

(Light trucks is a category that includes pickups, SUVs, crossovers–vehicles that look like an SUV and drive more like a car–and minivans.) They accounted for more than three-quarters of all vehicles sold in the U.S.įor consumers, the outcome of the stampede to light trucks is that demand likely will continue to justify higher prices going into 2021. Bill Howardĭemand for new vehicles is stronger than the 15% drop in 2020 auto sales suggests-and that demand is overwhelmingly for pickups, SUVs and crossover vehicles. Many of the gainers, like Supra, were specialty or low-volume cars. Since they tend to be higher up, one does not need to stoop over as much to help secure a child.Sales of the Toyota Supra nearly doubled in 2020. In addition to getting ourselves in and out, strapping a baby into a car seat or helping a young child buckle up is much easier in crossovers. This in combination with the higher seat height makes getting in and out much easier.Ĭrossovers vs. The B-pillar behind the driver's door tends to be farther back in a compact crossover than in a small sedan. The higher seat height is just part of this. Sedans and Wagons - Easier To Get In and OutĪnother aspect of crossovers that we like is that they are easier to get in and out of than sedans and wagons. Sure, the higher ride height is great in many situations, but in winter it is a distinct safety advantage.Ĭrossovers vs.
#Crossovers vs sedans windows#
However, crossovers have a higher seating position and larger windows to make it easier to see oncoming traffic. At intersections, the plowed up snow makes it hard to see left and right. Here in New England, we get multiple feet of snow on a regular basis four months of the year. Sedans and Wagons - VisibilityĪnother reason that crossovers are becoming increasingly popular is visibility. The rear seats then popped right back up and the chore was complete.Ĭrossovers vs. Since there is no cargo floor lip over which to lift cargo, like in a sedan or wagon, the bike also slid right back out when I arrived home.

The added ceiling height of the cargo area compared to a wagon made putting the bike in simple. I removed the front wheel using the quick disconnect and slid the new bike in. However, within literally two seconds, I had the Kona reconfigured from a five-passenger "car" to a compact cargo van. I had never folded the seats in a Kona, nor had I looked at the manual. In fact, the Kona's 19.2 cubic feet of cargo area expands to a generous 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Once I bought the bike, I was concerned that it might not fit easily inside the vehicle. The Kona is a fantastic vehicle that is a joy to drive. During my shopping, I happened to have the subcompact Hyundai Kona with me for testing. I have a mountain bike but wanted a new hybrid bike for riding rail trails and back roads. Our spur of the moment shopping trip was to buy a new bicycle for your author. A recent spur of the moment shopping trip gave us a great photo opportunity that helps explain why.Ĭrossovers vs. However, as time goes on, we find ourselves recommending the crossovers more and more to our friends and family and the rest of the vehicle types less and less.

Most of us started out loving coupes, respected sedans, and understood the versatility of station wagons.

We test vehicles every day at Torque News and our opinions have started to shift. Wagons are pretty much a forgotten segment in the American automotive industry. Crossovers are on the rise and sedans are declining in sales overall.
