Crossovers, the task of which is simply to transport the owner around the city, have become quite popular all over the world. But the army of fans of real off-road equipment is not getting smaller. This is especially true for those countries where the weather often turns a trip into a real test for the car and its owner.
Snow, ice, mud, puddles - all this gets in the way of the car. And it depends on its characteristics whether you can get where you need to in time.
Of course, a fancy 4x4 jeep capable of pulling a trailer of firewood across the tundra is an excess for urban conditions. But if you need to travel out of town, and before that you passed heavy rain, it is better that your car is able to overcome obstacles. Because, if you are not a member of a tank crew, in some places you can simply not drive and not pass.
Power and cross-country ability are not always synonymous for a jeep. For example, monsters from Brabus with an 800 hp engine. and accelerating in 4 seconds to hundreds of km / h, can get stuck in the middle of the road, despite all the promises of the creators.
More than once the best SUVs turned out to be all-wheel drive serial pickups different manufacturers. But if we talk specifically about the standard body of the "jeep", then it is worth mentioning the Range Rover Sport- our .
What should be a good and reliable SUV?
Of course, he must have a powerful and revving engine, which will pull out of all sorts of unpleasant situations. Jeeps are available with petrol and diesel units various types.
The second component is the suspension. The most reliable are usually cars with dependent suspension. They handle loads better, but here's a big one ground clearance difficult.
If you choose a car with independent suspension, then you should understand that sooner or later you will begin to feel certain problems. Still, the vitality of this part of your car is of key importance.
Tire selection can be a key factor. An incorrectly selected set nullifies all the efforts of designers and engineers. The car will simply slip, forcing you to curse the manufacturer and the day you bought the car. Although the fault is not the vehicle at all, but the tire treads.
Keep in mind that many tires that are good for mud wear out quickly on the track. Because you have to have a set of tires. If under it, of course, there is a place.
Of course, we are now referring to off-road equipment. Because even the most best crossover, type, was originally intended not to actively knead the dirt.
You need to clearly understand that each car has its own purpose. If Lada 4×4 was created for off-road, then some more modern Chevrolet Niva is unlikely to be able to do the same.
On average, the ground clearance of an SUV should be at least 19-22 cm. For the Niva, it is 22 cm, which is quite consistent with the needs of the owners. Shnivy can have up to 24, but power is often not enough to get out of the traps that domestic nature sets. Clearance of 22 cm is a very common figure. Such ground clearance even has Land cruiser. However, some modifications boast 31.5 cm.
The angles of entry and exit are also important. It depends on them how capable the car is of climbing a slope, or descending from a steep barrier, without damaging anything at the same time.
For an SUV, locking wheel differentials is also important. This allows off-road to evenly distribute the torque to all wheels, which gives advantages in the most difficult areas.
Some modern SUVs, like the Jeep Wrangler, retain the best of their historical ancestors. They are able to ford the river, feel good not in the snow and sand. This small all-wheel drive jeep, despite compact dimensions is capable of a lot. The car is very charismatic. He is masculine, powerful, with character. Reminds me of a character from old cowboy movies who traditionally goes off into the sunset after defeating all enemies.
Currently produced Wrangler modification JK. The first such machine was produced in 2007. Since then, the car has gained considerable popularity. There are police cars various services, beach versions and much more.
SUVs
The best SUV combines the possibilities family station wagon, the convenience of a coupe and the power of a jeep under the hood. It usually doesn't cost that much. That is why these machines have become so popular.
- RAV4 is one of the veterans in model range Japanese company Toyota. good performance and nice interior even in the base. This miracle of Japanese technology costs an average of up to a million - in the database. And more advanced options are more expensive.
- For about the same money, you can buy a successful "Korean" Hyundai IX 35. The version with a powerful diesel is somewhat more expensive.
- Almost a jeep - this is how you can characterize the new Suzuki Grand Vitara. After all, he has 20 cm of ground clearance, differential lock, downshift and permanent four-wheel drive. However, throwing it into rural off-road is not worth it. This is at risk of getting stuck. After that, you have to do two things - find tractor drivers and persuade them to help you.
- Volkswagen Tiguan is not the last among its kind. Yes, and our list is very conditional and is not a rating. The car for 1.2 million rubles is very easy to operate.
