How to choose a crossover.

A crossover is a vehicle that combines the best qualities of an SUV and a passenger car. Such vehicles are characterized by high ground clearance, increased interior volume, and large body capacity. At the same time, the driving performance and structural characteristics of SUVs do not allow them to be used for crossing rivers, passing through swamps, as well as other serious tests. Let's try to figure out how to choose a crossover for an acceptable amount and consider economy and business class models.

The target audience of these cars is the middle class, managers, civil servants with decent earnings. After all, the cost of maintaining such vehicles is higher than the repair and service of passenger cars. The good performance characteristics of the crossover allow it to be used for various needs: economical movement around the city, driving on a country road, overcoming artificial (curb, deep potholes) and natural (mud, snow drifts) obstacles. Solutions worthy of their qualities can be purchased for a quite acceptable amount: from 500 thousand to 2 million rubles.

Main characteristics of the crossover

Country of origin, brand and brand.
Engine type (diesel, gasoline) and turbocharging features.
Motor power (from 100 hp and above).
Maximum speed (within 120-200 km / h) and acceleration time to 100 km / h (within 9-20 seconds).
Drive type (full, front, rear, connected full).
Type of checkpoint (automatic, mechanical).
Fuel consumption (urban, highway and combined cycle).
Ground clearance (clearance), which determines the height of the landing.
Safety systems (ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP, airbags).
Additional options (cruise control, parking sensors, video cameras).
Air temperature control (climate control, air conditioning, heated seats).
Speaker type.

Dodge Journey is a typical representative of the crossover class

These are just the most important technical parameters that determine the comfort of use. The endurance of a car depends on the specific type of engine, suspension, metal from which the car is made, its aerodynamic properties and a wide range of other parameters. The characteristics indicated by the manufacturer are the maximum, so the real value may be lower by 10-15%. Using the car in extreme mode will lead to rapid wear of the main technical components.

Popular types of crossovers

When choosing a crossover, drivers pay primary attention to the country of origin. It is no secret that the Russian public does not like small cars, pejoratively calling them "puzoterki". At the same time, the domestic manufacturer, despite the low cost, does not offer the best solutions in terms of quality and price. American options are considered luxurious, but not the most reliable and affordable. What are the main national features of off-road vehicles?

1. Russian crossovers: a budget option

Domestic cars are affordable in price and service, but their build quality and appearance leave much to be desired. Focusing on domestic roads, manufacturers make a wide ground clearance. For example, in a nondescript-looking "Lada 4x4" it is as much as 22 centimeters, and in the Chevrolet Niva - 20 centimeters. The weak point of domestic cars is driving safety. Poor braking system, superficial design of the body, lack of protective systems - all this ultimately leads to high injuries, even with minor accidents.

Pluses. The most important advantage is an affordable price (within 400-600 thousand rubles), low operating costs, endurance in difficult conditions of use, good ground clearance.

Cons. Nondescript appearance, low engine power, slow acceleration, lack of security systems, uncomfortable interior.

2. Japanese crossovers: practicality and design

Models such as Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sorrento and Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and other solutions have become truly popular brands. Numerous options from Honda, Suzuki, Nissan and Hyundai have one thing in common: they are all made by Japanese manufacturers. The main advantages that drivers emphasize are ride comfort, comfort in operation, full customization of the car for a specific driver. There are also disadvantages, among them - the high cost of the car, poor corrosion protection. The Japanese do not create cars for 10-20 years of driving, as they have a completely different concept of life.

Pluses. Excellent assembly, high degree of protection, excellent elaboration of design, increased stability, excellent handling, fast acceleration to 100 km / h (depending on the model), ergonomics.

Cons. All models are characterized by poor paintwork and poorly finished bodywork, and wide C-pillars can limit visibility.

3. German crossovers: convincing superiority

Many European countries produce their own cars, but against the general background it is necessary to highlight the automotive industry in Germany. Several world famous brands are produced here at once: Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and BMW. All these cars have several advantages in common: excellent design (each customer will choose the style that suits him), endurance and reliability, increased safety, impeccable comfort. Naturally, German quality cannot be free or even cheap. The most affordable models, now morally obsolete (BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volkswagen Tiguan), cost around 800 thousand - 1.5 million rubles. More progressive solutions will cost customers several times more.

Pluses. Reliability and predictability, low fuel consumption, high level of safety, adaptation of the car to the needs of the driver, excellent handling.

Cons. The high cost of models, expensive maintenance, overhead comprehensive insurance (up to 10% of the cost of the car).

