Body-on-Frame vs. Crossover SUVs

Sport Utility Vehicles have evolved considerably since the SUV boom of the 90’s, when they came in one size: big.  Today prospective buyers have a plethora of options available, ranging from the compact Chevy Trax all the way up to the heavy-duty Toyota Sequoia.  When it comes to selecting the SUV that’s right for you, there are plenty of variables to consider including: drivetrain, size, tow capacity, fuel economy and cost of repair.  All of these decisions can be boiled down to whether or not you elect your SUV to be body-on-frame, or built on a car-based platform, since this key difference has the most significant impact on the options listed above.
Body-on-frame was the original method SUVs, as well as all cars, were built.  This method of construction involves lowering the body of the vehicle onto a truck-based frame; creating a vehicle comprised of two separate entities.  Car-based SUVs, or Crossovers, are a more recent innovation designed to combine aspects of both traditional SUVs and cars.  They’re built with the frame and body as one piece.  Both styles offer their own strengths and weaknesses depending on how the driver plans on utilizing them.

The benefits body-on-frame SUVs begin with the fact that they’re better equipped for off-roading and towing, due to the durable frame being more resistant to shock and force.  Couple that with the fact that they almost always possess greater ground clearance due to their truck-based frame’s height, and it’s clear to see how they’re better able to handle uneven terrain and adverse weather conditions.  Examples of body-on-frame SUVs include the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota 4Runner.  If you live in, or regularly visit areas that experience heavy snowfall, a truck-based SUV should be your preferred choice.  In addition to this advantage, body-on-frame SUVs often boast quieter cabins, thanks to the separate frame absorbing most of the stresses of the road before channeling it to the driver.  Body-on-frame designs are oftentimes cheaper to fix in the event of a collision as well, since impact to the body won’t necessarily damage the frame or vice versa.

Body-on-frame SUVs aren’t without their drawbacks: most vehicles of this type often have less-than-adequate fuel economy.  This is a result of the weight of a truck frame, as well as the larger engine usually needed to propel it.  Body-on-frame design is also only utilized on larger vehicles in the segment, which may not be practical for some consumers with small families and/or those who live in more urban areas with limited parking.  Truck-like frames also result in truck-like handling, which may turn off some buyers who prefer more car-like driving dynamics.

Crossovers represent the bulk of the SUVs you’ll see on the road today, and for good reason – they combine some of the best aspects of cars and SUVs into one vehicle.  Crossovers drive like cars, with more responsive road-feel and cornering.  They also get more comparable fuel economy, due to their lighter weight and smaller engines.  They also come in a wider variety of sizes to accommodate singles as well as families.  Although they’re not designed for off-roading, most crossovers are available with all-wheel drivetrains, allowing them to competently traverse winter roads.

Crossovers offer everything the average driver needs, but don’t quite fill the niche that body-on-frame SUVs fill.  Those who regularly use their vehicle to tow their boat, go off-roading, or have a large family should opt for a body-on-frame SUV as they offer the power and size to accommodate those needs.  The Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser would all be excellent options.  If you’re more concerned about fuel economy, mainly keep your vehicle on the roads, and prefer your SUV to have a smaller footprint for navigating the city, you’d be better served by a crossover.  The Toyota RAV4 and Highlander make for excellent choices in this segment.  Regardless of what your individual needs are, Toyota is sure to offer the SUV that’s right for you!

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