SUVs Vs Sedans: Which One Should You Choose?

SUVs vs Sedans, a discussion that can go on for hours if you make a sedan lover and an SUV enthusiast sit together. While SUVs have been trending for years now, sedans seem to be heading on the road to demise. However, sedans still have their own charm and give you plenty of reasons to buy one.

In this report, we take a closer look at what both body styles offer, and which one might actually suit you and your needs better. We also take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both and clear certain misconceptions regarding the sedans! 

Let’s begin: 

SUV Vs Sedan: Options Available

If you are a carmaker you would obviously want to invest in something that has more demand and end up paying more reward. Similarly, automakers have also been focusing their attention more towards SUVs, introducing new models while updating the current ones. This results in there being more SUV options for a buyer when compared to the number of sedans available. 

Let’s take the most popular segment to understand this better. The C-segment compact SUVs include the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Tata Curvv, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. On the other hand, the C-segment sedans include the likes of the Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Ciaz (which is now discontinued) and the Hyundai Verna. 

As you can see, there are many SUV options for buyers in the Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh budget. It is also important to note that the abovementioned sedan segment is the most popular one, and there are even fewer sedans in other segments when compared to SUVs. 

⁠Are Compact SUVs Really An SUV? 

The answer to that is a bit complicated. While the compact SUVs do offer SUV characteristics like a rugged design, larger wheels, and more ground clearance; there are a few things that stop them from being a true SUV. 

In India, the compact SUV segment in particular has seen a rise, but most hardcore SUV enthusiasts would argue that these SUVs are not the real deal and are like jacked-up hatchbacks in most cases. 

Some might even say that to be a real SUV, there should be a 4x4 on offer, but that is not necessary to give it the SUV tag. What feels disappointing, though, is that most of the compact SUVs are built on monocoque (or unibody) car platforms, which fail to provide the true SUV experience that you would get from a quintessential body-on-frame vehicle. 

Step Inside And…

You will realize that it is easier to get inside an SUV due to the higher floor, and it also offers a better view of what’s inside. If you have older people in your family, ingress and egress will be much more convenient. Moreover, due to the high seating, it also gives a sense of sitting in a bigger car even though it might not really be a bigger car. However, in most cases, sedans are able to offer more legroom and kneeroom due to their longer bodies. Due to their taller stance, SUVs also tend to have more erect seating when compared to sedans. 

In Sedans, you also get more boot space for your luggage. In the compact segment, sedans like the City and Virtus offer around 500 litres of boot space while compact SUVs offer around 400 litres of boot space. 

Sedans Are More Fun-to-drive And Efficient! 

Sedans provide you with a smoother ride and better handling around the corners. The primary reason for this is their lower centre of gravity, aerodynamic silhouette and lighter body (in most cases). SUVs, on the other hand, are not meant to be driven fast, and you would rather enjoy cruising at a constant speed more than giving it the pedal around corners. At higher speeds, sedans feel more planted while SUVs tend to bounce more at higher speeds. 

While the difference might not be huge, sedans are more fuel-efficient than SUVs and we can back that up using a bit of physics and common sense. Sedans are slightly lighter than SUVs and have lower rolling resistance due to the smaller and narrower tyres. Additionally, the aerodynamics support the sedans, as their sleeker profile helps them slice through the air more efficiently. While the difference between their fuel efficiency might not be a lot, it might help you save some bucks in the long run. 

But, Indians Think Otherwise! 

In India, most car buyers want to feel like a boss! SUVs provide that commanding driving position which sedans fail to deliver. Yes, the slightly higher seating position and the SUV stance inspire confidence while driving, but should it be a reason to choose SUVs over sedans? Do let us know your thoughts on the same.

What’s commendable, though, is that in an SUV, you are less worried about potholes or the mighty speedbreakers that we get to encounter on a frequent basis. This takes me to the next top of discussion. 

Ground Clearance 

Honda Accord, Civic and even Volkswagen Jetta or Vento owners might know what it feels like to own a sedan with low ground clearance. Being a Civic owner myself, I would like to say that no, we do not approach speed breakers at a slanted angle to look cool; it is simply the fear of scraping the bottom of the car which makes some sedan owners do that. Supercar owners would relate more to this! However, that is not a problem with modern-day sedans like the Virtus, Slavia or the City. 

Carmakers have significantly increased the ground clearance of sedans, ensuring that the bottom of your car does not touch the speed breaker. However, you will have to go over them at a low speed and take care irrespective of what the ground clearance is. The Virtus and Slavia, for example, provide best-in-class ground clearance of around 180 mm, which is truly commendable. In comparison, SUVs offer 10-20 mm of clearance. 

If you are still buying SUVs only for their ground clearance, then that would not be a very practical thing to do, as sedans clearly offer “enough” ground clearance to take care of speed breakers and potholes. 

Are SUVs Safer? 

Not necessarily, no. The safety of a car is not determined by the body style but instead by plenty of other factors. The most important aspect is the structural rigidity of the vehicle, and how it absorbs the impacts and distributes the forces, diverting them away from the passengers. Furthermore, an enhanced safety suite contributes towards the safety of cars. Instead of thinking about the body style, one should check out the safety features and safety rating of a particular vehicle. 

Which One Is For You? 

If you are someone who has been swayed towards an SUV due to its market popularity, we recommend that you go and check out and drive a sedan from the same segment. Take a long drive and then see what meets beyond the eye. Discover for yourself if a sedan matches your personality and caters to your needs more, or if you need an SUV? 

Both sedans and SUVs have their own charm and possess unique strengths at the same time. If you like to drive enthusiastically, then you can consider opting for a sedan. But, if you are someone who wants more peace of mind over bad roads and a commanding driving position, then an SUV might be the one you should consider. 

We really hope that Indians show more love towards sedans. This will also motivate car brands to bring in more exciting sedans. Imagine Honda bringing the Civic RS or the new Accord to India, or Volkswagen launching the Passat. 

So which one would you pick, Sedan or SUV? Let us know in the comments section.