the vehicle. Once you get familiar with their pros, cons, and key differences, you won’t have trouble picking one. So, when it comes to the sedan vs SUV, which car comes out ahead?

Table Of Contents

1 Explaining Car Types: The Difference Between A Sedan And SUV
2 Sedan Vs SUV: Comprehensive Comparison
3 Verdict: Is A Saloon Or SUV Your Best Bet For The Next Hire Or Purchase?
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Conclusion

Explaining Car Types: The Difference Between A Sedan And SUV

The difference between a sedan and an SUV is the size and shape of the car’s body. Sedans represent the most common car body design. Sedans, or saloons (learn more), are four-door passenger cars with three-box bodies. A hatchback, for example, has a two-box body because its trunk is not physically separated from the passenger cabin. Sedans come in various sizes, ranging from compact to full-size models.

What is an SUV? An SUV, or sport utility vehicle, is a five-door car that combines features from road-going and off-road vehicles. SUVs are larger vehicles that boast more interior space. They have raised suspensions that make them taller and give them a higher ground clearance.

SUVs possess upright, box-like bodies and often have four-wheel drives. Read here for more information about these drive systems.

The term “SUV” is usually used interchangeably with ‘off-road vehicle’, but there are some differences between these terms. Most SUVs can be used for off-roading, but for a car to be considered an off-road vehicle, it needs to have a reduction gearbox.

Sedan Vs SUV: Comprehensive Comparison

We can compare sedans vs SUVs using various metrics to determine which would best suit car buyers.

Sedan Vs SUV: Performance

One of the first things car buyers want to know is how well SUVs and sedans perform. Sedans tend to take the edge when it comes to performance, while SUVs tend to lean on utility and versatility. The performance of a sedan varies, as they are available in different drivetrain and engine power options. A sedan, or saloon, can possess a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.

If you prefer sporty driving and agility, a sedan is the preferred choice.

Often SUVs have more powerful engines than sedans, giving them an edge for towing and off-roading. Modern SUVs don’t focus on performance, instead providing drivers with a smooth and comfortable ride despite their large frames.

Sedan Vs SUV: Safety

Both SUVs and sedans have enough safety features to be considered safe vehicles in general. SUVs are bulky and heavy, which helps protect drivers and passengers during a collision. According to the IIHS, bigger vehicles provide better crash protection. The ride height of an SUV also gives drivers a better view of the road, but this can lead to a false sense of security. Too much ride height can create blind spots that can lead to crashes.

Sedans have smaller frames and lower mass, making them more vulnerable in collisions with larger vehicles.

One of the advantages sedans have over SUVs is their lower centre of gravity, which reduces the risk of rollover accidents. The safety features that sedan models are equipped with, such as airbags and traction control, make up for the lower size and mass of these vehicles.

Sedan Vs SUV: Looks

Sedans and SUVs both have their advantages when it comes to looks. But sedans are the sportier and more stylish option. They have sleek and modern designs that appeal to most drivers, and they can be customised endlessly. Sedans are more diverse and tend to get new automotive technology implemented before SUVs do.

SUVs are limited in their customisation options, and their bulky and practical designs don’t appeal to everyone. However, there are also luxury SUVs that put more emphasis on looks during manufacturing.

Sedan Vs SUV: Comfort

Either car model can be considered the more comfortable option, depending on your preference. Sedans are the optimal choice if you value driving comfort. They offer smooth handling on paved roads. The lower centre of gravity and tuned suspension make for a much more comfortable ride.

SUVs typically have a harder suspension to make it easier to drive on uneven terrain.

Off-roading enthusiasts should turn to SUVs instead of sedans. The large cargo capacity and higher ground clearance make it ideal for packing your bags and going on a road trip.

Sedan Vs SUV: Spaciousness

SUVs offer more headroom and generally have more space in the car interior. If you like travelling, an important consideration is the amount of cargo space. An SUV has a lot of space to go around, giving it an edge over the sedan. Even compact SUVs have a significant boot space advantage compared to sedans. An estate car is an even more spacious option for those who want extra room.

Sedans typically seat four to five people, with two seats in the front and three in the back. SUVs are much more spacious when it comes to seating capacity. Some models, like the Chevrolet Suburban, can seat up to nine people.

Sedan Vs SUV: Which Is Easier To Drive?

A sedan is easier to drive than an SUV. Sedans are known for their sporty performance, giving drivers accurate steering, smooth acceleration, and good handling. Coupled with their aerodynamic design, this gives sedans high drivability in urban environments.

When driving an SUV, the higher ground clearance allows drivers to more easily see the road ahead. However, it’s difficult to manoeuvre an SUV around tighter roads in the city, unless it is a small SUV. Like estates, they aren’t easy to park with. For long drives that feature uneven terrain, the SUV remains a good choice.

Sedan Vs. SUV: Fuel Efficiency

Most sedans are more fuel-efficient than SUVs. They’re lighter, more aerodynamic, and have better mileage. There is a lot of variation when comparing sedans in terms of fuel efficiency. Some models, like the 2022 Honda Insight, can reach up to 52 mpg, while others stay in the 20 mpg range.