Very interesting video fell into our hands. It tests the patency of various foreign SUVs. You may also be interested in:
Today's car market is fundamentally different from what it was at the end of the last century. It was clear to everyone what type of car was in front of them:
- SUV- for lovers of hunting and fishing, able to overcome any puddles and bumps.
- Sedan- for city people who enjoy life and do not even think about going to rough terrain.
- station wagon- for avid summer residents who pull seedlings from the city to their plots all spring, and in autumn finished products for seaming.
- Cabriolet- for pretentious and rich people who know how to enjoy life.
But time passes and everything changes. Car manufacturers began to produce SUVs for the city, sedans with a combined interior, etc. In general, automotive selection does not stand still. Manufacturers strive to create a car for everyone, if only to increase the number of sales. Naturally, each new type body has its own unique name. And today, I would like to consider two types of cars that lovers of large and spacious vehicles liked - this is a SUV and a crossover.
SUV
Great option for family people who dream of an SUV. Large, spacious and comfortable. It looks like a "jeep", but on the roads behind the wheel of such a car you should not meddle.
The supporting structure of the SUV is the body. The ground clearance of this class of car is practically no different from conventional station wagons and hatchbacks. It is increased by 1-3 cm, most often due to the diameter of the wheels installed on the SUV. Thanks to such a landing, not only people with short stature, but also children without assistance will easily get into the car.
The suspension of SUVs, as well as other components, is not much different from ordinary cars. Reinforced components, in these machines, are installed only because the weight of vehicles of this type is somewhat larger than cars. Otherwise, no difference. Adaptive suspension, variable damping and ride height control. All this just for comfortable ride on good roads.
In most SUV models no all wheel drive, only occasionally you can find options equipped with a similar function, but it is a purely commercial move in them. There is no need to talk about any off-road properties, such a transmission, on cars of this class, because once outside the paved road, SUVs will get stuck in the same place as a simple passenger car.
crossover
The opinion about the origin of this model causes controversy among various motorists. Some say it's improved a car with increased permeability, while others, on the contrary, believe that this is a degraded SUV.
In fact, a crossover is a car designed on the base passenger platform . load-bearing part given vehicle, is the body. Most often they have a mono-drive, there are also models that have full-drive versions in their line. However, as a rule, all four wheels come into operation automatically when the car starts to slip.
In richer car trim levels, there is a manual connection function all-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive. The 4WD of these vehicles is designed to improve stability and handling in winter conditions(overcoming yard snowdrifts and minor irregularities), as well as to increase patency on shallow off-road. But on crossovers, the transfer case option is not provided, which would make it possible to use low gears in heavy road conditions. From cars this type is distinguished by an impressive appearance, relatively high ground clearance (from 15 to 25 cm) and increased cross-country ability.
The suspension of crossovers is vaguely reminiscent of the suspension of SUVs. It can be in the form of an independent or semi-independent suspension, however, the levers have less travel than SUVs.
Crossovers or CUVs ( crossover Utility vehicle)
models can be safely described in this way - station wagons that look like SUVs, but at the same time behave on the road like cars that have cross-country ability, out of urban conditions.
Modern marketers are positioning crossovers as an alternative to a conventional passenger car, designed for city driving and having a solid business style, as well as an impressive look.
Conclusion
Crossovers and SUVs modern roads are becoming more and more popular. In terms of cost, they do not differ much from cars, but the appearance definitely gives the owner solidity. Also, each model is designed taking into account the needs of all potential owners of "jeeps". So the SUV was created for a calm and measured life in a large and loving family. Its purpose is replace spineless minivans on city roads. The dimensions of the crossover will allow you to easily place on back seat three children in special seats, and most comfortably sit behind the wheel.
Crossovers will appeal to people who thirsty for adventure, like to go to the gravel field and to the forest for mushrooms, but at the same time they are forced to go to work in the office and go to long trips. Crossovers have increased cross-country ability, while creating an excellent level of comfort when driving on small off-road, and on flat roads behave like cars. The crossover is a compromise between an SUV and a passenger car that impresses with its impressive appearance and ease of control.
Today, many motorists confuse the concepts of an SUV and a crossover. Often people buy a car without knowing or understanding its real purpose. But first of all, before buying, you should decide on the terminology. What is an SUV, and what is a crossover?
