Sedan vs. SUV: Guide to Key Differences
This guide will walk you through several key differences between SUV and sedan features, performance capabilities, and what’s good to keep in mind while on the hunt for your new vehicle.
Passenger and cargo space
There are many different types of SUVs, and each model has its own configuration — interior, exterior, and what falls between. In general, today’s mid to full-size SUVs have a more spacious interior than sedans, with larger cabins and, in the case of full-size SUVs, more capacity for seating.
Full-size SUVs can seat up to 6, 7, and even 8 passengers compared to a sedan's typical 5. There are also 3-row midsize SUVs that can also offer more than 5 seats, depending on the model. Meanwhile, compact and subcompact SUVs tend to seat 5 just like sedans.
With their taller frames, however, SUVs typically provide more headroom and legroom than sedans, which can be beneficial for drivers and passengers who are on the taller side.
As with passenger space, the build of SUVs can also provide more space for cargo, depending on the model you purchase. This is particularly true for SUVs in which the rear seating can be folded down. Some sedans, including the Mazda3, also allow you to fold down their rear seats, but the height of the trunk in sedans will still typically be much lower than that of most SUV builds.
With their ample passenger and cargo space, SUVs are seen as being well-suited for larger families or anyone who needs to regularly transport passengers and/or gear, baggage, or other cargo. Smaller groups and families will also likely enjoy the extra legroom and headroom in a midsize, compact, or subcompact SUV when going on long road trips.
Of course, not everybody has to regularly cart around large amounts of stuff or a troupe of kids. If that’s you, then the extra passenger and cargo space—plus the added weight that comes with encasing said space and the attendant fuel or battery requirements needed to propel this weight—may not be ideal for your needs.
Buyer’s Tip: Want more (or less) space in your next SUV or sedan? Ask your dealer about — or look for owner’s manuals online that detail — a vehicle's headroom, front legroom, rear legroom, and the cubic feet of cargo capacity. You may also be able to find information about shoulder room.
Fuel economy
Engine size, weight, aerodynamics, and technology all influence the fuel efficiency of a sedan or SUV. Because sedans are usually smaller, lighter, and more physically streamlined than SUVs, they’ve tended to have better fuel efficiency compared to SUVs, historically.
However, improvements in engine technology (like Mazda’s SKYACTIV® technology) are beginning to bring the fuel economy of SUVs–particularly crossover SUVS–more in line with that of sedans. Again, a sedan will typically have better fuel economy than an SUV, but if the extra space or the off-roading capabilities offered by many SUV models are non-negotiable factors in your next car purchase, there are now more fuel-efficient SUV options available to you.
There has also been an increase in the number of sedans and SUVs that operate as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), including the first-ever Mazda CX-90 PHEV, making it easier to find a fuel-efficient vehicle than ever before.
Compare the fuel economy of various vehicles at fueleconomy.gov and learn more about Mazda’s “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030" vision.
Drivability
Which is easier to drive, a sedan or SUV? Ultimately, ease of driving depends on the specific model of vehicle, your average daily driving conditions, and your familiarity and comfort with the vehicle type.
For example, sedans tend to be easier to drive in urban and crowded areas due to their smaller size, lower ride height, and lower center of gravity, as it can be more difficult to maneuver an SUV in tight spaces than a sedan. Conversely, many people favor SUVs for their height, which can give drivers a stronger feeling of safety. With their higher ground clearance and powerful drivetrains, SUVs are also known for their off-road and towing capabilities and would therefore make sense for people who regularly drive in adverse weather conditions, including snow.
Meanwhile, crossover SUVs, which are built with a unibody construction (like a car’s) as opposed to a body-on-frame construction (like a truck’s), marry the smoother ride of a sedan with the feeling of better visibility of a traditional SUV. Crossover SUVs are still bigger than your average sedan, and they don’t always offer the same off-road capabilities of, say, your standard 4WD SUV, but they do offer a popular compromise between the two vehicle types. Having said that, rugged, off-roading capable crossover SUVs do exist; just look to the Mazda CX-50 for an example.
If you want to test your potential car’s drivability, try to test drive, and familiarize yourself with the vehicle you intend to buy.
Buyer’s tip: One matter of safety and comfort that people may not immediately consider is the ease with which you and your passengers can enter and exit your vehicle. Seniors, small children, and drivers and passengers with physical disabilities may find it easier to get in and out of a sedan, which has a lower step-in height.