SUVs are subpar cars in terms of fuel economy. They have low fuel efficiency but usually have larger gas tanks. Some of the more fuel-efficient models include the Toyota Venza, which boasts 39 mpg. Compact SUVs, like the 2024 Nissan Rogue, can be more fuel-efficient as well.

Hire a Ford Mondeo from SDVH and taste the comfort and efficiency of a sedan. We also offer the Mercedes E-Class for hire if you’re looking for more premium options.

Sedan Vs SUV: Price & Maintenance Costs

You can find a lot of variation between SUVs and sedans price-wise. SUVs are pricier on average, but this depends on the model of the vehicle. The total cost of ownership (TCO) for SUVs is 10-12% higher than the TCO for comparable sedans.

A compact SUV doesn’t cost as much as a luxury sedan, and a small sedan doesn’t come close to the cost of recent models of SUVs. A price comparison should take into account the vehicle model. Anyhow, keep in mind that there are more SUVs on the market than saloons to choose from because of the peak popularity of large cars in recent years.

You also need to account for maintenance costs when buying an SUV or a sedan. SUVs require more frequent servicing, and they have pricier replacement parts. However, SUVs tend to hold a better resale value because of the mentioned popularity.

Sedans have lower maintenance costs across the board, and they require less servicing.

Sedan Vs SUV: Overview Of Advantages & Disadvantages

Sedan		SUV
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
Higher manoeuvrability	Limited seating capacity	More seating capacity	Lower manoeuvrability on tighter roads
Better fuel economy	Worse handling on uneven terrain	Better handling on uneven terrain and off-road	More fuel required
More affordable	Less safe in collisions	Safer in the event of a collision	Higher overall price
Lower service costs	Smaller selection and worse resale value	Bigger selection and better resale value	Higher service costs
Softer suspension	Less reliable in bad weather conditions	More reliable in bad weather conditions	Harder suspension
Easier to drive	Smaller cargo space	Bigger cargo space	Harder to drive

Verdict: Is A Saloon Or SUV Your Best Bet For The Next Hire Or Purchase?

A saloon is your best bet for the next hire or purchase if you’re into stylish vehicles that are fuel efficient and offer extra luxury and impeccable ride quality. The advantages offered by sedans cater to most drivers, and they include:

Good fuel efficiency
Smooth driving and handling
More room than most car renters need
Options to be equipped as well as an SUV
And many more

An SUV, on the other hand, is the best choice for those who like the extra amenities, space and want to drive on unpaved roads comfortably. But most city drivers don’t need the benefits that these cars offer. If you’re interested in more storage space and higher ground clearance, but don’t care much for manoeuvring on paved roads or driving around in a city — You should get a specific SUV that suits your needs. Otherwise, sedans might be the more suitable choice for you.

You should take some sedans and SUVs for a test drive if you are still unsure which one to get. In that regard, see our list of SUVs that we offer for hire. Don’t worry, we offer sedans as well, all in the luxury class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SUVs More Reliable Than Sedans?

SUVs are more reliable than sedans in most cases. SUV parts tend to be bigger and more expensive, and manufacturers often build them to endure more wear and tear. Many sedans are made to last a long time as well, using expensive and durable parts.

An SUV is a more reliable choice if we’re comparing averages for an SUV and a sedan. They are also more reliable in snow or during a rainy season. The all-wheel drive gives better traction and makes these cars easier to move in bad weather with confidence.

Which Is More Luxurious: Sedan Or SUV?

A sedan is generally more luxurious than an SUV because they were made with luxury and a comfortable driving experience in mind. However, both an SUV or a sedan can provide ample luxury to drivers that need them, depending on the model they choose.

Most SUVs rely on offering more space or ride height to appeal to a buyer, but luxury models can give them much more to suit their lifestyle. The Mercedes Benz GLE class is a good example, as it offers incredible amenities at a high cost.

Why People Should Hire A Sedan Over An SUV?

People should hire a sedan over an SUV because they want to get a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers more control and a smooth driving experience. This makes sedans the preferred choice for short trips and for navigating city streets. Sedans have several advantages over SUVs that appeal to drivers who don’t require large amounts of storage space.

Is An SUV Safer Than A Sedan?

An SUV is safer than a sedan in general. An SUV’s higher mass allows it and its driver to fare much better in a head-on collision. The odds of dying in a frontal crash are roughly 7.6 times lower for a driver in an SUV compared to a driver in a smaller car.

Which Car Type Is More Popular: SUV Or Sedan?

SUVs are the more popular car type, and their popularity is only rising. In recent years the SUV market has risen to new heights. In 2022, SUVs made up 46% of global car sales, according to the IEA. Most sedans have dropped in popularity, with many manufacturers discontinuing new car production, as was the case with the Mazda 6 Sedan.

Conclusion

Once you’ve gone through all the benefits and downsides of each car type, you should find it easier to make your choice. A sedan is an amazing choice if you’re aiming for performance on usual roads and comfort, as well as a sleek design and overall style. An SUV will suit you if you prefer a robust, safe vehicle for bumpy roads and plenty of space for cargo. So, in the sedan vs SUV debate, it comes down to preference.

Sedan Vs SUV: Comparison In 8 Key Segments & Final Verdict

Explaining Car Types: The Difference Between A Sedan And SUV