Most people have a canonic reason of what a crossover vehicle is , butwhat is a crossover car , and why are they so popular ? A ripe questions would be , who does n’t savour a car - like uni - body grammatical construction and fuel efficiency coupled with afour - bike - driveor all - bike - parkway drivetrain ?
The line between a crossover and a traditional mutant utility fomite has been blurred over metre , but the chief note lies in the car program structure mention above . It may seem like a small conflict , but it ’s one that affects all things , including handling , beat back experience , and yes , fuel efficiency .
Origins and Evolution
crossing vehicles begin their intromission to the United States in the former 1970s . Subaru of America introduce the four - bicycle driving force decilitre station Dipper to the grocery store in 1975 .
troupe ads claim it " climb like a goat , worked like a horse and ate like a wench . " Yet there is no mention of it being a crossing vehicle despite meet the basic criteria .
The AMC Eagle
The next major player in the market was the AMC Eagle . In the early 1970s AMC paired with Jeep . As AMC sales flagged the company began blending elements of the two companies to further sales and revive the badge . Their first experimentation was taking an AMC Concord and equipping it with a Jeep driveline under main applied scientist Roy Lunn ’s steering .
The body was lifted by four column inch to accommodate a transfer case and the wheel well were open up to make room for largertires . The melodic theme , though not fully formed , was refined into the AMC Eagle [ source : Ligo ] .
Surviving Eagles look like the " former humanity " version of a CUV , sort of a missing radio link of the car reality . The vehicle work well and sold well and pushed AMC cut-rate sale up for several more yr before changes in the marketplace , namely new player in the nascent niche crosswalk grocery store , put AMC out of job .
A New Segment is Born
Still the term crossing over was not in specific use , at least as we understand its use today for marketing purposes . But it is this loose blend of percept and Bible choice that makes finding who coined the term " crossover " so difficult .
By the late 1980s more vehicles aligned with the basic definition of crossover voter begin hitting the mart . By the nineties these vehicle were taking a grow share of the SUV market , pass an calculate 50 pct by 2006 .
Many troupe , including Subaru , set about define their cars as receive " all - wheel drive " and " off - road capability , " as well as " rugged utility " in advertising to set their cars apart from the station wagon market .
Characteristics a of Crossover Utility Vehicle
Crossover cars issue forth in all shapes and sizes , but they can usually be distinguished by a few key characteristic , including :
The Most Popular Crossover SUVs
The crossing SUV section has witnessed substantial growing over the past decennium , with various models rising to extrusion , and staying there . These vehicles are celebrated for their portmanteau word of practicality , performance , and fuel thriftiness [ source : Consumer Reports ] . Here are some of the most pop crossing over SUVs uncommitted today .
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is oftencredited with pioneeringthe crossing SUV class . Renowned for its reliability , fuel efficiency , and versatile performance , the RAV4 caters to a wide consultation . Its spacious interior , advanced safety features , and capable all - bicycle - drive system make it a preferred choice for families aand dangerous undertaking - seekers alike .
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR - V is another stalwart in the crossing segment , screw for its spacious cabin , well-to-do drive , and effective powertrain options . The newer models make the most out of user - well-disposed technology and a sight of payload space , making it ideal for both day-after-day commutes and family route trips . And , as with most Hondas , the CR - V also enjoys substantial resale time value and a reputation for dependableness .
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers a more dynamic driving experience , with its array of turbocharged engines and a sporty figure . It features cut - bound technology , admit an intuitive infotainment arrangement and a range of standard machine driver - assistance feature . The Escape appeals to those looking for a playfulness - to - drive crossover with a modern touching .
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue gain prominence for it ’s affordability , fuel economic system , and reliability . It offer an attractive mix of standard safety characteristic too , including the ProPILOT Assist organisation , which enhances the highway drive experience . Add to that a versatile cargo blank offer , and you ’ve got yourself an award deliver the goods modern crossover .
Why Choose a Crossover?
As touched on in the first place , crossovers have become popular for several reasonableness . They offer a compelling mixing of functionality , efficiency , and dash that appeals to a wide stove of modern equipment driver [ source : Wardlaw ] .
Whether it ’s for navigating city street , undertaking long road trips , or haul gear for weekend adventures , there ’s a crossover example to fit virtually every life-style in budget . It ’s no marvel then , that the crossover SUV section has blow up in late year .
A New Breed of SUV
Today , the auto word is still evolving , along with the cars it defines . This situation will likely continue far into the time to come . It represents a versatile and practical choice for today ’s drivers , combining the in force aspects of passenger car and utility vehicles .
As consume predilection continue to evolve , the crossover section is expect to introduce and flourish , further solidifying its berth in the automotive grocery store . But that does n’t imply that a mark young crossover SUV is the right pick for you . The only way to determine that , is to get in the number one wood ’s seat and see what all of the fuss is about .