What is an SUV?

Many, when purchasing an SUV or crossover, cannot distinguish between these two terms and, as a conclusion, they cannot understand the true purpose of a particular model.

The crossover is a special, standalone SUV model. The main differences between the two vehicles lie in the technical and structural characteristics, the fuel used, and the scope of these models.

An off-road vehicle, it is also an off-road vehicle, the main task of which is to use it on any roads, mainly off-road, that is, those areas where there is very heavy cross-country ability. Of course, it can be used on urban roads, but its advantage is operation in more severe road conditions, such as sand, snowdrifts, fields and similar surfaces.

The crossover is a kind of mixture of a car and an SUV. Priority in use is given to ordinary city driving. Also, many crossover models are of the family type. This car is convenient to operate outside the city, for example, a family vacation in nature.

History

The Lohner Porshe, created by Fredinard Porsche in 1900 with independent suspension on all four wheels, is considered the progenitor of SUVs.

On the eve of the Second World War, the American army needed powerful vehicles with a well-increased mass production cross-country ability. This is how the Ford GP was created by Willys and Ford. The abbreviation GP nicknamed the car "Jeep", which gave such a name to all subsequent vehicles of this type. A little later, a civilian type model was developed.

The legendary "Jeep" became the basis for the production of all SUVs by other auto companies.

The term "SUV" appeared in the 90s to avoid problems with the Chrysler Corporation, which owns the Jeep trademark.

What is an SUV: definition

An off-road vehicle is a four-wheel drive off-road car used for operation on roads of all levels, as well as off-road. The characteristic features of a cross-country vehicle are ground clearance, four-wheel drive equipment and a low gear range. Due to the considerable distance between the supporting surface, ground clearance and large wheels, the SUV is able to easily overcome difficult surfaces.

This type of car is characterized by the convenience and spaciousness of the cabin, economy and, most importantly, off-road patency.

Трансмиссия

The transmission is a fundamental element of the overall powertrain chain.

For SUVs and crossovers, there are the following types of transmissions:

1. All-wheel drive on an ongoing basis. The principle of this type is to transfer the torque from the engine to the car's axle shafts, that is, the simultaneous transmission to all wheels.

2. Connection of all-wheel drive with automatic type. This type of drive is connected automatically when one of the driving wheels is slipping. Cars with this type of drive are best suited for operation on uncleaned winter and sandy roads.

3. Connecting all-wheel drive with mechanical type. The only type in which there is no center differential, which in turn makes this type simple and inexpensive to implement. This type of drive is not designed for permanent use, but only in off-road conditions.

Chassis

The undercarriage is one of the important mechanisms of the machine. It is on the suspension that both the cross-country ability and the carrying capacity of the car depend.

There are several types of undercarriage:

1.With dependent front and rear suspension. The main principle of this suspension lies in the dependence of the movement of all wheels from each other, since the wheels are parallel to each other and have a rigid connection with each other.

2. With independent suspension of all wheels. A characteristic feature is the independence of each wheel, which is equipped with its own fastening system. In contrast to the dependent suspension - in this wheel axle is simply absent.

Body

This SUVs have a fairly extensive body variation. For all types of bodies, some similarities will be inherent, for example, in the large diameter of the wheels, high ground clearance, equipment with a powerful engine, and so on.

The first non-experimental models of off-road vehicles were presented in the convertible body. The boat-like body is made of metal with no sidewalls. This type was mainly in demand in the army. The civilian model was made with a tarpaulin convertible top. Over time, the tarpaulin was replaced by plastic, but these models are practically not exported to the market.

An alternative to a convertible can be considered an SUV with a body, okay, characterized by a semi-openness. On many models, the rear superstructure was both foldable and removable.

The station wagon body is considered the most “universal” based on its value. Most off-road vehicles are designed in five-door station wagon bodies. This body is characterized by a spacious interior, more “high ceilings”. Some cars have a third row of seats located in the luggage compartment.

Coupé SUVs are produced much less frequently than other SUVs with a different body type. This body is characterized primarily by a smaller luggage compartment and limited space in the rear seat.

A small number of SUVs are presented in the form of minivans. This type combines the features of comfort and cross-country ability. The number of such minivans is limited and mostly used in military and research fields.

At this stage, all SUVs can be divided into two groups:

1.With frame body. The frame body was used to create the first cars and this design is still used today. The main advantage is the carrying capacity of the vehicle. The base of the structure is a heavy metal frame on which the body and chassis are superimposed.

2. With a monocoque body, which replaced the frame one and is a more modern option. Cars with this type of body are not so heavy due to the very design of their low weight and sufficient rigidity.

Types and types of SUVs

Since an SUV is a cross-country vehicle, it has many different types, which should include not only cars, but also other cars, in particular military vehicles, up to KAMAZ trucks and dump trucks created for quarry work.

Each SUV will have different types, which will manifest themselves in the following moments:

1. Type of power unit. For example, a diesel engine is considered to be much more powerful and more profitable than a gasoline engine, which has high fuel consumption and reduced engine performance.

2. Types of different suspensions. Each vehicle has a different suspension, which has a big impact on its flotation.

3. Drive. Most SUVs are equipped with four-wheel drive, but there is also a shift drive, which allows you to create a transition from four-wheel drive to front or rear.

4. The spaciousness of the cabin and the number of passenger seats.

Coupe

Coupé SUVs are mainly available in mid to full size variants. In this type, all the standard characteristics characteristic of an off-road vehicle are mixed up: high ground clearance, four-wheel drive, engine power and massive wheels. The chassis of these models classifies them as urban class cars than off-road vehicles that are ready for off-road testing.

