What is a crossover?

You'll find a lot of jargon when buying a car, and one term you're more likely to see is "crossover". This refers to the type of cars that have become incredibly popular in recent years. But what is a crossover? Read on to find out…

Listen Q2

What does "crossover" mean?

"Crossover" is a word that's only been around for a few years, and while there's no clear definition, it's commonly used to describe a car that's a little taller than a regular hatchback and a little more like an SUV. 

Some brands (such as Nissan with the Juke and Qashqai) refer to their vehicles as crossovers, while others do not. In truth, the terms "crossover" and "SUV" are pretty much interchangeable, but everyone agrees that a crossover is a vehicle that looks like an SUV thanks to its high ground clearance and rugged construction, but which has no more off-road capability than at your car. an average hatchback due to the fact that it has two-wheel drive, not four.

At Cazoo, we don't use the term as such. Any vehicles that you could call a crossover will be included if you search for all SUVs with our search tool.

Nissan Juke

What cars are crossovers?

You can argue in favor of designating a huge number of cars as crossovers. Compact examples include the Audi Q2, Citroen C3 Aircross, Nissan Juke, Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Roc. 

Growing slightly in size, there are cars like the BMW X1, Kia Niro and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Mid-size crossovers include cars such as the Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, while large crossovers include the Jaguar I-Pace and Lexus RX 450h.

Some vehicles, called crossovers, are versions of existing hatchbacks with higher suspension and additional SUV styling cues. Examples include the Audi A4 Allroad and Audi A6 Allroad, the Ford Fiesta Active and Ford Focus Active, and the Volvo V40, V60 and V90 Cross Country models. 

Other crossovers are so low and sleek that they're not much taller than a hatchback, though they're lifted a little off the ground thanks to the suspension. Good examples are the BMW X2, Kia XCeed and Mercedes-Benz GLA. As you can see, there are so many variations on the crossover theme that you can find one to suit just about any need.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Isn't a crossover an SUV?

The line between crossover and SUV is blurred and the terms are somewhat interchangeable.

If there's anything that sets crossovers apart, it's that they tend to be slightly smaller and lower than SUVs, and even less likely to have all-wheel drive. Many vehicles classified as crossovers are not available with all-wheel drive, whereas traditional SUVs are more likely to have it as standard or as an option, and are more likely to be equipped with additional features that make them more off-road capable.

Skoda Karoq

Why are crossovers so popular?

Crossovers have become extremely popular over the past 10 years or so, mainly because the best crossovers offer a combination of qualities that many people find very attractive. 

Take, for example, the Seat Arona. It's only 8cm longer than the Seat Ibiza, a typical small hatchback, but the Arona has a tall, boxy body like an SUV, giving it a lot more room for passengers and trunk. 

The body of the Arona is higher off the ground than the Ibiza, so you also sit higher and don't have to lower yourself into the seat like in the Ibiza. This can be very helpful for people with disabilities. It is also easier to put children in child seats. In addition, the high seating position gives the driver a better view of the road. And a lot of people just love how it feels.

The Arona is as compact as the Ibiza and just as easy to drive. It costs a bit more to buy and it uses slightly more fuel, but many people are willing to pay more for the extra practicality and "feel good factor" that comes from a higher seating position.

Aaron's seat

Are there any downsides to a crossover?

Compare any crossover to a regular hatchback of a similar size, and the crossover is likely to cost more to buy and run. Maintenance can also cost more. But these may be minor issues given the breadth of crossover qualities on offer.

You will find a wide selection of crossovers for sale on Cazoo. Take advantage of our Search tool to find the one that's right for you, buy it online for home delivery or pick it up at one of our customer service centers.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you can't find one within your budget today, check back later to see what's available or set up promotional alerts to be the first to know when we have crossovers to suit your needs.