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Sedan vs SUV: Comparing Price, Safety, Mileage, and Comfort

Team AckoFeb 16, 2024

Are you in the market for a new car but need help deciding between a sedan and an SUV? It's a common dilemma for car buyers, as sedans and SUVs are two of the most popular vehicles on the road today. Both have pros and cons, and choosing the right one for your lifestyle requires careful consideration. In this article, we pit sedans vs SUVs to explore their key differences, including price, dimensions, mileage, safety, space, comfort, performance, and boot space. By the end, you'll clearly understand which vehicle best suits your needs.

Contents

What is a Sedan?
- Top sedans in India
What is an SUV?
- Top SUVs in India
Sedan vs SUV: Price Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Dimension Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Mileage Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Safety comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Space Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Comfort and Convenience Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Performance Comparison
Sedan vs SUV: Boot Space Comparison
Advantages of Sedans
Advantages of SUVs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Sedan?

A sedan, also known as a saloon, is a passenger car with a closed body and different sections for the engine, passengers, and cargo. Sedans typically have a low ground clearance and a sleek, four-door design with a separate trunk for storage. They are known for their stylish looks, smooth handling, and fuel efficiency.

Sedans come in various sizes, from compact to full-size, and are often the go-to choice for families or individuals who prioritize a comfortable ride and easy manoeuvrability in urban areas.

Top sedans in India

Here are some best sedans in India.

Honda City	Hyundai Verna
Skoda Slavia	Volkswagen Virtus
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz	Skoda Octavia
BMW 3 Series	Mercedes-Benz S-Class

What is an SUV?

An SUV, short for Sports Utility Vehicle, is a larger vehicle that combines the features of a passenger car with those of a truck. SUVs are characterized by their higher ground clearance, rugged appearance, and versatility.

SUVs usually have a higher seating position and offer more interior space, making them ideal for families or outdoor enthusiasts who must carry passengers and cargo on long trips or in off-road conditions. SUVs come in various sizes, from compact to full-size, and are known for their towing capacity and ability to handle different terrains.

Top SUVs in India

Here are some best SUVs in India.

Mahindra XUV700	Tata Nexon
Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Mahindra Scorpio N
Tata Harrier	Tata Safari
Mahindra Thar	Hyundai Creta
Kia Seltos	Toyota Fortuner
Land ROver Range Rover	Mercedes-Benz GLS
BMW X5	Kia Sonet

Sedan vs SUV: Price Comparison

Here is the price comparison between sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Sedans are usually more affordable than SUVs.	SUVs are typically more expensive, especially larger models or luxury SUVs with advanced features.
Sedans come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to luxury models, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.	SUVs also tend to have higher maintenance and fuel costs than sedans due to their larger size and weight. However, the maintenance of some compact SUVs is on par with sedans.

Sedan vs SUV: Dimension Comparison

Here is the dimension comparison of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Typically smaller in length, width, and height.	Typically larger in length, width, and height.
More aerodynamic design.	Boxier design.
Better manoeuvrability and is easier to park.	Can be difficult to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces.
They typically have seating for up to five passengers, although some luxury sedans may have more spacious interiors.	SUVs offer more seating capacity, with options for up to seven or even eight passengers, making them suitable for larger families or groups.

Sedan vs SUV: Mileage Comparison

The following is a detailed fuel efficiency comparison of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Generally have better fuel efficiency due to their lighter weight and more aerodynamic design.	Generally have lower fuel efficiency due to larger size and heavier weight.
May have a better driving range due to more efficient engines and larger fuel tanks.	May have a shorter driving range due to larger fuel consumption and smaller fuel tanks.
They are ideal for daily commutes or long drives, offering better mileage and lower fuel costs.	Advancements in technology have led to the development of more fuel-efficient SUV models in recent years, so it's important to compare specific models to accurately understand their mileage.

Sedan vs SUV: Safety comparison

Safety is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between a sedan and an SUV. Both vehicles undergo rigorous safety testing and are equipped with standard safety features such as airbags, seat belts, and traction control. However, due to their differences in size and weight, sedans and SUVs may have varying safety performances. Refer to the following table for the safety comparison of sedans vs SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Generally have good safety ratings due to their design and safety features.	Generally have good safety ratings due to their size and safety features.
May have a lower risk of rollover accidents due to the lower centre of gravity.	May offer more protection in the event of a collision due to its larger size and weight.
May have better visibility due to the lower profile and smaller windows.	May have more blind spots due to the larger size and higher ride height.
Sedans are ideal for urban driving or highway cruising, where stability and agility are important factors.	SUVs are ideal for highway cruising and long-distance travel. However, modern SUVs, especially smaller ones, are good for urban driving.

