A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles (SUV) which are built on a body-on-frame chassis construction similar to pickup trucks.
A term that originated from North America, the term crossover was initially used for any vehicle that blends characteristics between two different kinds of vehicles while, over time, crossover mostly refers to unibody-based SUVs.[1][2] Crossovers are also described as "car-like SUVs" or "car-based SUVs".[3][4][5] The term SUV is often used as an umbrella term for both crossovers and traditional SUVs due to the similarities between them.[6]
Compared to traditional SUVs, crossovers are known to be less capable for use in off-road conditions or hauling heavy loads, while instead offering other advantages such as superior fuel economy and handling.[7] Compared to traditional cars with lower ride height and lower roof such as sedans and hatchbacks, crossover offers larger cabin space and enhanced driving position.[8]
The 1977 Matra Rancho and the 1979 AMC Eagle has been credited as a forerunner of crossovers, before the term crossover was used.[9] The Toyota RAV4, first introduced in 1994, pioneered the modern concept of a crossover.[10]
In the US, market share of crossovers have grown from under 4 percent in 2000 to nearly 40 percent in 2018.[8]
Definition
The difference between crossover SUVs and other SUVs is generally defined by journalists and manufacturers as a crossover being built using a unibody platform, while an SUV is built using a body-on-frame platform.[11][12][13][14] However, these definitions are often blurred in practice, since unibody vehicles are also often[quantify] referred to as SUVs.[15][16] "Crossover" is a relatively recent term, and early unibody SUVs (such as the 1984 Jeep Cherokee) are rarely called crossovers. Due to these inconsistencies, the term "SUV" is often used as an umbrella term for both crossovers and SUVs.[17][18][19]
Some regions outside North America do not have a distinction between a crossover SUV and body-on-frame SUV, calling both of them SUVs. Several governmental bodies in the United States also did not acknowledge the crossover distinction, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[20] In some jurisdictions, crossovers are classified as light trucks like traditional SUVs and pickup trucks.
Crossovers driving characteristics and performance is similar to traditional passenger cars, while providing more passenger and cargo space with a relatively minor tradeoff in fuel economy and running cost. According to Consumer Reports, the three top selling crossovers in the US in 2018 (Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue) return an average of 10 percent less fuel economy than the top three selling sedan equivalents in the mid-size segment (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima), but provide almost 1.5 times the cargo space. Furthermore, the average mid-size crossover in the US costs less than 5 percent more than the average mid-size car.[8]
Compared to truck-based SUVs, they typically have better interior comfort, a more comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and lower manufacturing costs, but also inferior off-road and towing capability.[23][18][24] Many crossovers lack all-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive drivetrain, which, in combination with their lesser off-road capability, causes many journalists and consumers to question their definition as "sports utility vehicles". This has led some to describe crossovers as pseudo-SUVs.[25][26][27]
Introduced in 1979, the AMC Eagle is retroactively considered to be the first dedicated crossover automobile that made its debut prior to the terms "SUV" or "crossover" being coined.[28][29][30][31] The mass-market Eagle model line was based on a unibody passenger car platform, with fully-automatic four-wheel drive and a raised ride height.[32][33][34][35][36] Furthermore, a writer for Motor Trend characterized the 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire as the "first crossover" because the innovative station wagon with a sliding roof "mashed up various vehicle types."[37] It was available only in conventional rear-wheel drive.
Others cite the front-wheel drive 1977 Matra Rancho as a slightly earlier forerunner to the modern crossover.[38] Marketed as a "lifestyle" vehicle, it was not available with four-wheel drive.[39] In 1981, American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced four-wheel drive subcompact models built on the two-door AMC Spirit, the "Eagle SX/4" and "Eagle Kammback."[40][41] These low-priced models joined the compact-sized AMC Eagle line and they predicted the market segment of comfortable cars with utility and foul-weather capabilities.[40][42]
The first-generation Toyota RAV4 released in 1994 has been credited as the model that expanded the concept of a modern crossover.[10] The RAV4 was based on a modified platform used by the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Carina.[24] During its release, Toyota in Japan used the term "4x4 vehicle" to describe the model,[43] while Toyota in the US called the vehicle a "new concept SUV".[44] By early 2000s, Toyota has been leading the market in its development of car-based trucks in North America with the release of other crossover models such as the Highlander and the Lexus RX.[3]
In North America, crossovers increased in popularity during the 2000s, when fuel efficiency standards for light trucks, which had been stuck at 20.7 miles per US gallon (11.4 L/100 km; 8.8 km/l) since 1996, moved upwards by 2005. With increasing fuel prices, traditional SUVs began to lose market share to crossovers.[45] In the United States as of 2006[update], crossover models comprised more than 50 percent of the overall SUV market.[46] Crossovers have become increasingly popular in Europe also since the early 2010s.
Size categories
Depending on the market, crossovers are divided into several size categories. Since there is an absence of any official distinction, often times the size category might be ambiguous for some crossover models. Several aspects needed to determine the size category of a vehicle may include length/width dimensions, positioning in its respective brand line-up, platform, and interior space.
