A study about car type preferences has shown that some people think that the aesthetic value of a car is important, indicating that it is still seen by some as a status symbol. For many people, the biggest deciding factors they consider when buying a car is their budget and its functions. Buyers would consider whether the car is a fit for their needs. Some people would take into account if the car has enough capacity for their family, if it can be driven on rough roads, or if it is safe to use even during winter. For people with families, especially those with kids, two of their best options are sedans and SUVs.
Comparing Sedans and SUVs
Sedans and SUVs are designed to give comfort to riders, which is why they are both popular among people with families. So how is a sedan car different from an SUV?
According to Toyota Malaysia, “a sedan car is a term used to describe cars with four doors and a separate boot at the back of the car to place your belongings.” It is also called a saloon car where four to five people can sit comfortably in it. The word sedan came from the Italian word ‘sedia’ which means chair. Speedwell Motor Company manufactured the first sedan car in the year 1911 in Dayton, Ohio which was called Speedwell Sedan. The usual characteristics of a sedan car include two rows of seats, a B-pillar that supports the roof, and a three-box design with the engine located at the front and the storage area at the back. A sedan car also has a rear interior of at least 33 cubic feet in volume. It has a less sporty appearance because its roofline’s slope is less steep than a coupé. This feature also provides more headroom for rear passengers.
On the other hand, a sport utility vehicle or SUV is a “loose term that traditionally covers a broad range of vehicles with four-wheel drive.” It is a type of car that features combined elements of road-going passenger cars and off-road vehicles. SUV is a four-wheel-drive vehicle with raised ground clearance. The first SUV model was released in the 1930s with the military and low-volume models. However, its popularity only greatly increased during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Before that, many models were created with body-on-frame construction while today, unibody construction is becoming more popular. It is bigger and taller in size and can seat 4 to 6 people comfortably. Some can also accommodate up to 7 people.
Sedans have been popular for many decades and most people consider sedan cars as traditional family cars.. In the year 2015, SUVs outsold sedans for the first time and its popularity among consumers has continually increased over the years. In fact, the volume of SUVs in operation worldwide reached 200 million units in 2019. As of June 2021, Americans consider crossover, a small-sized SUV, as their favorite type of passenger vehicle. Consumers preferred its elevated ride height and four-wheel drive features that improved its off-road ability. They also love its interior versatility and its looks compared to its car counterparts.
Children’s Safety with Sedans and SUVs
Regardless of how safe of a driver you are, accidents on roads are still possible. As family cars, sedans and SUVs have safety features that are specifically designed for children’s safety. Some sedan cars like Honda Civic models have child seat-mounting systems at the back seat. They have locking retractors that help secure a child’s seat. Doors are also child-proof for added protection. For SUVs, some models have integrated booster cushions that help children to be positioned better for the seatbelt. Some also have rear-seat alarms that remind you to check your car’s rear seat before leaving. This helps in preventing accidents like parents forgetting their children at the rear seat.
In the case of car crashes, studies have shown that sedans are safer if they involved two similarly-sized cars. However, if a sedan crashed with an SUV, the SUV driver has a higher chance of surviving. Researchers have noted that SUVs shine on protecting kids. SUVs are reinforced which helps them handle impacts.
The US Department of Transportation presented that in 2019, 3% of the vehicle occupants who died in traffic crashes are children, and about 40% of these children were unrestrained. While most of them are restrained, parents or guardians often use child restraint systems incorrectly. The misuse of these systems significantly reduces their effectiveness, putting the lives of child passengers in danger.
People who drive for their families need to practice several safety precautions to ensure the safety of children. First, they need to buy the correct car seat for their children. The size should not be too big because children could easily dislodge themselves if this happens. Also, it should not be too small because it could be hard for adults to remove the child from the seat should emergencies happen. The car seat should also fit perfectly inside the car. The weight and height limits of the car seat are also important features. After buying the perfect car seat, car owners should know where to position the seat. Some people want to have easier access to their children so they put their car seats at the front. However, it is safer to put them in the rear seat of the vehicle. The safest position is in the middle of the rear seat because it is the furthest location from the vehicle’s sides. If it’s not available, then the seat behind the front passenger seat is the best because it is facing the pavement. Getting the child in and out of the vehicle will also be safer at this position. The rear seat behind the driver is also fine but drivers need to make sure that it is elevated enough so they can easily see the child.
Final Thoughts
SUVs are chosen by people who have kids over sedans due to multiple reasons. They have larger capacities that can accommodate not only their family but also the things they need to carry. SUVs also feature qualities that make them better options when driving in hazardous conditions. Plus, its higher driver seat gives drivers better visibility when driving. Finally, SUVs are designed to be safer overall, especially for child passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are luxury midsize SUVs?
Luxury midsize SUVs are a type of vehicle that combines the features of both a luxury vehicle and a midsize SUV. They usually have high-end features such as leather seats, premium audio systems, and advanced safety features.
What are luxury compact SUVs?
Luxury compact SUVs are a type of vehicle that combines the features of both a luxury vehicle and a compact SUV. They usually have smaller dimensions than midsize SUVs but offer similar luxury features.
What SUVs have the most passenger and cargo space?
The SUV with the most passenger and cargo space is the Chevrolet Tahoe. It can seat up to nine people and has a maximum cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet. This SUV can also tow up to 8,600 pounds.
What is the best SUV for the money?
The best SUV for the money is the Kia Telluride. It offers a lot of features at a relatively affordable price point. Plus, it has a large interior that can accommodate up to eight people. It also has a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cubic feet. Additionally, it has good fuel efficiency with modern technology features.
Is it better to get a full gas SUV or a hybrid model?
The answer to this question depends on the needs of the driver. If the driver frequently drives in stop-and-go traffic or short distances, then a hybrid model would be more beneficial because it uses less gas. However, if the driver frequently drives long distances or on the highway, then a full gas SUV would be a better option. Most hybrid models do good features, such as upscale interior, fuel economy, sharp handling, and good interior space.
Which SUVs offer a smooth ride?
Some SUVs that offer a smooth ride are the Cadillac Escalade, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. These SUVs have features that make them comfortable to drive on long trips, such as adjustable seats, massaging seats, and advanced suspension systems. Additionally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a smooth ride on off-road trails.