SUV, all-terrain vehicle or jeep - vehicles designed for operation in severe off-road conditions and on asphalt, while off-road is considered a priority. Outstanding representatives off-road class are Land Rover Defender, Nissan Patrol, UAZ, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Crossovers or SUVs are, in fact, cars with high ground clearance and all-wheel drive. The purpose of such machines is the usual daily operation in the city or outside the city with periodic trips to nature, to picnics. In addition, such cars are well suited for the role of family. This class includes, for example, VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe.
The main criteria by which these two classes can be distinguished from each other are related to technical side, namely, the body structure, chassis and suspension.
Body
A real SUV has frame structure body, when all components and assemblies of the machine are installed on some basis - the frame. The body structure of the SUV is load-bearing. At the same time, to improve handling and maintain "light behavior" on the road, the crossover body has a high torsional rigidity.
Chassis
The main features of jeeps are forcibly connected bridges or permanent four-wheel drive. IN transfer box two gears are required - direct and downshift, designed for movement in especially difficult conditions. In addition, to increase the cross-country ability, the car must have cross-axle differentials with forced locks.
Crossovers have a much simpler design. Permanent all-wheel drive and low gear No. Under normal conditions, the car is mono-drive, and all-wheel drive is connected when the wheels slip. Very often, the four-wheel drive is an imitation with the help of special multi-plate viscous friction clutches controlled by a computer. In this case, they perform the functions and center differential.
Suspension
feature modern SUVs is a dependent suspension scheme, which contributes to increased cross-country ability, is more reliable, but at the same time, ride comfort is significantly reduced. Some jeeps also use hybrid suspensions, which are a combination of dependent and independent suspension. In any case, it should be long-stroke, energy-intensive, with large margins of safety for all components and parts included in its design.
SUV suspension - independent. Its settings are made in such a way that while driving, the crossover does not differ much from passenger cars with its behavior, comfort and handling. The margin of safety of such a suspension is much less than that of jeeps, respectively, by long-term operation outside the asphalt, they are not calculated.
wheels
The wheels of off-road vehicles are necessarily large in diameter with a high sidewall. Diameter approximately 30 inches. On SUVs, especially if the movement is carried out only on asphalt, low-profile wheels can be installed.
Geometric patency
This is very important criterion, which distinguishes SUVs and crossovers, since it is he who determines the ability of the car to overcome various road obstacles. On SUVs, cross-country ability is associated with minimal overhangs of the front and rear of the car, which increases the angles of entry / exit while climbing; in addition, gauge and wheelbase machine, which allows you to hang one of the wheels when overcoming large irregularities.
Passage of crossovers is limited. The front and rear overhangs are quite large. Actually, when designing such cars, questions of style and style come to the fore. appearance cars, not its cross-country performance.
The cost of a real SUV is much higher than a crossover. Therefore, when choosing a car, you need to carefully weigh everything and think about the appropriateness of the purchase. Jeeps are often bought just to confirm their financial position and status, while never fully using the potential of the machine.
Most future car owners are confused about the difference between a crossover and an SUV. The reason for this is some external and constructive similarities. In practice, these are two completely different types vehicles intended for various conditions movement. Let's look at the differences between a crossover and an SUV, as well as for which roads both types of cars are suitable.
What is an SUV?
SUVs are vehicles with powerful engines, robust construction and high ground clearance. This transport is often used public services, law enforcement and military.
This category has gained its popularity due to the high cross-country ability not only on dirt road, but also on actual off-road. That is, SUVs quite easily cope with mud, snow, ice, steep slopes and other features of the area.
The main features that characterize the SUV are:
- permanent or hard-wired all-wheel drive;
- gasoline or diesel engine;
- one-piece frame at the base of the body, made of durable materials;
- Gearbox with a number of low gears;
- the possibility of blocking differentials;
- wheel diameter from 30 inches;
- high ground clearance (from 20 cm and above).
Also, the features include the geometric forms of transport, which allow SUVs to move in almost all driving conditions.
Reference. During the collapse of the USSR, when the first foreign passenger SUVs, this category began to be called jeeps. This is a common name. Jeep is one of the brands of cars produced by Chrysler.
Most popular cars this classification:
Crossovers and their features
Crossovers quickly gained their popularity, as they have high rates comfort and convenience while traveling. This type cars are designed to move mainly on the roads, and occasionally - on the dirt road. In fact, a crossover is a passenger car with more features. This category is often confused with SUVs due to their large size.
Distinctive features of crossovers:
- Gearbox without low gears;
- all-wheel drive is connected automatically when the drive axle slips or is absent altogether;
- clearance is less than that of SUVs, but more than that of passenger cars;
- almost any type of engine can be installed - gasoline, diesel, hybrid, etc.;
- low profile wheels designed for driving on paved roads.
