 | The examples and perspective in this articledeal primarily with North America and do not represent aworldwide view of the subject. You mayimprove this article, discuss the issue on thetalk page, orcreate a new article, as appropriate.(January 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Acrossover,crossover SUV, orcrossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increasedride height that is built onunibody chassis construction shared with passengercars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles (SUVs), which are built on abody-on-frame chassis construction similar topickup trucks.[citation needed]
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 predominantly refers to unibody-based SUVs.[1][2][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 of use inoff-road conditions or hauling heavy loads while offering other advantages such as improvedfuel economy andhandling.[7] Compared to traditional cars with lower ride height and lower roofs such assedans andhatchbacks, crossovers offer larger cabin space and higher driving position.[8]
The 1977Lada Niva is the world's first mass-producedunibody off-road vehicle and has been credited as a forerunner of crossovers[9] before that term was used, with theAMC Eagle introduced in 1979 being the first US example.[10][11] TheToyota RAV4, introduced in 1994, has also been described as initiating the modern concept of a crossover.[12]
In the US, the market share of crossovers has grown from under 4% in 2000 to nearly 40% in 2018.[8]
The difference between crossover SUVs and other SUVs as generally defined by journalists and manufacturers is that a crossover is built using a unibody platform, while an SUV is built using a body-on-frame platform.[13][14][15][16] However, these definitions are often blurred in practice, since unibody vehicles are also often referred to as SUVs.[17][18] "Crossover" is a relatively recent term, and early unibody SUVs (such as the 1984Jeep Cherokee (XJ)) are rarely called crossovers. Due to these inconsistencies, the term "SUV" is often used as an umbrella term for both crossovers and traditional SUVs.[19][20][21]
U.S. magazineMotorTrend in 2005 mentioned that the term "crossover" has become "blurred as manufacturers apply it to everything from theChrysler Pacifica to theFord Five Hundred sedan". At that time, the publication proposes that the term "soft-roader" is more appropriate.[22]
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 government bodies in the United States also did not acknowledge the crossover distinction, including theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[23] In some jurisdictions, crossovers are classified aslight trucks as are traditional SUVs and pickup trucks.
Outside the United States, the term "crossover" tends to be used forC-segment (compact) or smaller vehicles, with large unibody vehicles—such as theAudi Q7,Range Rover,Porsche Cayenne, andVolkswagen Touareg—usually referred to as SUVs rather than crossovers.[citation needed] In the United Kingdom, a crossover is sometimes defined as ahatchback with raisedride height and SUV-like styling features.[24][25]The Sunday Times noted the number of "soft-roader" cars on sale in 2019.[26]
Crossovers' driving characteristics and performance are similar to those of traditional passenger cars while providing more passenger and cargo space with relatively minor trade-offs in fuel economy and running costs. According toConsumer Reports, the three top-selling crossovers in the US in 2018 (Toyota RAV4,Honda CR-V, andNissan Rogue) return an average of 10% 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% more than the average mid-size car.[8]
Compared to truck-based SUVs, crossovers typically have greater interior comfort, a more comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and lower manufacturing costs, but inferior off-road and towing capabilities.[27][20][28] Many crossovers lack anall-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive train, which, in combination with their inferior 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.[29][30][31]
_Cruiser_wagon_(2015-07-14)_01.jpg)
Introduced in 1979, prior to the terms "SUV" or "crossover" being coined, theAMC Eagle is retroactively considered to be the first dedicated crossover automobile.[32][33][34][35] The mass-market Eagle model line was based on aunibody passenger car platform, with fully-automatic four-wheel drive and a raised ride height.[36][37][38][39][40] Furthermore, a writer forMotor Trend characterized the 1963Studebaker Wagonaire as the "first crossover" because the innovative station wagon with a sliding roof "mashed up various vehicle types."[41] It was available only with a conventionalrear-wheel drive.
