The classic American road trip: vast highways and breathtaking vistas, yet often marred by cramped car seats and limited trunk space. SUVs may seem to resolve storage issues but have drawbacks like rough rides and poor fuel efficiency. Is there a superior choice for road trips?
Enter the Crossover
Crossovers ingeniously bridge this gap between cars and SUVs. Combining car comfort and fuel efficiency with SUV spaciousness makes them the ideal road trip companion.
Take the Honda Accord and the Honda CR-V, for instance. While the CR-V is pricier at $21,895 versus the Accord’s $21,380, it offers a cavernous 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the Accord’s 14.7 cubic feet. Despite the CR-V’s slightly lower 21/28 miles per gallon (city/highway) fuel economy compared to the Accord’s 23/34, it strikes an excellent balance. In contrast, the larger Honda Pilot costs more at $28,320 and offers poorer fuel economy (17/23 miles per gallon) and limited cargo space.
Ride Quality
Crossovers are engineered for smooth rides, in stark contrast to traditional SUVs’ rugged and jarring experience. With their body-on-frame construction and tough suspensions, SUVs are designed for off-road adventures and heavy hauling, making them less than ideal for comfortable road trips.
Fuel-Efficiency
The car-based design of crossovers provides a smooth ride and reduces weight, allowing for smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. For instance, the Jeep Patriot, a crossover, outperforms its SUV counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler, in fuel economy, costing significantly less to drive the same distance. Over a year, you could save $820 on fuel and reduce carbon emissions by 2.9 tons by choosing the Patriot over the Wrangler.
Passenger Capacity
Crossovers also offer versatility in passenger capacity. Some, like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, comfortably seat up to seven people across three rows. They come with features rarely found in cars, such as second-row refrigerators, rear-seat DVD entertainment systems, and satellite backseat TVs.
Style
The most intriguing aspect of crossovers is that they aren’t minivans. While minivans are practical, crossovers offer similar benefits without the minivan stigma. They come in various sizes, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs without compromising style or maneuverability in tight urban spaces.
In conclusion, consider a crossover for the perfect balance between cars and SUVs when planning your American road trip.