Although in advertising campaigns, most auto manufacturers claim that crossovers can easily move over rough terrain, in fact, they will lose even to the simplest SUV, since time spent even on a dirt road can greatly affect the car's serviceability. Crossover is the first city car, on which you can sometimes go beyond the asphalt road or move along the highways of our country.
I hope now the difference between a crossover and an SUV is obvious.
Reference. Crossovers are often called SUVs - there are no differences between these terms. When the first crossovers only appeared on the roads, the creators of these cars themselves called them parquet SUVs, that is, a simplified version powerful machines, but for urban conditions.
The most popular SUVs:
Nissan Juke is an aggressive and controversial crossover. On the one hand, it has all the necessary technical specifications, on the other hand, some users complain about the small interior space. 
What to choose: crossover or SUV?
The answer to this question is quite simple and depends on how often you have to leave a normal road. If you live outside the city or have to conquer off-road spaces several times a month, then the choice should be stopped on SUVs. At the same time, it is worth remembering about fuel consumption - jeeps have more of it.
For urban conditions, especially in metropolitan areas, crossovers are ideal. The reason for this is lower fuel consumption, a sufficiently high clearance to overcome potholes on the roads, as well as more high level comfort. And it’s nice to make rare trips out of town to nature on such cars.
Crossovers differ from SUVs in their design. Usually on SUVs there is a frame, in crossovers it is almost always used load-bearing body. But there are other differences besides this. Today we will see how a crossover differs from an SUV, and even more so, how an SUV differs from a crossover. But technologies are developing and recently even SUVs have been made with a monocoque body, and at the same time, they are called SUVs.
- four-wheel drive;
- differential locks;
- downshifts;
- high ground clearance - more than 200 mm.
For example, classic SUVs these are Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Mercedes Gelendvagen and others. But this large SUVs, but here the size may not matter if it concerns cross-country ability, for example, Lada Niva, UAZ Hunter are also SUVs, although in Niva it has a load-bearing body, it still overcomes very difficult sections well.
What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV
The main difference between a crossover and an SUV is that the patency of a crossover is significantly inferior to an SUV. Crossovers have less ground clearance, and four-wheel drive is not always available, there are no frames, the angle of entry and exit does not allow driving on very steep hills. Here are the main distinctive features crossover:
- he will not be able to drive on real off-road, his environment is driving on roads;
- instead of locking differentials, there is an imitation or an electronic transfer case.
Crossovers are designed to drive around the city, but sometimes they can drive on light rough, dirt roads, and crossovers will get stuck in normal mud. But a lot depends on the tires. Classic crossovers - and X6, Honda SR-B, Toyota Highlander and others.
What is a SUV and how does it differ from a crossover
The SUV is like a jeep in appearance, similar to a crossover, but off-road qualities he is even lower. In general, the SUV is an urban mini crossover. Here are the main features of the SUV:
- there is no all-wheel drive, but in top trim levels it can be;
- ground clearance is even lower than that of a crossover, but more than that of a sedan;
- the rims are larger than those of a sedan or hatchback.
Classic SUVs are: kia soul, Renault Sendero Stepway, Mercedes GLA and others. Although they are sold as crossovers, in reality their cross-country ability is the same as that of a sedan or hatchback. But SUVs still sell well in Russia, because locals love jeeps, but there is really no need for a real SUV, since you need to go to the country just for potatoes, and SUVs are great for this purpose, especially since luggage compartment he's got a pretty big one. In addition, the prices for SUVs are much lower than for crossovers and SUVs.
Conclusion
In general, it all depends on the goals of the motorist, if he needs a car for off-road driving, for rides, to shoot it all on video and put it on YouTube, and also if such a person often goes fishing or hunting to new unexplored places, then definitely you need to take an SUV like Gelendvagen, Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero and others. If the goals are not so global, you often drive around the city, but still want to go fishing, then you need to look at crossovers like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, Rav 4, X-Trail or something like that.
Of course, a lot depends on taste, many do not like small cars, for example, there are people who only drive around the city, but buy an SUV. Well, it usually makes sense to buy SUVs for women as the first car in order to train properly on it, to feel the car. By the way, before buying, it is advisable to take test drives in order to understand which car you like to drive more, and also measure it with your income.
