For anyone who does not have much knowledge about cars, SUVs and crossovers will seem like pretty much the same options. However, for car enthusiasts, and especially those who use their vehicles on different terrains, the differences are quite big. Although both SUVs and crossovers are considered to be family cars, when it comes to taking the car for a little off-roading, it is important that you make the right choice. There are certain characteristics of both the cars that make them fit or unfit for this purpose. So, let’s take a look at the major differences between SUVs and crossovers when it comes to their off-roading capabilities.

• Weight and fuel efficiency
  When most car enthusiasts sit to consider the major differences between SUVs and crossovers, the latter is often a favorite for their better handling than the former. This happens due to the difference in their weights. Basically, crossovers are built like cars whereas SUVs are built like trucks. The heavier the vehicle is, the more power it will need to move. Due to its weight, SUVs consume more fuel and do not let the driver feel the road, working on all terrains. If you are looking for something that can give you fuel efficiency while driving through certain rugged terrains, crossovers should be your pick.
• Road supremacy
  Although SUVs use up more fuel, they are built for challenging terrains. Crossovers provide an excellent driving experience on smooth roads, but when it comes to rugged terrains, SUVs can prove to be much more useful. In fact, SUVs are also used for bigger payloads and sometimes for towing jobs. The crossovers have a unibody design, which makes them give higher mileage and swiftness. On the other hand, SUVs have a sturdy body-on-frame design, which provides durability regardless of where it is driven. Also, the higher ground clearance of the SUVs will make them your best companion on a trip to mountainous regions. Some SUVs are even equipped with modern technology for off-roading. These include hill ascent assist and hill descent control. Conversely, a drive in a crossover on a highway will feel as smooth as a hot knife in butter. Most crossovers come with an all-wheel-drive option, but taking it for an off-roading trip should be done with an extreme level of caution.
• Which vehicle is safer on tough terrains?
  Despite its heavy and rugged built, many off-roaders still prefer SUVs due to their safety features. The bigger the car, the safer you are in rough terrains. As stated multiple times at various forums, when you are in a big and heavy vehicle, you are mostly safer from external risks. This means when you are on uneven roads, SUVs are your best bet if you are looking for safe options. However, be sure about the model that you are picking. Some old SUV models might not have a crumple zone or may have a minimal one, which means that the front part of the vehicle, which is supposed to absorb all the impact, is missing from the car. So, be sure about this feature in your car before you head for your road trip.