Price
A price comparison of sedans vs. SUVs isn’t as clear-cut as you’d think. For one, prices of new vehicles vary from model to model; some models and brands of sedans cost more than others, and the same can be said of SUVs. This fairly obvious fact bears stating, as the variables compound from there:
● Sedans and SUVs can come in a variety of trims with different specs. Luxury trims cost more than base models. It’s entirely possible to purchase a luxury sedan with a sticker price higher than that of a base model SUV.
● Sedans and SUVs come in a variety of sizes. When looking at a specific manufacturer, subcompact sedans and SUVs will typically be less expensive than their full-size sedans and SUVs.
● Sticker price is only one factor in the overall cost of a sedan or SUV. You’ll also want to think about operational costs, including fuel economy, insurance costs, how long you plan to keep the vehicle (resale value), and more.
These are just some of the factors relating to the pricing of new sedans and SUVs. Leasing or buying used is a whole different ballgame. In other words, a quick answer can’t ultimately be had here, but what’s perhaps most important to keep in mind is that there are so many types of SUVs and sedans available that finding one or the other that fits your budget should be possible.
To help you get started, check out the Alternative Fuels Data Center vehicle cost calculator. Or, if you’re interested in a Mazda, see our build and pricing page.
2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus with options shown.
Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), newer cars are safer than ever, be they sedans or SUVs. From there, measuring and comparing vehicle safety can get a little tricky.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs provide more protection from frontal crashes (the most common deadly car crash), since the longer front of an SUV can absorb more energy than a sedan’s.
On the other hand, the IIHS also reports that an SUV’s taller build makes it more susceptible to rollover accidents than other types of vehicles, although many manufacturers have technology like electronic stability control (ESC) that reduces the likelihood of rollover accidents in SUVs.
It’s also important to keep in mind that vehicle safety isn’t limited to the people inside the car. While an SUV’s height can make drivers feel like they have better visibility on the road, tall vehicles still have blind spots. Large SUVs and trucks have been found by the IIHS to be more likely than sedans to kill pedestrians due to their tall and blunt front ends.
So, are SUVs safer than sedans? Ultimately, the safety of sedans vs. SUVs depends on the model of the vehicle, how well it has been maintained, your typical driving conditions, your own driving behavior, and more.
When exploring your options, look for sedans and SUVs that come with a range of safety features, including but not limited to:
● Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
● Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
● Blind spot warnings (BSW)
● Lane departure warnings (LDW)
● Forward collision warnings (FCW)
● Traction control
● Stability control
Since there are so many safety features and factors to consider, it can be helpful to look to vehicle ratings from trusted organizations like the IIHS and the NHTSA. Mazda’s vehicles include an array of safety features, and every Mazda vehicle tested by the IIHS in 2023 won an award.
Buyer tip: Advanced safety technology is only part of the equation when it comes to vehicle safety. Your own driving habits also play a significant role in keeping you safe, regardless of whether you drive an SUV or a sedan.
Style
Not all car buying considerations need to be practical. Many North Americans spend a significant amount of time in their cars—it stands to reason that they would care about the aesthetics of the vehicles they drive.
Sedans typically have a sloping roofline and a low-profile design, creating an aerodynamic, sophisticated, and stylish look. Most SUVs, on the other hand, have a more upright shape, with a larger overall size, higher ground clearance, and a “muscular” form.
Everyone has their own style, and whether you find sedans or SUVs more aesthetically appealing is a matter of opinion, it’s an opinion worth keeping in mind as you explore your options.
See how Mazda designs its vehicles using the philosophy of KODO, or “Soul of Motion.”
Should you buy an SUV or sedan?
As both vehicle types have certain advantages, the answer to this question is entirely dependent on your needs and preferences. Here are some key questions to ask yourself that can help guide your decision-making process.
Sedan vs. SUV: Questions to ask before you buy:
● Do you require more interior space for passengers or cargo, or need additional headroom?
● Will you be primarily driving in the city or on busy/tight roads with limited parking space?
● Do you need to tow heavy loads or haul large items frequently?
● Do you plan on doing any off-roading or need enhanced ground clearance for rough terrain?
● Do you feel more confident in a larger vehicle with a higher road view?
● What are your preferences around fuel economy, and what is the EV infrastructure like in your immediate area?
Shop Mazda’s crossover SUVs and sedans
Both Mazda’s sedans and crossover SUVs blend forward-thinking innovation, responsive performance, and carefully crafted comfort. Whether you opt for our adeptly responsive Mazda3 sedan or shop our growing line of crossover SUVs, you’re sure to find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle.
Shop online or visit your local Mazda dealership to take our latest sedan and SUV models for a test drive today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.