Performance
Sedan: These offer a great experience from behind the wheel. They’re lighter and aerodynamic and can navigate the urban environment with ease. They’re made for cities and their tight spaces.
SUV: Most SUVs today are built on the same unibody platforms as cars. They ride, drive, and handle much better than traditional SUVs. Their higher ground clearance may affect their center of gravity and cause body roll, but most drivers don’t notice. Overall, they’re quite similar to cars to drive.
Cargo Space
Sedan: Sedans have a separate lockable trunk for cargo. Some trunks are massive, while others are cramped. But the main point is that all cargo space is limited to the trunk. Sedans also have limited towing abilities.
SUV: SUVs can tow several thousands of pounds behind them with ease. They also have a hatch-type door at the back that allows cargo to be stored vertically, thus enhancing cargo space. Their split/folding rear seats also help double or even triple available cargo space if needed.
Safety
Sedan: Sedans always handle better and are more responsive than SUVs. This allows them to swerve out of dangerous situations easily. Sedans are also usually the first to get all sorts of new safety equipment that then makes its way onto other types of vehicles.
SUV: SUVs are bigger and heavier and are expected to weather crashes better than sedans. Their higher seating position also lets drivers see far ahead and prepare accordingly. Like sedans, SUVs today also come packed with several stability controls and safety features.
Value
Sedan: Sedans are more affordable because they’re cheaper to make. They’re also cheaper to insure. They’re also lighter and have turbocharged engines that are very fuel-efficient. Some even have hybrid versions that offer 50 miles per gallon.
SUV: They’re big, more expensive to make, and cost more to buy, insure, and maintain. This is even more true for SUVs with four-wheel drive. And SUVs can’t even begin to dream about matching fuel-efficiency figures with sedans.
Comfort
Sedan: They’re lower to the ground, making ingress and egress easy. Their suspension is tuned for comfort.
SUV: High ground clearance can make it difficult to get in and out. There’s more space for everyone.
