Let me guess. You’re newly married, and on a tight budget so every decision must be thoroughly thought through and you can’t afford to make one bad purchase.
You’ve considered your family’s going to become larger soon, but not sure if it’ll be worth it to go above your budget (and possibly be broke for a couple months) on a vehicle just because you had a hunch.
If I’m right, a lot of people have been in your shoes, and this article is a cumulation of all their experiences boiled down to the topic. And you’re going to get your answer.
The Basic Features
Sedans are traditional passenger cars with a 3-box design. They’ve got separate compartments for the engine, passengers, and cargo. Pretty famous for their sleek design, low center of gravity, fuel and cost efficiency, as well as their smooth handling.
SUVs on the other hand are Sport Utility Vehicles. They’re more robust vehicles designed for both passenger comfort and hauling a variety of cargo. Unlike sedans, they offer higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive options, and a much more spacious anterior.
Now, let’s get into their significant differences.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost
Fuel efficiency, the ability of a vehicle to effectively convert the energy stored in fuel for movement, is one factor every car owner must consider. Especially if you don’t have a trust fund lying around.
The lighter materials build and aerodynamic design of sedans make them the obvious choice if this is your priority. Both features contribute to better gas mileage, which can lead to significant savings over time. And maintenance costs for these kinds of cars are usually lower because their parts and repairs tend to be less expensive. That means overall cost efficiency too.
On the other hand, SUVs have much larger engines and heavier builds, which tend to consume more fuel. Though, you should know that there’s new technology out that equips new models with fuel-efficient techniques. So even if you’d be getting a vehicle with somewhat fuel efficiency, you’d still have to incur high maintenance and repair costs.
Better Driving Experience
It’s the general consensus that sedans offer a more engaging driving experience than SUVs. Their low center of gravity enhances handling and stability, making them ideal for people that enjoy driving. Their build provides a smoother ride on well-paved roads (not so much roads with potholes) and are easier to maneuver in traffic, as well as fit into tiny parking spaces.
Don’t count SUVs out just yet though. These cars are excellent for visibility while driving thanks to their higher seating arrangement. You’d be very grateful sitting in one when there’s heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Their higher ground clearance beats sedans as they can handle rough roads, potholes, and other deviating road conditions with ease.
Space and Utility
This is the feature that newly wed couples care about the most. “Which car should I get if I’m starting a family?” “Is a sedan good for a family of 3 kids?”
The answer is quite simple. If you frequently travel with a family (of more than 5), you may want to pick the SUV. Same thing goes if you often transport bulky items. The extra space and flexibility of the SUV cannot be matched by the Sedan.
For sedans, while they are perfect for commuting daily and small trips with a handful of people, they are not great for carrying cargo. Their trunk space is limited compared to the SUV, and they don’t have the luxury of folding the rear seats to create a large, flat cargo area like SUVs. They’re not just built for that. Though there’s still a lot of room to comfortably seat five passengers.
Safety and Accessibility
You have to consider the safety a vehicle can provide when deciding whether to buy. It is crucial.
Generally, sedans perform well in crash tests thanks to their sleek design and lower center of gravity, which reduces the risk of rollovers in accidents (unlike SUVs with their heavy builds and high ground clearance). Sedans also offer much better handling, which means they can adapt in emergency situations.
While SUVs are notorious for being more susceptible to rollovers, they are equipped with new advanced safety features like all-wheel drive (which enhances stability), and multiple airbags. Their high positioning means drivers get better road visibility, whis would put them at an advantage in busy traffic.
In terms of accessibility, sedans really do not care about tall or uniquely-abled persons. Their low center of gravity makes it challenging for either group to enter or exit. Though that’s no problem for most people. This is where SUVs shine again.
Conclusion
The decision should be quite simple now. What aspects of their respective advantages do you relate to more? If it’s fuel efficiency, better handling, lower maintenance costs, and accessibility, then go for a sedan car. But if you want higher visibility, and much more space for friends, family and cargo, then the SUV would really be your best friend.