Others cite thefront-wheel drive 1977Matra Rancho as a slightly earlier forerunner to the modern crossover.[42] Marketed as a "lifestyle" vehicle, it was not available with four-wheel drive.[43] In 1981,American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced four-wheel drive subcompact models built on the two-doorAMC Spirit, the "Eagle SX/4" and "Eagle Kammback".[44][45] These low-priced models joined the compactAMC Eagle line and they foreshadowed the market segment of comfortable cars with utility and foul-weather capabilities.[44][46]
The first-generation Toyota RAV4, released in 1994, has been credited as the model that expanded the concept of a modern crossover.[12] The RAV4 was based on a modified platform used by theToyota Corolla andToyota Carina.[28] At its release, Toyota in Japan used the term "4x4 vehicle" to describe the model,[47] while Toyota in the US called the vehicle a "new concept SUV".[48] By the early 2000s, Toyota was leading the market in its development of car-based trucks in North America with the release of other crossover models such as theHighlander and theLexus RX.[3]
In North America, crossovers increased in popularity during the 2000s, whenfuel 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.[49] In the United States as of 2006[update], crossover models comprised more than 50% of the overall SUV market.[50][needs update] Crossovers have become increasingly popular in Europe also since the early 2010s.[needs update]
In the first quarter of 2023 theTesla Model Y crossover became the best-selling vehicle in the world.[51]
Depending on the market, crossovers are divided into several size categories. Since there is an absence of any official distinction, often the size category is ambiguous for some crossover models. Several aspects needed to determine the size category of a vehicle may include length and width, positioning in its respective brand line-up,platform, and interior space.
Crossover city cars (also called A-SUVs,[52] city SUVs,[52] city crossovers, or A-segment SUVs) are crossovers that generally ride on the platform of acity car (A-segment).
Crossover city car is a newly introducedautomotive vehicle segment, with the first vehicle in the segment being theFiat Panda Cross, though theSuzuki Ignis helped bring the segment more attention.[53] Cars in this segment are generally styled ashatchbacks.
Since the late 2010s, the segment has received significantly more attention. As of 2023[update], examples include theToyota Aygo X,Hyundai Casper,Suzuki Ignis,Renault Kwid,VinFast VF 5,Suzuki Xbee, and theFiat Panda Cross/City Cross.[54][55][56]
.jpg)
Subcompact crossover SUVs (also called B-segment crossover SUV, B-SUV,[57] small SUV[58]) are crossovers that are usually based on the platform of asubcompact (also known assupermini orB-segment) passenger car,[59][60][61] although some high-end subcompact crossover models are based on acompact car (C-segment).[62]
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.[63]
This category is particularly popular in Europe, India, and Brazil, where it accounted for 37, 75, and 69% respectively of total SUV sales in 2018. In the United States, it accounted for 7% of total SUV sales in 2018.[64] The best-selling vehicle in the segment in 2019 was the Honda HR-V, with 622,154 units being recorded as having been sold worldwide.[65]
A compact crossover SUV (also called C-segment SUV[66] or C-SUV[67]) is a vehicle that is usually based on the platform of acompact car (C-segment), while some models are based on amid-size car (D-segment) or a subcompact (B-segment) platform. Most compact crossovers have two-row seating, but some have three rows.[68]
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",[69] 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 1980AMC Eagle that was based on the compact-sizedConcord 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 as standard, and numerous convenience and comfort options.[70] Later models included the 1994Toyota RAV4,[12] 1995Honda CR-V, 1997Subaru Forester, 2000Nissan X-Trail, 2000Mazda Tribute, and the 2001Ford Escape.
Between 2005 and 2010, the market share of compact crossovers in the US increased from 6 to more than 11%.[71] In 2014, for the first time ever, sales of compact crossovers outpaced mid-size sedans in the United States.[72]
In 2019, the American magazineCar and Driver stated that "so many of these vehicles are crowding the marketplace, simply sorting through them can be a daunting task".[73] Due to its popularity and to cater to customers' needs, many manufacturers offer more than one compact crossover, usually in slightly different sizes at different price points.
By the late 2010s, the segment had emerged as the most popular segment in several regions. For example, nearly 1 in every 4 cars (24.2%) sold in the United States in 2019 was a compact crossover.[74] It also comprised 5.6% of the total European car market.[75] The best-selling vehicle in the segment in 2019 was the Toyota RAV4, with 961,918 units sold globally.[65]
In late 2020 theVolkswagen ID.4 andFord Mustang Mach-E debuted asbattery electric compact crossover SUVs.
