SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle) are influencing the automobile sector, both in terms of features, versatility, and popularity. And no doubt that SUVs are comfortable vehicles with a blend of truck-based-platform along with all the cozy features of a car. The increasing sales graph of SUVs makes it a very apparent option to choose out of many other car models and types. However, the real problem arises when it comes to choosing between different segments of SUVs themselves. Eliminating other options from the race, the two champions are Compact SUV and Midsize SUV. And that’s the reason we are here to offer more information about mid-size and compact SUVs to help you figure out the best alternative.
Compact SUV or Midsize SUV? -- A Tough Choice To Make!
Buying an SUV is a tough choice. You have to make up your mind on several things, say, which brand it would be, its color, aftersale services you will get, and many such things. One of the toughest choices is to find out the size of the SUV. The decision depends on an individual as per his needs, family size, and the features required. Here we are portraying a clear comparison between compact SUVs and midsize SUVs.
Factors That A Compact SUV Enjoys Over Normal Car
Factors like mileage, space, and handling make a difference when it comes to choosing between the two sizes of SUVs. Before you give your vote to any of the two, you must be informed about the following factors.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of a compact SUV is more than a regular car. However, it is less than a full-size SUV. So far the maximum storage capacity is provided by CR-V which is 39.2 cubic feet. Toyota RAV 4 and Ford Escape are a few others in the race providing 37.6 and 37.5 cubic feet respectively. Furthermore, SUV provides the facility to fold down the rear seats to create some extra space.
Mileage
Consumption of gas, petrol or diesel is the global issue today and you would surely go for the one that consumes less. Irrespective of other benefits of having a full-sized SUV, Compact SUV is advantageous over a full-sized one in terms of consumption. Honda CV R and Honda Pilot are exemplary in the compact SUV class. The former gives 25 and 31 mpg per city and highway driving and the latter gives 19 and 26 respectively.
Road View
This is one of the very apparent differences between a normal car and a compact SUV. A driver in a compact SUV gets a very broader and clear view of the road unlike in a regular car. In an SUV, the driver enjoys a better position and excellent grip due to high ground clearance. It, therefore, makes it very convenient to drive through rocky surfaces. Higher position if the driver makes him feel confident and authoritative which results in appealing driving.
Difference Between Compact SUV And Mid Size SUV.
Following are the major differences between Compact SUVs and Mid Size SUVs. You can find more information about mid-size and compact SUVs here.
Size & Engine
A very apparent and understood difference between the two segments of SUVs is their size. As the name suggests, compact SUVs are relatively smaller in size than Mid Size SUVs. A midsize SUV is heavier than a compact one. Since Midsize SUVs are larger, they offer more cargo and cabin area.
Plus, it also has a powerful engine with a higher towing capacity. The minimal engine specification of a mid-size SUV is a turbo four-cylinder engine. On the contrary, compact size SUVs are having engines with relatively lesser off-road capabilities.
Seating & Cabin Space
If you need more seats in your car, you should go with the Mid Size SUV which always has a third row. Usually, in a compact SUV, you may find only two rows that can accommodate 4 persons comfortably and 5 hardly (If that 5th one is not a chubby adult).
In some compact designed SUVs, you may also find the third row but that could be good enough for kids and babies. The space for legroom and headroom is negligible in the rear seats. So, even if the small SUV provides the 3rd row, it is of not much use.
Towing Capacity
Compact SUVs are lacking behind in terms of towing and off-road capacity. 1500 pounds is the maximum that any compact SUV can tow (considering the models so far launched). Buick Envision is the only compact SUV so far that tows this weight. It is evident that Midsize SUVs tow higher weight. However, if towing is the purpose of buying an SUV, then one should go with the standard SUV. When it comes to driving on uneven roads, rocky terrains, and snow-filled areas, the Midsize SUV wins the battle again.
Riding And Handling
The designs of both the SUVs in question are different. Compact SUV follows unibody structure, on the other hand, Midsize SUV adopts body-on-frame design. Unibody design combines the body and frame into one while in the other design both are different components. Designing components of SUVs affect their handling. The on-road handling of a Compact SUV is better than a mid-size one.
Fuel Consumption
The increasing fuel prices are alarming and indicate that it’s high time to make our vehicles fuel-efficient. In the automobile sector, the simple thumb rule is smaller the vehicle the less fuel it consumes. The same applies here also. A compact SUV is fuel-efficient and saves up to 25% fuel in comparison to a Midsize SUV. So, if you are a frequent traveler or going to use the SUV for long distances often, a compact SUV would be our recommended option for you.
Pricing
This should be, in fact, our topmost factor because all the other factors are affected by pricing. It is a universal fact that the higher you Pay, the more features you get. The same is the case here. Compact SUV comes at a lesser price and so the features are also limited. However, in terms of fuel efficiency and handling, a compact SUV is the best. Midsize SUV costs a bit more but it would be worth paying if you need a spacious vehicle with higher towing capacity.
