The Era of the CUV: Why Are Crossovers So Popular?

If you’re looking for a Nissan Rogue for sale or any crossover vehicle, you’re not alone. SUVs began their domination of the automotive market in the mid-1990s and, since then, have only increased in popularity. While the public’s love affair with SUVs is ongoing, another version of this popular vehicle has entered the market, creating the perfect balance of sedan and SUV, known as the modern crossover.

Crossovers are taking over the car market; they are popular with drivers across the globe and show no signs of slowing down. In 2021 SEMA Market Research concluded that crossovers or CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) were the best-selling models in the United States, making up 45% of vehicle sales. From the looks of it, we can only expect these numbers to continue to rise. SEMA also reported in the same research that by 2035, nearly 60% of all crossovers will either be electric or hybrid. They also project that the number of available crossovers will rise from around 130 models to 170 offerings.

So what has made crossovers so popular with modern drivers? Are they simply a better value? Or is it their versatility? In the era of the crossover, we can’t help but be a little curious. We stopped to take a second look and see what exactly is so appealing about a crossover like the Nissan Rogue and others. If you’re thinking about purchasing a crossover and you’re not sure, read on and see why the CUV is quickly becoming the world’s most popular model on the road today.

A Closer Look at the Crossover Utility Vehicle

Let’s quickly look at the beginnings of the crossover. After all, knowing its origins is crucial to understand its current place in the automotive market. Drivers and crossover lovers worldwide have Toyota to thank for their current love affair with the crossover utility vehicle. The Japanese automaker introduced America to what is considered the world’s first crossover in 1996 when they rolled out the Toyota RAV4.

Often crossovers and SUVs are terms that are used interchangeably, but it is worth noting there are a few key differences. One of the most notable is that a CUV uses a unibody construction and is more like a sedan than its SUV counterparts. Many CUVs are often offshoots of a brand’s previous car models, only updated and redesigned but with a similar or even the same platform underneath. SUV models are normally more heavy-duty vehicles and take inspiration more from trucks than cars, often sitting on a truck chassis.

But one thing crossovers are good at is blurring the lines between a sedan and an SUV. While most SUVs come with more horsepower, performance, and four-wheel drive powertrains, many crossovers are offered with standard front-wheel drive with the option to level up to four-wheel drive. CUVs often have smaller engines and don’t have the horsepower or torque typical of an SUV. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While many SUVs are equipped to handle off-road conditions to some extent, CUVs are more about paved roads, even dirt roads, and urban and suburban conditions with maybe some light camping thrown in. They are capable vehicles but aren’t made for heavy-duty hauling, towing, and off-roading like their big brothers are. So once again, why are they so popular? We can think of more than a few reasons.

Affordable in More Ways Than One

People love CUVs because they are often more affordable than larger vehicles or luxury sedans; however, just because they can often be had for a lower price point doesn’t mean they are lacking when it comes to premium performance features or interior comfort. CUVs are known to offer plenty of cabin and cargo space along with enough power to tow small trailers for bikes or moving boxes.

Because CUVs are more lightweight than SUVs, they typically have a better fuel economy which can help drivers save on their daily commute and weekend road trips. The wide range of crossovers on the market makes it easy for drivers to find one that fits their budget without cutting corners. Many times crossovers will have the best of an SUV and sedan combined, making them the ultimate value machine for drivers looking to take their dollar further.

Easy and Fun to Drive

There are many ways to describe crossovers and their performance on the road. People might say they are sporty, nimble, or simply fun to drive, all of which would be correct. Crossovers offer drivers smooth and responsive handling that makes them easy to navigate. This is because many CUVs sit on a platform more like a car than a truck, making them naturally drive more like a car than a truck. If you need more room out of your car but don’t want to jump up to an SUV-sized vehicle, consider a CUV for more cargo or cabin space but keep that easy-drive nature that you love.

One thing we’re sure you’ve noticed is that crossovers are smaller than SUVs. They have sleeker lines and modern curves and are generally more compact. This means they are easy to park, making passing on the freeway stress-free, and can deal with narrow city or suburban streets without breaking a sweat. Crossovers are known to have a light body, so combine that with first-class engineering, and the driver is in for a thrilling ride. Crossovers deliver when it comes to performance; their engines deliver plenty of get-up-and-go and often can be equipt with a Sport Mode or other performance-enhancing features for a curve-hugging good time you won’t forget.

Family Friendly Flexibility

Automakers know that many drivers buying crossovers have families or plan on having a family; this means they need to create a flexible vehicle that works for a large audience. Crossovers are known for wide doors, spacious cabins, and great seating options that make it simple to get everyone in and go without a fuss. Accessing the back row of seats, and having split-folding seats, all with plenty of leg and headroom are what CUVs are designed for. They sit higher than your typical sedan but lower than a truck, meaning less straining to buckle in a child or finding that dropped toy that rolled under the seat.

If you don’t need all the seats, folding them down is always an option to make use of the crossover’s cargo space. Split 60/40 seating is a popular option in CUVs, so if you have something longer, like wood for a project, sports gear, or a bike, it’s easy to load in whatever cargo you have. Crossovers are designed with the busy driver in mind. Many drivers are surprised to find the large number of storage options that fit inside the compact cabin of a crossover. If you want to make your day easier and more organized, let a crossover enhance your everyday drive in ways you didn’t think were possible.

The Best of All Worlds

On the fence about buying your next vehicle? Perhaps you want an SUV or sedan but can’t decide? You want more space, but you don’t have a lot of room in your garage. The answer to your dilemma might just be a crossover. Whether your family is still growing or you’re often a solo driver, a crossover can be many things to many people, making it a chameleon in the automotive world.

If you’re looking for value, the CUV market is where you need to start. The wide selection of crossovers is rapidly expanding each year to offer many affordable hybrid and eclectic models, making it easy to go green without breaking your budget. For those considering a CUV like the standout Nissan Rogue, we here at Newton Nissan South invite you to come down to experience this exceptional model up close and personal with our friendly and knowledgeable sales team!