Performance
Sedans: They’re lighter and aerodynamic, and that makes them great for maneuvering through traffic on city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces. A lot of sedans offer all-wheel drive today.
SUVs: Most SUVs today are crossovers and built on car-like unibody platforms, which gives them a smooth ride and better handling than trucks. But they have the advantage of high ground clearance.
Cargo
Sedans: They have a lockable trunk for cargo space. Some are larger than others, but that’s about it.
SUVs: You can’t beat SUVs for hauling large loads. They have a big cargo space and removable or foldable rear seats that expand the cargo area by two or three times.
Safety
Sedans: Sedans are easier to maneuver, which makes it easy to get them out of harm’s way quickly. Depending on the trim levels, sedans can be equipped with everything from basic features like high strength steel sections in the frame, crumple zones, and airbags, to advanced active safety systems like radar-guided cruise control, autonomous braking, and other assists.
SUVs: Their sheer bulk makes them more likely to come out of a crash in a better condition than a sedan. Their higher seating position also allows the driver to see threats from a distance. SUVs are also equipped with advanced safety systems and many of them even come with rollover mitigation systems.
Value
Sedans: Sedans are cheaper to build, and therefore by extension, they are cheaper to buy too. This also makes them cheaper to insure. And where sedans can’t be beaten by SUVs is fuel economy. Many sedans also have hybrid versions that push their efficiency to 50 miles per gallon.
SUVs: The bigger the car, the bigger the price tag. This becomes even more apparent for SUVs with a four-wheel drive because the extra low range gears hike maintenance costs. SUVs have become more efficient over the years, but they’re nowhere close to sedans.
Comfort
Sedans: They have sophisticated suspensions, great ride quality and are very easy to climb in and out of.
SUVs: Senior citizens find ingress and egress difficult. But parents with young kids prefer these. There’s also a lot of room for passengers. Ride quality can be bumpy.
