Compact crossover SUV

Last updated

The Toyota RAV4 was the worldwide best-selling compact crossover SUV and the best-selling SUV of any kind in 2020. 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5L front 4.14.19.jpg
The Toyota RAV4 was the worldwide best-selling compact crossover SUV and the best-selling SUV of any kind in 2020.

Compact crossover SUV is an automobile classification used mainly in North America to describe a segment of crossover SUV, a type of sport utility vehicle, between subcompact crossover SUV and mid-size crossover SUV.

Contents

By the late 2010s, the segment had emerged as the most popular automobile segment in several regions. For example, nearly one in every four cars sold in the United States in 2019 was a compact crossover, at about 24.2 percent. [2]

The best-selling vehicle in the segment in 2020 was the Toyota RAV4, with 995,762 units sold globally. It is also the second best-selling automobile in the world after the Toyota Corolla. [3]

Terminology

The term "compact crossover SUV" is most commonly used in the North America, where the "compact car" and "crossover" terms originated from. [4] It is also known as C-segment SUV [5] or C-SUV. [6] The naming of the segment also differ depending on the market. In several regions outside North America, the category may be known as "mid-size/medium crossover" or "mid-size/medium SUV", [7] [8] which differs with the more common mid-size crossover SUV definition used in US, which is a class above.

Characteristics

Compact crossovers are usually based on the platform of a compact car (C-segment), while some models may be based on a mid-size car (D-segment) or an enlarged B-segment platform. The majority of models in the compact crossover category have two-row seating, while some offer three-row seating. [9] Vehicles in this segment typically have an exterior length ranging between 4,400 mm (173.2 in) and 4,700 mm (185.0 in). [10] [11] [7] [12]

Due to its popularity and to cater to customer needs, many manufacturers offer more than one compact crossover, usually offering them in slightly different sizes at different price points. American magazine Car and Driver stated "so many of these vehicles are crowding the marketplace, simply sorting through them can be a daunting task". [13]

Markets

United States

The first compact crossover was the 1980 AMC Eagle that was based on the compact-sized Concord line. Its four-wheel drive system was an almost unheard-of feature on regular passenger cars at the time and it came with full-time all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, power steering, power front disk brakes standard as well as numerous convenience and comfort options. [14] Later models included the 1994 Toyota RAV4, [15] 1995 Honda CR-V, 1997 Subaru Forester, 2000 Nissan X-Trail, 2000 Mazda Tribute, and the 2001 Ford Escape.

Between 2005 and 2010, the market share of compact crossovers in the US increased from 6 percent to 11.2 percent. [16]

In 2014, for the first time ever, sales of compact crossovers outpaced mid-size sedans in the United States. [17]

Europe

In the European market, several analysts and agencies divided the segment into two, the smaller ones ("compact" or "C-SUV"), and the larger vehicles ("mid-size" or "D-SUV"), with the latter usually longer than 4,500 mm (177.2 in) with some models offering three-row seating. In 2021, the combined segments in Europe recorded 3,055,770 sales according to data from JATO Dynamics, representing 26 percent of the market. [18]

The Nissan Qashqai played a significant role of growing and popularising the segment. Introduced in 2006, at the time it was Nissan's only vehicle in the C-segment space in Europe since the company discontinued the Almera hatchback and saloon. [19] The vehicle was credited to start the trend for compact crossovers in Europe, with their advantage being high-riding and rugged-looking family cars, while not having the high running costs usually associated with off-roaders. [20] It led the segment since its introduction until 2019, when the Volkswagen Tiguan took its place. [21]

In 2016, two out of three vehicles sold in the segment were produced by Renault–Nissan, Volkswagen Group and Hyundai Motor Group. [22]

Australia

The segment is commonly known as "medium SUV" in the region. [23] In 2021, it is the second-largest automobile segment in the market after pickup trucks at 180,000 units from 19 different models, [23] which contributed 17.2 percent of total automobile sales in Australia. [24]

Luxury vehicles

Numerous luxury car brands marketed compact crossover SUVs, usually as an entry-level SUV offering of the respective brands. It is known by many terms such as compact luxury crossover SUV, luxury compact SUV, premium small SUV, premium compact crossover, luxury small SUV, among others. Compact luxury crossover SUVs are usually based on the platform of a mid-size car (D-segment), while some models may be based on a full-size car (E-segment) or a C-segment platform.