4. American crossovers: "green monsters"

Residents of the United States value comfort and have many similarities with the Russians: much more than is commonly believed. The mentality of buyers in the American and Russian markets coincides: they value the high power of the motors, the cross-country ability of the transport, and its "persuasiveness." Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Dallas are produced in the USA, but Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Jeep are the most popular in our market. The range of models is so wide that it is rather difficult to identify any patterns.

Pluses. High cross-country ability, increased engine power, conceptual design of most models, safety, environmental friendliness, comfort.

Cons. Almost all models are characterized by increased fuel consumption, and the characteristics declared by the manufacturer may differ from the real ones in the lower direction. At the same time, the cost of models is usually higher than European, Korean and Japanese cars, and new technologies (for example, the EcoBoost engine from Ford) can be more expensive to operate than well-known "outdated" solutions.

Comparison table

Crossover brand	Pros	Cons	Representatives
Russian	Affordable price, low operating costs, endurance, high ground clearance	Nondescript appearance, low engine power, slow acceleration, weak security systems	Lada 4x4 (in 3- and 5-door versions), "UAZ-Hunter", "Chevrolet-Niva"
Japanese	High-quality assembly, safety, stylish design, high stability and controllability, fast acceleration, ergonomics	Poor paintwork, poor corrosion protection, expensive repairs, complicated engine technology	Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sorrento, Hyundai Tucson
German	Reliability and predictability, low fuel consumption, durability, safety safety, stylish appearance	High cost of models, expensive maintenance and comprehensive insurance	BMW X3-X6, Audi Q2-Q8, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen Taro, Tiguan, Amarok
American	Excellent driving performance, high power, unusual design, safety, environmental friendliness, high ground clearance	High fuel consumption, expensive repairs, discrepancy between the declared and actual characteristics	Ford Edge, Pontiac Vibe, Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Suburban

Tips on choosing a crossover

Set a purchase budget, taking into account not only the cost of the model, but also the costs of its maintenance (if you buy a used car), as well as comprehensive insurance.
Decide on the country and specific manufacturer. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, for example, Volkswagen is known for its "rigidity" and endurance, and Honda - for high comfort, but the relative fragility of the body.
Pay attention to the engine power to weight ratio. For example, the Hummer H1 6.5 D AT 4x4 has 195 hp. with a mass of 3245 kg, and the modest Pontiac Vibe 2.4 AT with a mass of 1950 kg - 158 hp. But "Hummer" accelerates to 100 km / h in 18 seconds and consumes 20 liters per 100 km, and "Pontiac" - in 9.8 seconds with a consumption of about 10 liters per hundred.
Buy crossovers with high ground clearance. It should be 3-4 centimeters higher than obstacles, since when driving, the car sways and can catch protruding objects with its bottom.
You should not buy cars with small wheel widths if you will be using vehicles for driving on rough terrain, as well as for moving on fresh snow, loose sand.
Give preference to gasoline engines. Let the "diesel" be less susceptible to moisture and more economical in consumption, but in Russia there are big problems with this fuel, and "delicate" foreign engines will quickly become unusable.
The crossover is a family car, so it should have a roomy interior and a large trunk.
A good solution in terms of both cross-country ability and reliability is the plug-in four-wheel drive. It will only be activated when needed, reducing fuel consumption during normal driving.
Any car must be chosen for yourself. In no case should you buy a crossover without a preliminary test drive, or better - a trial period of operation.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

Cost. The most affordable solutions are from Russian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese manufacturers, the most expensive are from German, American, French suppliers.
Manufacturer. The more popular the brand and specific model, the more economical the machine will be in operation and the easier it is to repair it.
Relationship between engine performance and weight. Powerful motors are only justified when the car is heavy. The higher the characteristics, the more difficult the technical solution of the motor and, accordingly, its maintenance.
Fuel consumption. Large crossovers are highly voracious. Consumption is also influenced by turbocharging technology, which can deliver high performance from a small volume.
Driving performance. For a crossover, these are ground clearance, drive type and suspension.
Dimensions. A large car is difficult to park in urban environments, as the parking spaces are designed for sedans and hatchbacks.
Design. Beauty requires sacrifices, but they must be reasonable. The more elements the body contains, the more difficult it is to ensure their safety.
Security. You should not discount the protection of the driver and passengers while driving: in the end, "hardware" can be insured, and life and health are more difficult to return.
Additional options. Ride comfort is provided by many nuances, ranging from landing and visibility to control of the temperature in the cabin.

Of course, in such a short article it is impossible to touch on all the essential aspects, but this information will help each buyer narrow down his search and understand what parameters are most important to him personally. After realizing which characteristics are paramount for you, you can move on to choosing a specific brand and ultimately, you will surely be happy with your purchase.