I read a news piece a short while back that recounted the return of the large family sedan and the fact that it’s now beginning to take over from the SUV and Crossover. Although specifics on the terms “SUV” and “CUV” were not elaborated, large sedans were enumerated and included the likes of the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Challenger (they meant Charger…), the Toyota Avalon, and the Chevy Impala.
Although I agree that consumers as a whole are moving away from large SUVs, compact and midsize SUVs/CUVs are still extremely popular. In my opinion, they’ll never outdo or even match utility vehicles on that exact adjective, and sedans will only become the alternative if manufacturers start pulling out of the fairly lucrative CUV/SUV segments, which they won’t.
The main reasons for this migration from one category to the other, as stated in the article, are fuel consumption, purchase price, and total cost of ownership. They go on to enumerate other factors such as “distinctive styling, driving dynamic, riding comfort and technology, [which make] many of these models actually look, feel and drive like luxury cars.”
The last time I checked the list of available compact and midsize CUVs, most if not all of these attributes could be found in any or all of them. In many respects, utility vehicles have surpassed the car: in room, access, storage, all-weather and most-terrain abilities, and more. On the points such as driving dynamics, comfort, technology, and luxury the CUV and SUV can match any or all sedans.
If I may take my personal situation as an example, when the time came to replace my wife and I’s beloved Volvo XC70, we could have opted for a sedan; we’ve no children, two cats, and don’t canoe. Although I cycle on occasion, I usually coordinate outings with my press car. The point is; a regular sedan (so long as it’s got AWD) would have done the job.
We ended up with a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, and could not be happier with the choice. From laughing at snow banks to eased ingress and egress, and access to a decent trunk (for our needs) thanks to a large opening, this compact CUV has no shortcomings from a utility and amenities point of view. A Jetta or Impreza sedan would not have been the same.
The compromise (the alternative), and our other choice, was a Volkswagen Golf. Here we have a decent-size trunk with a large opening and all manners of comfort and convenience. We we’re in fact dreaming of a Golf R, but that would not have ended well for me… Plus, it was a little pricey for our budget.
So what am I saying? Forget about sedans as a whole! Buy hatchbacks and everyone will be happy and content. Better yet, just get a CUV. You’ll likely never look back. Sedans are generally boring, anyhow.
Although I agree that consumers as a whole are moving away from large SUVs, compact and midsize SUVs/CUVs are still extremely popular. In my opinion, they’ll never outdo or even match utility vehicles on that exact adjective, and sedans will only become the alternative if manufacturers start pulling out of the fairly lucrative CUV/SUV segments, which they won’t.
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The main reasons for this migration from one category to the other, as stated in the article, are fuel consumption, purchase price, and total cost of ownership. They go on to enumerate other factors such as “distinctive styling, driving dynamic, riding comfort and technology, [which make] many of these models actually look, feel and drive like luxury cars.”
The last time I checked the list of available compact and midsize CUVs, most if not all of these attributes could be found in any or all of them. In many respects, utility vehicles have surpassed the car: in room, access, storage, all-weather and most-terrain abilities, and more. On the points such as driving dynamics, comfort, technology, and luxury the CUV and SUV can match any or all sedans.
If I may take my personal situation as an example, when the time came to replace my wife and I’s beloved Volvo XC70, we could have opted for a sedan; we’ve no children, two cats, and don’t canoe. Although I cycle on occasion, I usually coordinate outings with my press car. The point is; a regular sedan (so long as it’s got AWD) would have done the job.
We ended up with a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, and could not be happier with the choice. From laughing at snow banks to eased ingress and egress, and access to a decent trunk (for our needs) thanks to a large opening, this compact CUV has no shortcomings from a utility and amenities point of view. A Jetta or Impreza sedan would not have been the same.
The compromise (the alternative), and our other choice, was a Volkswagen Golf. Here we have a decent-size trunk with a large opening and all manners of comfort and convenience. We we’re in fact dreaming of a Golf R, but that would not have ended well for me… Plus, it was a little pricey for our budget.
So what am I saying? Forget about sedans as a whole! Buy hatchbacks and everyone will be happy and content. Better yet, just get a CUV. You’ll likely never look back. Sedans are generally boring, anyhow.