_%25E2%2580%2593_f_01012025.jpg)
A mid-size crossover SUV is a class of crossover SUVs that is larger thancompact crossover SUVs, but smaller thanfull-size crossover SUVs. Mid-size crossover SUVs are usually based on the platform of amid-size (also known as a large family car or aD-segment) passenger car, while some models are based on afull-size car (F-segment) or a compact (C-segment) platform. Some mid-size crossovers have three rows of seats, while others have two rows, which led to several brands offering multiple models to cater to both sub-segments (for example, theHonda Pilot three row crossover and its two row derivative, theHonda Passport). In Australia, American mid-sized crossovers are classified as large SUVs.[citation needed]
The first mid-size crossovers included theToyota Highlander andPontiac Aztek, both introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year.[citation needed]
The segment is most popular in North America and China, where larger vehicles are preferred. It makes up 15.8% of the total United States car market.[76] In Europe, the segment covers 2.1% of the total market in 2019 with luxury crossover SUVs dominating most of the share.[77]
The Toyota Highlander/Kluger was the best-selling vehicle in the category in 2018, with 387,869 sold worldwide.[78]
Full-size crossover SUVs are the largest crossovers and offer exclusively three row seating. The first full-size crossovers included theFord Freestyle,GMC Acadia,Saturn Outlook, and theBuick Enclave, with older full-size SUVs being built mostly above a body-on-frame chassis. The full-size crossover SUV class is sometimes considered to include the three-row mid-size crossover class, as in the case of theJeep Grand Cherokee L.[79]
Full-size crossover SUVs are not necessarily based onfull-size cars, even if an automaker still has a full-size passenger car in their lineup. For instance theMercedes-Benz GLS shares its architecture with the mid-sizeMercedes-Benz GLE and not the full-sizeMercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, even though the GLS is marketed as the crossover SUV counterpart to the S-Class.
.jpg)
While three-door body-on-frame SUVs are not uncommon, crossover SUVs with three doors (including the tailgate door) are less prevalent. The decline of two or three-door vehicles, in general, has led to the decline of this category.[80][81][82]
Crossover SUVs with a sloping rear roofline may be marketed as a "coupe crossover SUV" or "coupe SUV". Although the term "coupe" itself is supposed to refer to a passenger car with a sloping or truncated rear roofline and usually two doors (although some manufacturers have created a four-door coupé), most coupé crossover SUVs are equipped with five doors.[83] The sloping roofline is designed to offer a styling advantage over its standard crossover counterpart, although others suggest that this is less attractive.[84][85] The body style has attracted criticism as being more expensive and less practical than normal crossovers.[86] TheBMW X6 is credited to be the first coupe crossover.[87]
.jpg)
The first crossoverconvertible was theAMC Eagle marketed by AMC dealers during the 1981 and 1982 model years as the Sundancer, a factory-authorized conversion of the all-wheel-drive two-door sedans.[88][89][90]
Several convertible crossover SUVs have entered mass production, including the Toyota RAV4 convertible. Released in North America in the 1998 model year, it was offered through the 1999 model year.[91][92] Other examples include theNissan Murano CrossCabriolet,Range Rover Evoque Convertible, andVolkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet.[93]
This category was heavily criticized by journalists, enthusiasts, and analysts for numerous reasons, such as its design and high price tag.[94][95] Some also questioned its purpose, as the practicality that crossovers usually have did not carryover to the convertible version, since it could only have two doors and little luggage space.[96][97]
Many manufacturers have capitalized on 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 a black plasticwheel arch extension kit, body cladding,skid plates, and roof rails. Due to their raised ground clearance, these vehicles may then be marketed as more capable off-road. Some of them may also be equipped with an all-wheel-drive. This strategy has been used by manufacturers to move models upmarket or to help fill an absence in a crossover SUV segment. These vehicles have been described as pseudo-crossovers.[98][99]
Many manufacturers have released "off-road" versions of station wagons, with larger cargo space and greater practicality,[100][101] that are marketed as more capable in soft off-road or all-weather situations due to their raised ground clearance,[102] making them a "crossover" between a station wagon and an SUV. In North America, some manufacturers sell station wagons with crossover styling due to the former's unpopularity,[103] theSubaru Outback being the most popular model.[104]
An early model of off-road-styled station wagons was theSubaru Legacy Outback (later Outback) in 1994. At the time, Subaru was absent in the growing SUV segment. Lacking the finances to design a ground-up SUV, Subaru added a two-tone paint scheme, body cladding, and a suspension lift to theLegacy wagon. It was marketed as a capable and more efficient alternative to larger truck-based SUVs.[105] Another example is theVolvo V70 XC (also called V70 Cross Country), first introduced in 1999.[106][107] In 2002, the model was renamed the XC70. Audi has been makingAllroad versions of their station wagons since 1999.[108] TheVolkswagen Alltrack andŠkoda Scout are equivalent variants.