Average

Medium-sized SUVs are in great demand based on the ratio of quality and price. This type is the best option: it is characterized by a spacious roomy interior and an impressive size on the one hand, handling and economy associated with fuel consumption on the other.

Heavy

Heavy SUVs significantly dominate the weight of passenger cars. Heavy SUVs have a strong, massive look. Technical characteristics correspond to the name itself: high power and engine displacement and, accordingly, high consumption. Due to the huge size, weight and technical characteristics, these machines have excellent performance in operation in difficult off-road conditions.

Frame

The frame structure has not undergone much change since the production of the first cars. The essence of the work is clear: the main element is the frame on top of which the body is installed, and the axles are fixed from below. The frame structure allows you to increase the carrying capacity of the SUV and thereby withstand heavy loads.

How crossovers differ from SUVs

The answer to this question will be ambiguous. First of all, it should be noted that the crossover is a kind of SUV. These two models have almost the same external characteristics, the difference is only in the design designs, as well as the same all-wheel drive, high ground clearance and high seating position.

The main distribution features lie in the car body: the crossover is characterized by a frameless design, and the SUV has a heavier body structure with a more powerful base, as evidenced by its heavier weight.

A significant role is played by the wheels of a car, namely tires. As a rule, thinner tires are put on crossovers, and tires of a harder and more embossed type are put on SUVs.

SUVs are equipped with wheel suspension, which is characterized by synchronization in changing wheel positions due to a common axle, while crossovers have wheels independent of each other.

The most important criterion is the question of the passability of the car. If the SUV is designed only for difficult terrain and off-road, then the crossover has two functions: first of all, it is designed for ordinary city roads, and secondly for off-road. Only the SUV has many different types, from mining dump trucks to military vehicles, the crossover is more intended for road travel and suburban trips.

Popular SUV models and brands

The world market is replenished with new models every year, but there are not only new cars that have gained popularity among buyers. The SUV segment (SUVs and crossovers) is observed by a number of analysts from different countries. Having weighed the decisions of these experts, the demand for cars and other important criteria, we will tell you about the most popular brands and models of SUVs.

Almost 1 million Toyota RAV4 vehicles were purchased over the past year. This premium crossover has won the attention of buyers thanks to its innovative all-wheel drive and a price that is clearly lower than other premium cars. Of course, these are not all the characteristics that have made massive demand. The machine has high technical characteristics, primarily in a high-tech engine with a high compression ratio, which in turn helps to achieve high power. Another innovation is considered to be simultaneously three types of transmission. For maximum comfort, there is a dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a keyless entry system and more. The exterior and interior itself are in a great style that is modern and luxurious. Excellent acceleration dynamics with innovative and technical indicators, the novelty of the style both for the interior and exterior with the provision of comfortable conditions, put the Toyota SUV among the leaders in sales.

Having yielded the leadership to RAV4, the Japanese Honda CR-V is no less popular. Several generations of the SUV have earned tremendous market attention. The car has an ultra-modern design, which is clearly noticeable in the body, headlights, and a long hood. The exterior of the SUV has a sporty appearance, and the interior has its own spaciousness and a number of options created for the convenience of passengers. In addition to external characteristics, the models have good technical data, several versions of powerful engines, all-wheel drive equipment, which together makes the SUV powerful and reliable. 2018 was a real breakthrough for the CR-V, the number of purchases increased to almost 1 million and the car also received 7 awards from renowned industry organizations around the world.

The German Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the leaders in SUVs. This model has several generations, but it was the latter that made it possible to make the Tiguan model the most massive for the car company. In 2019, more than 910 thousand models were sold, and according to this year's estimates, Tiguan has sold more than 6 million since 2007. The second generation of the car has high technical characteristics and equipment features. Each configuration has its own properties, distinctive external characteristics and options for providing comfort. Luxurious and high-quality interior trim is thought out to the smallest detail and allows you to put the Tiguan on a par with more expensive cars. The options inside the cabin are also thought out to the smallest detail, up to seat heating and sockets to provide maximum comfort. Tiguan is equipped with all-wheel drive and a powerful engine. Especially this SUV is smooth when cornering and speed when picking up speed, as well as the car has several driving modes depending on road conditions and weather. Equipped with an innovative system for the presence of sensors in the front of the car, it was created for greater safety, since the car has the ability to maintain a certain speed and stay at the same distance from the car in front.

The Hyundai Tucson crossover has burst into the market noisily and gained popularity. Among the upgraded versions, the 2019 model deserves special attention. The new Tucson has an ultra-stylish design, most notably in the wide grille, bonnet and bumper changes that make it look sporty. The exterior and interior elements are now in the correct color for an elegant look. The cabin is equipped with advanced technologies, and the ergonomics deserve special praise. Technical characteristics stand out no less, in particular a powerful engine and a good transmission. The quality and reliability of the car is on top, and the rather low price attracts buyers.

Auto company Kia Motors has released the Sportage SUV, which has become not only the most popular among the other models of the company, but also gained significant popularity in the world market. Among the produced 4 generations, the last one is considered the most demanded. The striking exterior and modern interior, combined with a proven and powerful engine, made the SUV more attractive and powerful, and the equipment with innovative systems for greater comfort and a clearly lower cost of the car created massive demand.

One of the popular SUVs is the Nissan Qashqai. Released in two generations, the car gained fame even with the release of the first in 2006. The released second generation significantly prevails over the first. The modernized design of the car, the modernity of the interior and the equipment with a more powerful engine have increased the demand in the market. The number of purchases has grown despite a significant increase in the price of the model.