SUV’s and crossovers explained and the best deals

Date Posted 29th January 2020
Read Time 7 min read

On the roads today, there seems to have been an explosion of SUVs and crossovers. From the Kia XCeed to the Land Rover Discovery, more and more people are wanting a piece of the lifestyle. 

But what does it mean to own an SUV? Well, let’s take a look. 

What is an SUV?

SUV stands for sports utility vehicle. It combines elements of road-going passenger cars with the wilderness of off-road. 

A higher driving position, increased ground clearance and more space in the cabin provide for a unique driving experience. And the benefits aren’t just for show, either. 

Kia Sportage

Why buy an SUV?

Buying an SUV isn’t just a statement. There are several practical elements that come in tow. For instance, they aren’t just designed for one type of person. Each will find their own favourite aspect of an SUV. 

Boot space 

It could be boot space. SUVs are well known for their ample storage, meaning if it’s the dog, family, furniture or the mother-in-law’s old carpet that needs taking to the tip, you’re covered.

 Versatility

Well, if you want boot space, what about an estate? And it’s a fair question. However, an estate vehicle doesn’t come with the versatility of an SUV. 

Seats up or down, in some cases even room for seven, an SUV can be as big or compact as you want it to be. And there aren’t many cars on the road that have that trait. 

Safety

Of course, a huge plus point in an SUV is safety. With its size and readiness for off-road, you can tackle the UK’s winter without much concern. And due to its high driving position, you have a much greater vantage point of the road ahead. 

Fuel efficiency

In general, SUV’s fuel efficiency has considerably improved over the past few years. 

Of course, your expenditure is still going to be higher than if you drove a three-door hatchback, and an SUV will produce more carbon emissions, but there are ways you can tackle that. 

If fuel efficiency and emissions are high up on your priority list, you can choose a hybrid or fully-electric SUV; giving you the same benefits as their smaller counterparts. 

Electric SUV

An SUV is too big for me

Despite the benefits, and the four listed above are by no means the full extent of what an SUV can offer, for some, an SUV just isn’t right. 

It could be that it’s too big. And that’s fine because you can still reap the majority of the benefits on a smaller scale. It’s called a crossover. 

What is a crossover?  

A crossover is a mix between a standard road-going car and an SUV or off-road vehicle. 

Although the description sounds a lot like an SUV, there are significant differences. The biggest usually being the size.

Kia Xceed

That’s because a crossover is based on a car’s platform, whereas an SUV is based on the chassis of a truck. Another technical difference being a crossover, like a car, is unibody – meaning the body and frame are one piece. An SUV meanwhile isn’t. It’s body on frame.

Benefits of crossover vs SUV

Despite there being many benefits to owning an SUV, there are some areas in which a crossover pips it. 

We’ve spoken about how an SUV’s fuel economy has improved over the years, but it still doesn’t rival a crossover. 

That’s simply because of its size. A crossover is smaller, therefore lighter, and again although it’s efficiency can’t rival a hatchback, for example, it’s still more cost-friendly than an SUV. 

Driving experience

With a crossover, you also often find it’s a better driving experience than an SUV. 

That’s not to say an SUV is bad, but a crossover has a lower centre of gravity, therefore feels more planted and more comfortable on the road. 

Manoeuvrability

A crossover’s size is also on its side when it comes to manoeuvrability. Around town or in narrow streets, an SUV can be troublesome. 

Mercedes GLC

However, with the movement of a car, a crossover doesn’t face the same problems. In fact, with its off-road tendencies, it’s often the perfect vehicle for a variety of terrains and settings. 

So, which is better?

There isn’t a definitive answer to which is better out of an SUV or crossover. It depends on what you’re looking for in your vehicle. 

A crossover is certainly more comfortable on the road, but with the SUV you get space and height. So it all comes down to what’s important to you. 

What’s not up for debate, however, is where to get your SUV or crossover from. During the month of January, here at Hippo Leasing, we have our Big Price Drop. 

Every vehicle is reduced, including a wide range of SUVs and crossovers. Below are just some of the incredible deals currently available. 

Best Deals

Range Rover Evoque | £268.40

Range Rover Evoque

Kia Sportage | £180.17

Kia Sportage

Kia XCeed | £136.79

Kia Xceed

Ford Kuga | £182.39

Ford Kuga

Audi Q5 | £270.40

Audi Q5

Seat Arona | £170.39

Seat Arona

Skoda Karoq | £262.79

Skoda Karoq

VW T-Roc | £201.59

VW T-Roc

Suzuki Vitara | £169.19

Suzuki Vitara

Volvo XC40 | £251.99

Volvo XC40

Nissan X-Trail | £236.46

Nissan X-Trail

Why choose Hippo Leasing? 

Here at Hippo, we’re with you every step of the way. From your initial enquiry through to your vehicle’s aftersales care, we’ll guide you at every step. 

When you enquire, you’ll be appointed a dedicated account manager who’ll oversee your Hippo journey; making sure your chosen vehicle and finance package is right for you as well as always being on hand to answer any questions you might have. 

So, what are you waiting for? Speak to us today online, by email or over the phone. 

And don’t just take our word for it. We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot. 

Trustpilot Review

Get in touch to start your car-buying journey today. 

GET IN TOUCH

Financial Examples: 

Evoque

Initial Rental: £4,203.58 inc. VAT, 59 Monthly Rentals of £268.40 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Kia Sportage

Initial Rental: £1621.50 inc. VAT, 23 Monthly Rentals of £180.17 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 10,000, Documentation Fee: £39.99 inc. VAT

Kia XCeed

Initial Rental: £1231.10 inc. VAT, 23 Monthly Rentals of £136.79 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Ford Kuga

Initial Rental: £1641.47 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £182.39 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Audi Q5

Initial Rental: £2433.63 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £270.40 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 10,000, Documentation Fee: £39.99 inc. VAT

Seat Arona

Initial Rental: £1533.49 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £170.39 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Skoda Karoq

Initial Rental: £2365.09 inc. VAT, 35 Monthly Rentals of £262.79 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

VW T-Roc

Initial Rental: £1814.29 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £201.59 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Suzuki Vitara

Initial Rental: £1522.68 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £169.19 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Volvo XC40

Initial Rental: £2267.89 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £251.99 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT

Nissan X-Trail

Initial Rental: £2128.14 inc. VAT, 47 Monthly Rentals of £236.46 inc. VAT, Annual Mileage: 5,000, Documentation Fee: £234 inc. VAT


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