Subcompact crossover SUVs (also called B-segment crossover SUV, B-SUV,[47] small SUV[48]) are crossovers that depending on the market and the manufacturer, typically have a length dimension under 4,400 mm (173.2 in).[49][50] Subcompact crossovers are usually based on the platform of a subcompact (also known as supermini or B-segment) passenger car,[51][52][53] although some high-end subcompact crossover models may be based on a compact car (C-segment).[54]
The segment may be called differently depending on the market. In several regions, the category may be known as "compact crossover" or "compact SUV" instead.[55]
This category is particularly popular in Europe, India, and Brazil where they count for 37 percent, 75 percent, and 69 percent of total SUV sales in 2018 respectively. In the United States, it accounted for 7 percent of total SUV sales in 2018.[50] The best-selling vehicle is the segment in 2019 was the Honda HR-V, recording 622,154 units being sold worldwide.[56]
Volkswagen Tiguan, available with three-row seating with extended body length in some markets
A compact crossover SUV (also called C-segment SUV[57] or C-SUV[58]) is a vehicle that is usually based on the platform of a compact car (C-segment), while some models may be based on a mid-size car (D-segment) or a subcompact (B-segment) platform. It typically has a length dimension between 4,300 mm (169.3 in) and 4,700 mm (185.0 in).[59][49][60][61] Most compact crossovers have two-row seating, while some of others have three rows.[62]
The naming of the segment may differ depending on the market. In several regions outside North America, the category may be known as "mid-size crossover" or "mid-size SUV",[60][63] not to be confused with the North American definition of a mid-size crossover SUV, which is a larger D-segment crossover SUV.
The first compact crossover was the 1980 AMC Eagle that was based on the compact-sized Concord line. Its four-wheel drive system was an almost unheard-of feature on regular passenger cars at the time and it came with full-time all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, power steering, power front disk brakes standard as well as numerous convenience and comfort options.[64] Later models included the 1994 Toyota RAV4,[10] 1995 Honda CR-V, 1997 Subaru Forester, 2000 Nissan X-Trail, 2000 Mazda Tribute, and the 2001 Ford Escape.
Between 2005 and 2010, the market share of compact crossovers in the US has increased from 6 percent to 11.2 percent.[65] In 2014, for the first time ever, sales of compact crossovers have outpaced mid-size sedans in the United States.[66]
In 2019, it was stated by American magazine Car and Driver that "so many of these vehicles are crowding the marketplace, simply sorting through them can be a daunting task".[67] Due to its popularity and to cater customer needs, many manufacturers offer more than one compact crossover, usually offering them in slightly different sizes at different price points.
By late 2010s, the segment has emerged as the most popular segment in several regions. For example, nearly 1 in every 4 cars sold in the United States in 2019 is a compact crossover, precisely at about 24.2 percent.[68] It also makes up 5.6 percent of the total European car market.[69]
The best-selling vehicle in the segment in 2019 was the Toyota RAV4, with 961,918 units sold globally.[56]
A mid-size crossover SUV is a class of crossover SUVs that is larger than compact crossover SUVs, but smaller than full-size crossover SUVs. Mid-size crossover SUVs are usually based on the platform of a mid-size (also known as large family car or D-segment) passenger car. The first mid-size crossover was the 1999 BMW X5. Some mid-size crossovers have a three-row of seats, while others have two rows, which led to several brands offering multiple models to cater both sub-segments. It typically has a length dimension between 4,700 mm (185.0 in) and 5,100 mm (200.8 in).[49][70] In Australia, American mid-sized crossovers are classified as large SUVs.[citation needed]
The segment is most popular in North America and China, where larger vehicles are preferred. It makes up 15.8 percent of the total United States car market.[71] In Europe, the segment covers 2.1 percent of the total market in 2019 with luxury crossover SUVs dominating most of the share.[72]
The Toyota Highlander/Kluger is the best-selling vehicle in the category in 2018, with 387,869 sold worldwide.[73]
Full-size crossover SUVs are usually based on full-size cars. They are the largest crossovers that offer exclusively three rows. The first full-size crossovers include the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, and the Buick Enclave, with older full-size SUVs were mostly built above a body-on-frame chassis. The full-size crossover SUV class is sometimes intersect and being compared with the three-row mid-size crossover class as in the case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.[74] Vehicles in this category usually are longer than 5,100 mm (200.8 in) in length.[49]
Body style categories
Three-door crossover
Toyota RAV4 three-door
While three-door body-on-frame SUVs are not uncommon, crossover SUVs with three doors (including the tailgate door) are more rare in contrast. The decline of two or three-door vehicles in general have led to the disappearance of this category.[75][76][77]
Crossover SUVs with a sloping rear roofline may be marketed as a "coupe crossover SUV" or "coupe SUV". Although coupe itself supposed to mean a passenger car with a sloping or truncated rear roofline and two or three doors, most coupe crossover SUVs are equipped with five doors.[78] The sloping roofline is designed to offer styling advantage compared to its standard crossover counterpart.[79][80] The body style has attracted criticism as being less attractive and less practical than normal crossovers.[81] The BMW X6 is credited to be the first coupe crossover.[82]
