What Is Classified As a Crossover?

Crossover vehicles have become important in light of higher fuel prices. The most typical crossover--a combination of a car and an SUV--became popular when consumers desired a vehicle with the fuel efficiency of a car with the interior space of an SUV.

Definition

• A crossover vehicle is one that has attributes drawn from more than one category of vehicle. The most common crossover is a combination of an SUV and a car.

SUV Plus Car

• This most common type of crossover combines the handling and fuel efficiency of a car with the high ground clearance, all- or four-wheel-drive capabilities and increased headroom of an SUV. This crossover style includes such vehicles as the BMW X5. It has a car-based chassis, giving it a low stance and superior on-road performance with the seating capability and cargo storage space of an SUV.

Truck Plus SUV

• The Chevrolet Avalanche, built upon the platform of an SUV, combines the passenger capacity and comfort features of an SUV with the cargo flexibility of a truck. What makes this crossover unique is its "midgate," a removable wall that separates the cabin from the truck bed.

Wagon Plus Minivan

• A less traditional crossover model is one like the Ford Flex, a vehicle with a wagon-like platform with the benefits of a minivan. This vehicle has three passenger rows and ample cargo space without being as wide and unwieldy as larger competitors.