SUV vs sedan: Which is best for you?

What is a sedan vs SUV

An SUV or Sport Utility Vehicle is used to describe cars that have a higher ground clearance than their sedan cousins, can tackle a fire trail or more if it has AWD/4x4 capabilities and combines the space inside for more than three passengers. So, not a ute, even though these sometimes have 4x4 capability.

A sedan or saloon, is a passenger vehicle that seats up to five people and features a long and enclosed boot that generally can’t be accessed easily from inside the cabin. The ground clearance is typically low (around 140mm) and it’s easy to spot their elongated shapes compared to hatchbacks or coupes.

The popularity of the humble family sedan has fallen with the rise of the SUV but we’re going to see if there is a clear winner when it comes to on-road handling, comfort and practicality.

The sedan vs SUV difference - why are SUVs so popular?

The biggest advantage with an SUV is that more often than not they’re AWDs or 4X4s and can simply go places where a sedan can’t. SUVs also have more towing power. You typically can’t tow a big caravan with a sedan.

However, the sleeker aerodynamics and lower ground clearances of a sedan often mean better fuel efficiency overall, especially if you opt for a hybrid model like the Hyundai i30 or Toyota Camry (3.9 – 4.0L/100km, respectively). With a hybrid powertrain you’re looking at less time at the bowser and a long driving range as well.

It's harder for a large or upper-large SUV to be super sufficient and green-energy enthusiasts will balk at the V8 petrol engine found in the Nissan Patrol.

While turbo-diesel models like the Toyota Prado offer better efficiency and driving range relative to their high-powered petrol cousins, they're still far off the efficiency of a hybrid sedan.

Driving a sedan vs SUV

The benefit of driving a sedan is its lower centre of gravity. Why? Because you get a more dynamic on-road experience compared to an SUV. There’s less roll in corners and more sure-footedness in winding roads when you’re taking them at speed.

The benefit of an SUV's size means that its easy to see the road ahead and around you from your taller driving position. This comes in handy when you’re travelling at awkward times, like dawn or dusk and the light is poor quality. Being able to confidently see around you is a big advantage in this situation.

Yes, this does mean there’s often more roll in cornering and you can feel like you’re driving a big lumbering bruiser (especially in some 4x4 models) when tackling hills but good visibility is a great advantage.

What internal features set them apart from each other?

Boot capacity. This one depends greatly on the SUV size as compact/small SUVs can have less boot capacity then mid-size to large sedans. Once you hit the mid-size SUV, where boot capacities sit above 550L, boot storage is far superior in an SUV for both capacity and access.

In an SUV you have the height of the vehicle itself for the boot, rather than to the top of a boot lid like a sedan. SUV boot apertures tend to be wider and squarer as well, which makes it easier to slide large gear in and out.

Individual storage. Most vehicles have a glove box and middle console. But’s it’s the other little cubbies which contribute to a cabin’s practicality. Especially, when you have kids around with all of the stuff they tend to attract.

At the very least, every row of a sedan and SUV gets at least two drink holders though it’s often more. Some large SUVS, like the new Hyundai Santa Fe, have six cupholders in the middle row alone! SUVs are larger in size and that means you're able to stuff it full with more items.

SUV vs sedan size - passengers. You can’t get a third row in a family sedan and that means you’re limited to a maximum of five occupants. In an SUV you can travel with up to eight occupants and while that will limit the boot capacity in an SUV, SUVs can tow a trailer for additional storage. Not having to take two cars to a destination cuts down fuel costs and overall wear and tear on your vehicle(s).

The larger size of an SUV makes them a firm favourite with families, large or small. The option to go for a larger SUV that has a third row means you can accommodate your mini soccer team or simply have more boot space for your family of five when you visit Grandma at Christmas.

Kid-friendly. Most of the time my kid favours the weeks I drive an SUV for two simple reasons.

The first is his view. The window sills tend to be lower and the windows themselves larger, which means he gets to see everything he wants to see. Perfect for when you’re entertaining them with an I Spy-type game.

The second reason is an SUV tends to feel more spacious for him with legroom and less like he is getting crammed behind the front passenger seat.

When it comes to sedan vs SUV on-road comfort levels, an SUV often nudges out its smaller cousin. If you’re a family, not having kids and/or pets sitting on top of one another will minimise a lot of backseat squabbles (and parent headaches). Having the space to pop most of your gear in the boot, rather than footwells, also levels up the comfort.

In terms of whether or not you’ll enjoy driving a sedan vs SUV for a long drive is entirely up to the vehicle you’re driving. There have been some sedans which leave SUVs in their dust when it comes to the driving pleasure (I’m looking at you Porsche Panamera) and there are some SUVs which absorb every bump in the road and you’re butt doesn’t get tired in the massaging wide seats (here’s to you Audi SQ7). This one is 100 per cent subjective.

Are SUVs safer than sedans?

Not necessarily but an SUV's bulk affords it the most basic of protections against even the best sedan and that’s simply that there’s more of it.

The most important takeaway when it comes to safety is to look at its ANCAP safety score, if it has one, and the safety equipment that comes with the variant you’re looking at. It's essential that an SUV offering a third row has curtain airbags that extend across all three rows.

Not all maximum five-star scores are the same either. Look at the individual assessment scores and read the ANCAP report. When a vehicle received its ANCAP score is important, too, as each new year tends to bring new safety protocols.

If you ever want to feel humbled, check out the crash-test dummy videos of the car itself but remember, no car is 100 per cent safe.

So, do you go for a sedan or SUV? It depends on the size of the travelling troupe and age! For my family of three, a sedan is more than adequate for the daily drive and the odd road trip. For my parent's demographic, a sedan can be harsh on joints and access, so they've recently opted for SUVs.

However, while I have a big soft spot for sedans… SUVs offer more options and practicality overall, especially for families or those who like to adventure!