Suv and sedan cars

7 Reasons You Should Buy A Sedan Over An SUV

The modern sedan deserves more love than it’s getting.

According to a recent JD Power report, SUVs and trucks accounted for approximately 80 percent of new-vehicle retail sales in the USA in the first month of the year. There’s no getting around it — the outlook for the traditional sedan is bleak based on current buying trends. But what about the other 20% of the car-buying public? Are they seeing something that the majority isn’t? Well, yes. It’s amazing the clarity that can be had from a lower seating position where oxygen is more readily available. Quite simply, there remain multiple reasons to purchase a sedan over an SUV in 2022.

For the purposes of this comparison, we’re going to compare the BMW 3 Series with its X3 cousin, and the Toyota Corolla Sedan with the Corolla Cross. Both BMW and Toyota pairings share the same platform, and we’ll match them as closely as possible in terms of powertrain. If you aren’t a serious off-roading enthusiast, or if you aren’t towing much more than an occasional light trailer, then read on and see why a sedan is a smarter purchase.

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1. Better Gas Mileage

On average, a sedan is lighter and more aerodynamic than a similarly priced SUV. With no desire to climb mountains or pavements, the sedan can be engineered to be as efficient as possible on tarmac where most of us spend most of our time. Both the BMW 330i and X3 sDrive30i use a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, but whereas the former returns 26/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined, the equivalent X3 manages just 23/29/25 mpg. According to the EPA, the 330i’s annual fuel cost works out to $400 less. The Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross demonstrate the same pattern. Each has a 2.0-liter engine, but the former returns 31/40/34 mpg and the latter 31/33/32 mpg; in highway driving, the Corolla Sedan is far more efficient.

2019-2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan Front Angle View

BMW

Frontal Aspect

BMW

2020-2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan Aft View

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Badge

Toyota

2. Nicer Driving Dynamics

SUVs and crossovers are a lot taller than their sedan counterparts. Yes, this does improve interior space, but it results in top-heavy dynamics and the sensation that you’re sitting on top of, rather than in, the car. The sedan’s lower driving position, along with the fact that major controls are generally within easier reach in the more intimate cabin, make it the better choice for the enthusiast. Over the years, crossovers have narrowed the gap by becoming much nicer to drive, but rarely would you have more fun behind the wheel of one than in an equivalent sedan. The lower sedan typically exhibits less body roll in sharp corners, and a lower weight contributes to greater agility; the RWD 330i is over 500 pounds lighter than the RWD X3 sDrive30i. Both vehicles are great to drive, but few would choose the X3 over the 3 Series on their favorite twisty road.

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2019-2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan Rear View Driving

BMW

2019-2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan Steering Wheel

BMW

Driving Back View

BMW

Dashboard

BMW

3. Faster With Equivalent Power

This one is pretty obvious, as the lighter weight of a sedan will make it faster than an SUV with the same or similar power. Superior aerodynamics also play a part here. While both the 330i and X3 sDrive30i have turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pots, the 330i is actually more powerful and torquey, even though it’s cheaper. It makes 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque, whereas the X3 sDrive30i produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The 330i is almost half a second quicker to 60 mph; really, who wouldn’t want a car that’s faster, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper?

The Corolla Sedan with the same 169-hp 2.0-liter engine and CVT as the Corolla Cross is over a second quicker to 60 mph. Even better is that the Corolla Sedan can be had with a manual gearbox, once more underlining the driver-focused appeal of a sedan. There are many other examples out there. For instance, at around $35,000, you could get either a high-spec Camry V6 or a RAV4 with a much wheezier four-cylinder engine. The Camry is far more potent.

2019-2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan Taillights

BMW

Tail Lamp

BMW

2019-2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan Engine

BMW

4. Sedans Are Sexier

We’ll admit, this one is purely subjective. But for the most part, the sedan is sleeker, lower to the ground, and less ungainly than an SUV. There’s less empty space in the wheel arches, less ugly black plastic cladding relentlessly marketed under the term «rugged», and no brick-like front fascias. When you don’t have to worry about maximum cargo capacity or off-roading, you can spend more time penning an attractive design.

Take a look at even the humdrum Corolla Sedan alongside its Corolla Cross sibling — there is simply no contest. The sedan is a far nicer vehicle to look at. And, while a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the brash, get-out-of-my-way overtaking presence that many shoppers crave, it’s not nearly as elegant as an S-Class. Another example of a sedan winning the catwalk contest over its raised siblings include the beautiful Volkswagen Arteon — no other VW SUV looks nearly as good. And, let’s be honest, would you rather drive a Kia Telluride to the office every day instead of the athletic, sporty Stinger?

2020-2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan Frontal Aspect

CarBuzz

Front Angle View

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2021-2022 Volkswagen Arteon Rear View

CarBuzz / Ian Wright

2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Side View

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SUV vs. Sedan: Quick Comparison Guide

Both SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular with drivers all across the country. You probably already have a preference, but the best fit for your needs may be more complicated than previously thought.

