Are SUVs Roomier Than Sedans? (We Checked)

SUVs are a popular choice among families and other drivers who want the benefits of a larger vehicle without the drawbacks of a minivan.

SUVs offer more space and flexibility than sedans and hatchbacks but can also be less fuel-efficient.

Today’s SUVs are more sophisticated than ever, with plenty of high-tech features that make them ideal family vehicles. If you’re looking for a bigger car with plenty of space, SUVs are a perfect choice.

Here’s Why SUVs Are Roomier Than Sedans:

An SUV offers a roomier drive than a sedan because of its distinct design, particularly when the rear seats are folded. A higher ride height allows you to accommodate more cargo and passengers than a sedan. The extra space allows for added seating and greater comfort during a road trip.

Do SUVs or Sedans Have More Interior Space?

When picking a car, interior space is one of the most significant factors. If you’re driving around town with a family of five, you’ll need enough room for everyone to be comfortable.

If you’ve ever been inside a sedan, you know there’s little room for anything else but the driver and passengers. And even then, if you’re tall or wide, you’ll probably be uncomfortable in some areas of the cabin.

But SUVs are different. They offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo alike.

So which one gives you more room?

Comparing two vehicles of the same price range and manufacturer is the best way to get our answer.

For example, the Chevrolet Malibu Sedan is 5.55 inches narrower and 13.03 inches lower when compared to Chevrolet Traverse SUV. It has 1.5 inches less ground clearance and offers 81% less cargo space.

Therefore, height is one of the most significant differences between the Traverse and Malibu. SUVs are dramatically taller than sedans, so they would generally have more headroom and space inside.

This height difference also translated to the significant difference in cargo capacity – because the Traverse is significantly taller and wider than the Malibu, it can offer more room for cargo space.

The Traverse also has three rows of seats – with configurations that can seat up to eight individuals. In comparison, the Malibu would only seat up to five people.

So, let’s say you have three kids and need seating plus room to store their gear (or your gear). The Chevy Traverse would be your best bet because it offers more interior space for seating and cargo than a Malibu.

For more, check out our article looking at the best and worst years of the Chevy Traverse.

That said, there are many different types of SUVs, each with a different interior layout. But in general, SUVs do have more room inside than sedans.

Do SUVs Offer More Storage Space Than Normal Cars?

While SUVs and minivans are often considered big, bulky vehicles, they offer more storage space than smaller cars. This is why many Americans choose SUVs over other vehicles when purchasing their next vehicle.

The reason for the extra storage space supplied by SUVs is simple – SUVs are designed with storage capacity in mind after being based on trucks or vans with higher ride heights.

The storage space is significantly more extensive than what is generally found in the trunk of a regular-sized car like a sedan. Therefore, you will have more than enough room in the rear of an SUV to carry everything you need.

This gives them much more room to store things, making SUVs perfect for families transporting all their gear from place to place. And if you ever need extra storage space, adding to it by dropping the rear seats is simple.

An SUV can also be readily equipped with cargo carriers, roof racks, and bike racks. This keeps you prepared and geared for your next big road trip.

Ultimately, if you plan on taking a trip or driving long distances often, it might be worth considering an SUV instead of a car because of its added amenities.

Are SUVs Better for Tall Drivers and Large Persons?

Ideally, the number one objective for any driver is to find the perfect vehicle that suits their shape and taste.

You require a car that is in line with your physical requirements. If you are taller or larger, an SUV is often the best option to fit these requirements.

Few of the many vehicles on the road can accommodate taller persons without making them feel restricted. As a result, tall people frequently have difficulty finding the perfect car.

There are many dependable luxury SUVs with appropriate interior space for tall persons on the market.

These vehicles offer superior legroom and headroom than other cars, making them more comfortable for tall drivers.

The seating position is higher than in sedans and hatchbacks, meaning there is more space for your legs between the seat and the pedals. This makes it easier for people with long legs to get in and out of their vehicles without contorting their bodies or bending over unnecessarily.

If you have long legs and need to stretch out, SUVs are a good option.

Do SUVs Offer More Legroom Than Sedans?

The main reason SUVs have such ample interior space is that they’re taller than sedans and hatchbacks.

That extra height translates into more headroom and legroom inside the cabin. If you have long legs, this can make all the difference in the world.

Sedans generally have little legroom and cramped interiors, making it difficult to get comfortable in the front seat.

The front seat of most SUVs, however, offers more legroom than the front seats of most sedans.

This can be especially useful if you’re tall, have long legs, and need extra space between your knees and the dashboard or steering wheel when sitting down.

Many SUVs, especially ones with more extensive seating configurations, offer much greater front and rear-seat legroom than comparable sedans or hatchbacks do.

Passengers can also stretch out and relax on long road trips when cruising in an SUV.

Therefore, if you’re tall or have long legs, this is a significant advantage over the smaller sedan, which, due to its design and ride height, doesn’t offer much legroom.

Do Sedans or SUVs Have More Comfortable Cabins?

Regarding the cabins of these two vehicles, comfort varies depending on your needs.

Sedans are usually considered comfortable because they have a lower center of gravity, meaning that you sit closer to the road and feel more connected to what’s happening around you.

That said, you’re likely to feel more bumps in the road in a sedan. This, accompanied by limited space, could disadvantage the sedan’s comfortability on longer road trips.

On the other hand, SUVs tend to be higher up off the ground, giving drivers a greater sense of safety because they can see what’s happening around them. Additionally, many SUVs offer excellent suspension, which can make for a smoother ride.

SUVs also tend to have larger cabins than sedans, making them feel more spacious and comfortable for passengers. This is typically an ideal way to travel for long trips and adventures.

Ultimately, SUVs are more comfortable if you’re carrying passengers or cargo, as they have higher overall capacities in their trunks and backseats.

However, the comfort aspect would greatly depend on your needs and uses for your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Whether a Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer, or Toyota Highlander, SUVs are roomy enough to accommodate most families.

SUVs offer ample cargo space, additional seating, and superior legroom when compared to sedans. This makes them ideal for long road trips and hauling larger items.

Ultimately, the size of your family may come into play when considering an SUV purchase. You should consider buying an SUV over a sedan if you have a large household.