Vehicles in this segment are commonly built on a D-segment car platform or above. While being significantly more expensive, vehicles from this segment offer similar driving and convenience advantages as mainstream compact crossover SUVs, with larger exterior dimensions, more refined interiors, more advanced technologies, higher engine power and added prestige.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minivan</span> Type of van designed for private use

Minivan is a car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows. The equivalent classification in Europe is MPV or M-segment - and are taller than a sedan car, hatchback, SUV or station wagon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SUV</span> Type of automobile

A sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a car classification that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura</span> Luxury and performance vehicle brand by Honda

Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. The company has also previously sold cars in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine. Plans to introduce Acura to the Japanese domestic market in the late 2000s did not eventuate due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luxury car</span> Marketing term for a vehicle with increased comfort, amenities, quality, or status

A luxury car is a car that provides above-average to high-end levels of comfort, features, and equipment. Often, more expensive materials and surface finishes are used, and buyers expect better build quality. The usually higher pricing and more upscale appearance are often associated with the users' higher social status compared to low- and mid-market segment cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti</span> Japanese luxury car brand, a subsidiary of Nissan

Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation. The brand began on November 8, 1989, initially in North America. The marketing network for Infiniti vehicles included dealers in over 50 countries in the 2010s. As of 2020, there were 25 markets served by new car dealers, primarily North America, China, Taiwan, and the Middle East.

Governments and private organizations have developed car classification schemes that are used for various purposes including regulation, description, and categorization of cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebadging</span> Changing badges of the same car

In the automotive industry, rebadging is a form of market segmentation used by automobile manufacturers around the world. To allow for product differentiation without designing or engineering a new model or brand, a manufacturer creates a distinct automobile by applying a new "badge" or trademark to an existing product line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crossover (automobile)</span> Style of motor vehicle

A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles (SUV), which are built on a body-on-frame chassis construction similar to pickup trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Full-size car</span> Vehicle size class

Full-size car—also known as large car—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars. It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car, while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota RAV4</span> Compact crossover SUV

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers. The RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs of all time. By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota Ist</span> Motor vehicle

The Toyota Ist is a subcompact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It is exported to the United States as the Scion xA and Scion xD, the Middle East as the Toyota xA and to Europe and Latin America as the Toyota Urban Cruiser for the second generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mini MPV</span> Subcompact minivan

Mini MPV—an abbreviation for mini multi-purpose vehicle—is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans/MPVs. The mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-segment hatchback models. By the European definition, the mini MPV commonly consists of cars with two rows of seats, while in Asia mini MPVs with three rows are common. Sliding doors are sometimes also fitted to mini MPVs. Mini MPVs are also called tall-hatchbacks or small MPVs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Compact executive car</span> Car classification

A compact executive car, also known as a compact luxury car, is a premium car larger than a premium compact and smaller than an executive car. Compact executive car is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification.

Toyota Australia is an Australian subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. It markets Toyota products and manages motorsport, advertising and business operations for Toyota in Australia. It is also responsible for Lexus vehicles in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B-segment</span> Car size classification

The B-segment is the second smallest of the European segments for passenger cars between the A-segment and C-segment, and commonly described as "small cars". The B-segment is the largest segment in Europe by volume, accounting for 20 percent of total car sales in 2020 according to JATO Dynamics. B-segment cars include hatchback, saloon, estate, coupe/convertible, MPV, and crossover/SUV body styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lexus NX</span> Compact luxury crossover SUV

The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Introduced in late 2014, it is positioned between the subcompact UX and the mid-size RX in Lexus’ crossover SUV lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota New Global Architecture</span> Motor vehicle platform

The Toyota New Global Architecture is a modular automobile platform that underpins various Toyota and Lexus models, starting with the fourth-generation Prius in late 2015. TNGA platforms accommodate different vehicle sizes and also front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Subcompact crossover SUV</span> Smallest sport utility vehicle vehicle class