By Hearst Autos Research

riding mountain national park

Both SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular with drivers all across the country. You probably already have a preference, but the best fit for your needs may be more complicated than previously thought. Learn all about how an SUV and a sedan may fit your future needs and budget in addition to your present circumstances with this comprehensive SUV vs. sedan comparison.

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Popularity

The first commonality between SUVs and sedans is that they’re both incredibly popular. Sedans have always been popular as they’re the typical image associated with the word «car,» but SUVs have grown quite a bit. Since low fuel prices have been sustained for several years now, more and more drivers are opting for SUVs since the fuel savings of a sedan are no longer a prioritized feature according to US News.

SUVs are becoming so popular that even the big Detroit automakers are investing more in their production. Some are even ridding their lineups of sedans and focusing more on SUVs and crossovers as the central aspect of their brand according to The New York Times. In 2019, SUVs and pickups account for 70 percent of the market, boasting a massive 5.9 million sales from January to June alone as opposed to the 2.5 million sales for cars. In fact, the last time cars outsold SUVs and trucks was 10 years prior in 2009.

Advantages of SUVs

There are several advantages of SUVs to keep in mind while shopping, according to U.S. News. They’re generally becoming more car-like, but the following specific advantages are particularly impressive:

  • Space: One of the most obvious advantages of an SUV is the sheer amount of space. Whether you’re looking to carry extra passengers or extra cargo, you’ll have the square footage necessary. That means more room for passengers to stretch out and relax on long rides. Cargo capacity is particularly impressive, even when you’re looking at more compact models.
  • Capability: SUVs tend to generally be more capable compared to sedans. All-wheel drive is fairly standard among modern lineups while many new sedans don’t offer the same feature. If you spend a lot of time driving through severe weather, an SUV may be better equipped to handle the hazardous conditions.
  • Visibility: When you’re behind the wheel of an SUV, you can enjoy a higher driving position. This grants greater visibility, and the larger surrounding windows and back windshield only enhance this, according to Valley Honda.

Advantages of Sedans

Driving a sedan rather than an SUV comes with its own set of advantages you can enjoy, according to UU.S. News. The following are the most important advantages to keep in mind when deciding which class of car is most important for your needs:

  • Safety: Sedans tend to be the safer option compared to SUVs. Some SUVs are getting safety features that were previously restricted to sedans, but sedans still have the advantage of closed trunks. Storing your valuables there is always safer than storing them in the back of an SUV’s cargo space due to both visibility and security.
  • Fuel Economy: While low gas prices may have put SUVs into the spotlight, sedans still reign supreme in terms of fuel economy. After all, most sedans come with a four-cylinder, which is always more efficient than the V-6 or V-8 found on an SUV. Even some of the more powerful sedans that feature V-6 engines are more fuel-efficient on average due to the smaller size of vehicles they have to power. This is true even when you consider Volkswagen’s weird engines.
  • Drivability: Since sedans aren’t as top-heavy as SUVs are, they’re much easier to drive, according to The New York Times. Maneuvering through sharp corners has a lesser chance of rollover, and parking is always much easier.
  • Budget: Fuel isn’t the only thing you’ll be saving money on when you opt for a sedan over an SUV. Sedans, in general, tend to be more affordable compared to SUVs, according to Valley Honda. If money isn’t that much of an issue, you can use the savings to get a higher trim level sedan with extra features.
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What About Crossovers?

Crossovers combine elements of SUVs and sedans. They offer better drivability than an SUV and more interior space than a sedan, according to Motortrend. Similar to an SUV, your passengers will certainly appreciate a crossover rather than a sedan. Just keep in mind that only SUVs can offer three rows of seats while crossovers max out at two.

Crossovers come with a few other advantages as well. You’ll find AWD as a de facto requirement in recent models, so they’re the clear choice if you’re interested in all-weather capability. Like SUVs, crossovers offer a greater field of view than a sedan can. This is especially helpful in urban environments, though crossovers are harder to maneuver than sedans are in tight city streets.

If you’re interested in hybrid models, there are plenty of crossover options available. Even so, a sedan will always reign supreme in terms of efficiency whether it’s a crossover or not.

Style

If your primary concern is style, you can do well with a variety of different options in the sedan class and the SUV class. For drivers who need high levels of customization, sedans tend to have more options. A sedan hatchback with a mild lift kit can be an appealing option for some, and the hatchback distinction alone is a drastic difference that SUVs don’t really offer between models.

Additionally, the sheer number of options makes the sedan a better choice in this regard. While there are luxury SUVs available, sedans are more diverse and generally get first dibs on the latest automotive technology.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be in a better position to decide which is best for you in the SUV vs. sedan comparison. Just don’t forget to check out the new offerings in the crossover segment as well when making your decision.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research@caranddriver.com.

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