Small Crossover SUVs

An Introduction to the Small Crossover SUVs
Small Crossover SUVs are also known as Compact SUVs. They are ‘small sport utility vehicles’. They are not to be confused with the ‘mini SUVs’, which are smaller in size. The Subaru Forester is one of the very first Small Crossover SUVs.

Features :

The Small Crossover SUVs are approximately 170 – 185 inches in length.
The bodies of Small Crossover SUVs are conjured into single units with the chassis, rather than a separate ‘body-on-frame’, and thus they have a ‘unibody construction’.
The cars in this category also have ‘off-road’ capabilities, that is, they can be used on unconventional surfaces for recreational purposes.
In some cases, the chassis in Small Crossover SUVs is derived from compact cars or small family cars.
Some of the current Small Crossover SUVs have some features which are similar to Compact MPVs and regular Hatchbacks. Some examples of such cars are –

Dodge Caliber
SEAT Altea
Nissan QuashQai
Chevrolet HHR

Handling – The Small Crossover SUVs are built to cope with rough handling and sudden, evasive maneuvers. High center of gravity, tall tire sidewalls, and long-travel suspensions make the Small Crossover SUVs resistant, stable and responsive.
Economy – The lighter body of Small Crossover SUVs make them more efficient for ‘light-duty all wheel drive’ and even ‘two wheel drive’. As a result, the fuel economy in these cars is better than Station Wagons and Sedans.
Cost – The underlying costs of Small Crossover SUVs are lower, due to ‘light-duty’ components and cheaper building costs.

Some Small Crossover SUVs currently in the market are –

Acura RDX
BMW X3
Citroen C-Crosser
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Hyundai Tucson