Subcompact crossover SUV is an automobile segment used to describe the smallest segment of crossover SUV, a type of sport utility vehicle, below the compact crossover SUV. Subcompact crossover SUVs are usually based on a platform of a subcompact passenger car, although some high-end subcompact crossover models are based on a compact car (C-segment). The segment started to gain traction during early to mid-2010s when the number of models and sales figures rapidly increased in major markets such as North America and Europe. In 2019, around 22 percent of SUV global sales were contributed by subcompact crossovers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automotive industry in the Philippines</span>

The automotive industry in the Philippines is one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, with approximately 441.4 thousand vehicles sold in 2023. Most of the vehicles sold and built in the Philippines are from foreign brands. For the most part, the Philippines is dominated by Japanese automobile manufacturers like most of its ASEAN neighbors. The automobile production in the country is covered under the Philippine Motor Vehicle Development Program implemented by the Board of Investments. In addition, there are also a small number of independent firms who assemble and fabricate jeepneys and other similar vehicles, using surplus engines and drivetrain parts mostly from Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coupe SUV</span> Style for motor vehicle

A coupe SUV is a type of sport utility vehicle with a sloping rear roofline similar to those of fastbacks or Kammbacks. The sloping roofline is adopted to offer a styling advantage compared to its standard SUV counterpart, which helps increase profit margins as manufacturers are able to raise the price by marketing it as a more premium model. Since all coupe SUVs ever produced are of the crossover variety, coupe SUVs may also be called "coupe crossovers" or "coupe crossover SUVs".

References

  1. "Global sales of the Toyota RAV4 reach 10 million units". Toyota Europe Newsroom. April 10, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  2. "US car sales analysis 2019 - Compact crossovers". carsalesbase.com. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  3. "The world's best-selling cars". Autocar. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  4. "What Is a Crossover? | News from Cars.com". Cars.com. Retrieved February 13, 2021. But the "car-based" SUV models credited with breaking ground...
  5. "Top 3 'C' Segment Family SUV - LeasePlan". direct.leaseplan.co.uk. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  6. "C-SUV Archives". JATO. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  7. 1 2 "New mid-size SUV comparison with dimensions and boot capacity". automobiledimension.com. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  8. "Best used mid-size 4x4s and SUVs". Auto Express. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  9. Hellwig, Kelly; Irwin, Austin (October 6, 2020). "Every 2021 Compact Crossover SUV Ranked from Worst to Best". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  10. "Compact SUV comparison featuring specs and pics from every brand". Autoblog. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  11. "How to figure out what size SUV or crossover to buy". Driving. June 11, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  12. "New Proton X70 vs B- and C-segment SUV rivals in Malaysia - where does it stand in size, power, kit? - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. December 12, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  13. "Practicality Matters: Every Compact Crossover SUV Ranked from Worst to Best". Car and Driver. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  14. Branch, Ben (October 12, 2020). "The AMC Eagle - The Original American 4x4 Crossover". Silodrome. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  15. Madrigal, Alexis C. (July 10, 2014). "Why Crossovers conquered the American Highway". The Atlantic. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  16. "Small crossover segment U.S. market share climbs above 10%". IHS Markit. August 30, 2010. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  17. "Small crossovers outpace sedans for first time ever". IHS Markit. April 30, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  18. "VW's Golf leads Europe in 2021, Peugeot's 2008 is the best-selling SUV, and Tesla's Model 3 tops the EV rankings". JATO Dynamics. Motionnlab. January 24, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  19. Munoz, Felipe (October 13, 2016). "Compact SUV's become more popular in Europe". JATO Dynamics. Motionlab. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  20. "Nissan Qashqai: best cars in the history of What Car?". www.whatcar.com. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  21. "European sales 2019 compact crossovers". carsalesbase.com. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  22. Munoz, Felipe (October 19, 2021). "OEMs are selling more SUVs but are they selling more vehicles?". JATO Dynamics. Motionlab. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  23. 1 2 "Best Mid-Size SUV 2021: The verdict". www.carsales.com.au. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  24. "VFACTS: Australia's 2021 new car sales detailed in full". CarExpert. Retrieved May 14, 2022.