The category was heavily criticized by journalists, enthusiasts, and analysts for numerous reasons, such as its design and high price tag.[86][87] Some also questioned its purpose, as the practicality that crossovers usually have did not carryover to its convertible version, since it could only have two doors and little luggage space.[88][89]
Crossover-styled cars
Many manufacturers have been capitalizing the SUV trend by offering a version of station wagons, hatchbacks or MPVs with a raised ride height and the addition of rugged-looking accessories such as black plastic wheel arch extension kit, body cladding, skid plates and roof rails. Due to its raised ground clearance, it may be marketed as more capable off-road. Some of them may also equipped with all-wheel-drive. This strategy has been used by manufacturers to move models upmarket, or to help filling an absence in a crossover SUV segment. These vehicles has been described as pseudo-crossovers.[90][91]
Due to its large cargo space and its practicality,[92][93] many manufacturers are releasing "off-road" versions of station wagons that are marketed to be more capable in soft off-road or all-weather situations due to its raised height,[94] making them a "crossover" between a station wagon and an SUV. In North America, some manufacturers are selling station wagons as with crossover styling due to the former's unpopularity,[95] with the Subaru Outback as the most popular model.[96]
The early model of off-road-styled station wagons is the Subaru Legacy Outback (later Outback) in 1994. At the time, Subaru was absent in the growing SUV segment. Lacking the finances to design an all-new SUV, Subaru added two-tone paint scheme, body cladding and a suspension lift to the Legacy wagon. It was marketed as a capable and more efficient alternative to larger truck-based SUVs.[97] Another example include the Volvo V70 XC (also called V70 Cross Country), first introduced in 1999.[98][99] In 2002, the model was renamed XC70. Audi has been making Allroad versions of their station wagons since 1999.[100]Volkswagen and Škoda equivalent variants are called Alltrack and Scout respectively.
Crossover-styled variant of hatchbacks or city cars with the same body has been introduced either as a substitute or a complement to the subcompact crossover SUV segment. Most crossover-styled hatchbacks are not offered with all-wheel-drive.
Forerunners of SUV-themed hatchback is the 1983 Fiat Panda 4x4, the 1996 Toyota Starlet Remix, and the 2003 Rover Streetwise. The Volkswagen Golf Country, a conversion by Steyr-Daimler-Puch was also sold during 1990 and 1991 and was offered with part-time four-wheel drive and off-road exterior cladding.[101][102] In the 2000s, the Volkswagen CrossPolo started the modern crossover-styled hatchback trend and was marketed as an SUV-like "lifestyle" vehicle.[103] The Dacia/Renault Sandero Stepway, the crossover-styled version of the Sandero launched in 2009 is an example of a well-received crossover-styled hatchback, as it makes up for 65 percent of Sandero sales figures.[104][105]
Since the early 2010s, sales of crossover-type vehicles have been increasing in Europe.[119] By 2017, European sales of compact and mid-sized crossover models continued to surge.[120] Analysis of the European new car market by data firm JATO Dynamics reveals that SUVs which mostly consisted of crossovers took almost 40% of the market in 2019, with the crossover segment being a key driver of growth for volume and profits.[121]
United States
Sales of crossovers increased 30% between 2003 and 2005.[18] By 2006, the segment came into strong visibility in the U.S., when crossover sales "made up more than 50% of the overall SUV market".[46] Sales increased in 2007 by 16%.[122] In 2013, the Audi Q5 became Audi's second best-selling vehicle in the United States market after the Audi A4 sedan.[123] Around half of Lexus' sales volume has come from its SUVs since the late 1990s.[124]
American manufacturers were initially slow to switch from their emphasis on light truck-based SUVs, and foreign automakers developed crossovers targeting the U.S. market as an alternative to station wagons that were unpopular there. By early 2000s, American car manufacturers had caught up.[18]
^"SUV Buying Guide". Consumer Reports. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2021. Most car-based SUVs have modest towing capacity.
^"5 Reasons to Buy a Crossover Vehicle". HowStuffWorks. 22 October 2018. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2019. "Crossover" is now used almost interchangeably with "compact SUV", but some new vehicles are pushing those boundaries.
^"What is a Crossover Vehicle?". Intellichoice. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2015. They can appear either wagon- or SUV-like in appearance (though they aren't really meant for off-road use)
^Carney, Dan. "AMC Eagle, the unlikely trail-blazer". BBC. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018. 1980 AMC Eagle, the first full-time all-wheel-drive passenger car to reach mass production.
^"Volvo V70 AWD XC". volvocars.com. Volvo Cars of North America. 1998. Archived from the original on 13 June 1998. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
^"Volvo V70 Cross Country im Test: Dreck-Schatz" [Volvo V70 Cross Country review: Dirt treasure] (in German). Auto, Motor & Sport. 17 June 1998. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2018. wordplay on "Dreckspatz" [litter bug]
^White, Joseph B. (14 January 2008). "Crossover Market Is Thinly Sliced". The Wall Street Journal Blogs. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