The crossover-styled variant ofhatchbacks orcity cars with the same body was introduced either as a substitute for or a complement to the subcompact crossover SUV. Most crossover-styled hatchbacks do not have all-wheel-drive. Forerunners of the SUV-themed hatchback are the 1983Fiat Panda 4x4, the 1994Outback Sport, the 1996Toyota Starlet Remix, and the 2003Rover Streetwise. TheVolkswagen Golf Country, a conversion by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, was also sold between 1990 and 1991, and was offered with part-time four-wheel drive and off-road exterior cladding.[109][110] In the 2000s, theVolkswagen CrossPolo started the modern crossover-style hatchback trend and was marketed as an SUV-like "lifestyle" vehicle.[111] TheDacia/Renault Sandero Stepway, the crossover-style version of the Sandero launched in 2009, is an example of a well-received crossover-style hatchback, making up 65% of Sandero sales.[112][113]
One of the first MPVs with a crossover-style variant was theRenault Scénic RX4, introduced in 2000. It featured a lifted ride height, rugged body cladding, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and optional part-time four-wheel-drive.[114] Another example is theVolkswagen CrossTouran, launched in 2006 as a lifted version of the Touran and marketed as a "lifestyle" vehicle.[115] Apart from crossover-style variants equipped with exterior accessories, due to the increasing crossover market shares, many manufacturers began developing MPVs from the ground up with crossover characteristics – and often marketed them either purely as an MPV or as a "crossover MPV" – such as the 5th generation ofRenault Espace.
)_(3).jpg)
The innovative unibody all-wheel drive AMC Eagle was available in two- and four-door sedan versions when introduced in 1979.[116][117]
Some examples of sedans with crossover characteristics are theSubaru Legacy SUS (short for "Sport Utility Sedan"),[118]Volvo S60 Cross Country,[119]Polestar 2,Toyota Crown Crossover,Citroën C4 X[120] andC3L in China,[121]Renault/Dacia Logan Stepway and theQoros 3 GT.[122]
Since the early 2010s, sales of crossover-type vehicles have been increasing in Europe.[123] By 2017, European sales of compact and mid-sized crossover models continued to surge.[124] 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.[125]
Sales of crossovers increased by 30% between 2003 and 2005.[20] 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".[50] Sales increased in 2007 by 16%.[126] In 2013, theAudi Q5 becameAudi's second best-selling vehicle in the United States market after theAudi A4 sedan.[127] Between the late 1990s and 2012, around half ofLexus's sales came from its SUVs.[128]
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 tostation wagons that were unpopular there. By the early 2000s, American car manufacturers had caught up.[20]
The crossover segment has been the fastest-growing category in China's passenger car market since the early 2010s.[129] From 2011 to 2021, the market share of crossovers in China's passenger vehicle sales surged by nearly 35 percentage points, rising from approximately 13% in 2011 to 47.89% in 2021.[130] A 2017 survey byMintel indicated that Chinese consumers were willing to pay a premium for SUVs, with the median first-time buyer spending RMB 205,000.[131]
By 2023, several crossover models dominated the list of overall best-selling vehicles in China. TheTesla Model Y emerged as the best-selling car across all segments. Other popular crossover models included theBYD Song Plus andYuan Plus, which ranked 4th and 5th respectively, and theHaval H6, which took the 10th spot.[132] In 2023,Land Rover experienced significant growth in the Chinese market. Combined sales of theRange Rover andRange Rover Sport surpassed 25,000 units, representing a 31% year-over-year increase, whilst sales of theLand Rover Discovery grew by 14% year-over-year.[133]
SeeCategory:Crossover sport utility vehicles ( 361 )
Most car-based SUVs and have modest towing capacity.
But the "car-based" SUV models credited with breaking ground...
"Crossover" is now used almost interchangeably with "compact SUV", but some new vehicles are pushing those boundaries.
They can be either wagon- or SUV-like in appearance (although they are not really intended for off-road use)
1980 AMC Eagle, the first full-time all-wheel-drive passenger car to reach mass production.
wordplay on "Dreckspatz" [litter bug]
_%25E2%2580%2593_f_27062021.jpg)
_PHEV_FL_IMG_6648.jpg)
_front_view.jpg)