Sedan vs SUV: Space Comparison

Interior space is another significant consideration when comparing sedans and SUVs. Here is the space comparison of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Generally have less interior and cargo space than SUVs.	Generally have more interior and cargo space than sedans.
May have less legroom and headroom for passengers.	May have more legroom and headroom for passengers.
May have a smaller trunk space.	May have a larger cargo space with the ability to fold down the rear seats.
If you primarily need a vehicle for daily commuting or shorter trips, a sedan with its compact interior may be sufficient.	If you require more space for passengers or cargo, an SUV may be the better option.

Sedan vs SUV: Comfort and Convenience Comparison

Comfort and convenience are essential to consider when choosing between a sedan and an SUV. Here is the comfort and convenience comparison of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Generally have fewer features and amenities compared to SUVs.	Generally have more features and amenities compared to sedans.
May have a more comfortable ride due to the lower centre of gravity.	May offer a more commanding view of the road due to higher ride height.
May have a quieter ride due to better insulation and smaller size.	May have a louder ride due to the larger size and more rugged design.

Sedan vs SUV: Performance Comparison

Performance is another factor to consider when comparing sedans and SUVs. Refer to the following table for the performance comparison of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Sedans are typically known for their sporty performance, with options for different engine sizes and power outputs.	SUVs are generally more focused on utility and versatility rather than high performance.
They offer agile handling, precise steering, and smooth acceleration, making them fun to drive on curvy roads or urban environments.	They may have a larger size and weight, which can affect their handling and manoeuvrability compared to sedans.
Sedans are also available in different drivetrain options, such as front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), providing varying levels of performance and handling capabilities.	Modern SUVs are equipped with advanced suspension systems and technology that can offer a smooth and comfortable ride, even with their larger size.
When it comes to performance, sedans may be the preferred choice for those who prioritize sporty driving and agility.	SUVs also tend to have more powerful engines, especially in higher trim levels, which can provide ample power for towing or off-road adventures.

Sedan vs SUV: Boot Space Comparison

One of the main factors that may influence your decision between a sedan and an SUV is the amount of cargo space they offer. Here is the comparison of the boot space of sedans and SUVs.

Sedan	SUV
Sedans typically have a smaller trunk space compared to SUVs, which may limit their capacity to carry larger items or luggage.	SUVs are designed with larger cargo areas and more flexible storage options.
However, some sedans often come with rear seats that can be folded down, allowing for additional space when needed.	Most SUVs have a rear cargo area that can be accessed through a tailgate or rear liftgate, providing ample space for groceries, sports equipment, or other large items.
A sedan with its compact trunk may suffice if you primarily need a vehicle for daily commuting or shorter trips and do not require extensive cargo space.	If you require a vehicle with ample cargo space for regular use or have specific cargo needs, an SUV may be the more practical choice.

Advantages of Sedans

Sedans offer several advantages that may make them the ideal choice for certain drivers. Here are some of the advantages of sedans.

Fuel Efficient: Sedans are typically more fuel-efficient than SUVs due to their smaller size and lighter weight. This can result in lower fuel costs and a reduced environmental impact, making sedans preferred for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
Better Handling: Sedans are known for their agile handling and precise steering, which can provide a sporty and enjoyable driving experience. They are ideal for urban driving or highway cruising, where manoeuvrability and responsiveness are important factors.
Lower Cost: Sedans generally have a lower purchase price compared to SUVs, making them a more budget-friendly option for those who are price-conscious. They also tend to have lower maintenance and repair costs, which can result in long-term savings.
Parking Convenience: Sedans are usually easier to park compared to SUVs due to their smaller size and tighter turning radius. This can be an advantage in crowded city areas or tight parking spaces, making sedans a practical choice for urban dwellers.

Advantages of SUVs

SUVs also offer several advantages that may make them the preferred choice for certain drivers. Here are some of the advantages of SUVs.

Versatility: SUVs are designed to be versatile and suitable for different driving conditions, including off-road adventures, towing, or carrying large cargo loads. They offer a higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive options, and rugged construction, making them ideal for those who require versatility in their vehicle.
Increased Passenger Space: SUVs typically have more interior space, with multiple rows of seating that can accommodate larger families or groups of passengers. This makes SUVs preferred for those requiring more passenger space or having larger families.
Fuel efficient: Modern SUVs, compact models, are fuel efficient compared to some of the old-school SUVs, which offer lower mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some common questions about sedans vs SUVs.

Which is better for long drives, SUV or sedan?

Sedans and SUVs are great for long drives. However, SUVs are better if you need a vehicle for more than five occupants.

What are the important questions I need to ask myself before buying a sedan vs an SUV?

Here are some essential questions to ask before you buy a sedan or an SUV.

Will I use this vehicle for off-roading?
Will I be comfortable with the height and control of an SUV?
Will I drive this vehicle primarily in urban areas or on tighter roads?
Do I need a vehicle with more cargo space?

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content, and before making any insurance-related decisions.