What Is a Crossover? Everything You Need to Know About Crossover Vehicles
What Is a Crossover? Everything You Need to Know About Crossover Vehicles
If you’ve been shopping for a new or used vehicle, chances are you’ve come across the term crossover. But what exactly does that mean? Many drivers hear the word used interchangeably with “SUV,” but there are some important differences worth knowing. In this post, we’ll break it down simply so you can decide if a crossover is the right fit for your lifestyle.
What Is a Crossover?
A crossover vehicle is a type of automobile that blends features of a car and an SUV. Technically, most crossovers are built on a unibody frame, the same kind of structure used in cars. This makes them lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to traditional SUVs, which are often built on a truck-like body-on-frame platform.
In other words:
- SUVs = more truck-like, heavier, often with higher towing capacity.
- Crossovers = more car-like, smoother ride, better fuel economy.
That’s why many people say crossovers give you “the best of both worlds.”
Why Are Crossovers So Popular?
Crossovers have exploded in popularity in recent years. They’ve become the go-to choice for families, commuters, and adventurers alike. Here are a few reasons why:
- Comfortable Ride – Since they’re built on car platforms, crossovers feel smooth and stable on the road.
- Fuel Efficiency – They typically offer better gas mileage than traditional SUVs.
- Flexible Space – Fold-down seats, roomy interiors, and hatchback designs make them perfect for groceries, strollers, or road-trip gear.
- All-Wheel Drive Options – Many crossovers come with AWD, giving you extra confidence in Colorado winters or when driving mountain roads.
- Modern Tech & Safety – Today’s crossovers are often packed with driver-assist features, infotainment systems, and top safety ratings.
Examples of Popular Crossovers
If you’re picturing what a crossover looks like, here are a few well-known examples you might see on the road (and on our lot at McCloskey Motors):
All of these models deliver the balance of practicality, comfort, and efficiency that defines the crossover category.
Is a Crossover Right for You?
A crossover is an excellent choice if you:
- Want more space than a sedan without the bulk of a full-size SUV.
- Need a vehicle that’s easy to drive in the city but versatile enough for weekend trips.
- Care about fuel economy while still having available all-wheel drive.
If you frequently tow heavy trailers or need maximum off-road capability, a body-on-frame SUV or pickup might be a better option. But for everyday driving in Colorado Springs and beyond, a crossover could be the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a crossover? Simply put, it’s a vehicle designed to give you the comfort and efficiency of a car with the space and capability of an SUV. No wonder it’s one of the most popular vehicle types on the market today.
At McCloskey Motors, we carry a wide selection of used crossovers in Colorado Springs—from compact models perfect for commuting to spacious family haulers ready for adventure.
👉 Browse our inventory today at BigJoeAuto.com and find the crossover that’s right for you.
FAQ: Crossover Vehicles
Q: Is a crossover the same as an SUV?
A: Not exactly. Crossovers are built on car platforms (unibody), while traditional SUVs use truck-like frames (body-on-frame).
Q: Are crossovers good for families?
A: Yes, crossovers are popular among families thanks to roomy interiors, flexible seating, and great safety features.
Q: Do crossovers get better gas mileage than SUVs?
A: Generally, yes, because they’re lighter and more aerodynamic than traditional SUVs.
Q: Can crossovers handle Colorado winters?
A: Absolutely—many crossovers come with available all-wheel drive and advanced traction control, making them a smart choice for snowy conditions.
Finding the perfect used car in Colorado Springs is easier than ever with McCloskey Motors. Renowned among used car dealers in Colorado Springs, we’ve won the National Independent Quality Dealer of the Year Award and are two-time winners of the Colorado Independent Quality Dealer of the Year Award. McCloskey Motors is also the ONLY used car dealership to ever win the Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Better Business Bureau, and we’ve been voted #1 Used Car Dealer and Military-friendly Car Dealer for the last 7 years in a row!
We offer a diverse collection of used cars, trucks, and SUVs, each representing the best in value and reliability. From family-friendly used SUVs to efficient commuters, our selection of used cars for sale in Colorado Springs is designed to cater to various lifestyles and budgets. We carry a wide selection of AWD and 4×4 vehicles so you can conquer Colorado’s ever-changing weather with ease. Visit McCloskey Motors today and discover why we are the go-to destination for discerning car buyers seeking the best used vehicles in the Colorado Springs area.
