Do families really need a sport utility vehicle (SUV)? Both SUVs and sedans can handle school runs and groceries. The differences are easier to spot when you look at what goes into the car and where you drive it.
Start with a typical week, not the occasional road trip. Cargo space matters, but so does how easily everyone gets in and out, what the car costs to run, and how much room you have to park it.
<h3>Cargo Space</h3>
The SUV often has the edge in cargo volume. Honda lists 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats for the 2027 CR-V LX, compared with 16.7 cubic feet in the 2026 Accord's trunk. But volume alone doesn't tell you whether a stroller will fit through the opening.
A sedan's enclosed trunk keeps groceries and bags out of sight. If your usual load is a stroller and a few bags, that may be all the space you need. A crossover's taller cargo area comes in handy when you carry a second stroller, a packed cooler, or a folding table with the rear seats still in use.
<h3>Getting Kids In and Out</h3>
A sedan's lower floor can make it easier for children to climb in on their own. In a taller SUV, you may have to lift a child or an infant carrier farther. On the other hand, a higher rear seat can mean less bending when you reach in to fasten a harness.
Look at the door opening as well as the seat height. A door that opens wide on the dealer's lot may not have the same room to swing in your garage. If you regularly carpool, check how much space is left for another passenger once the child seats are in place.
<h3>Fuel and Running Costs</h3>
Fuel economy can be closer than you expect. Toyota lists 32 miles per gallon combined for the front-wheel-drive 2024 Camry LE and 30 for the front-wheel-drive 2024 RAV4 LE. Compare the versions you're actually considering: a different engine or drivetrain can change the result.
Fuel is only part of the cost. Compare purchase prices, get insurance quotes for both vehicles, and check replacement tire prices in the sizes they use. Use your usual mileage to estimate fuel spending rather than assuming a sedan will always cost less to own.
<h3>Weather and Road Conditions</h3>
On a rutted gravel driveway or in deep snow, extra ground clearance gives the underside of the vehicle more room. Honda lists 8.2 inches for the 2027 CR-V LX with all-wheel drive, compared with 5.3 inches for the 2026 Accord.
All-wheel drive and ground clearance solve different problems. All-wheel drive can help you get moving on a slippery hill, while clearance helps the vehicle pass over ruts or packed snow without scraping. Some sedans offer all-wheel drive, too, so look at which feature your route actually calls for.
<h3>Parking and Garage Fit</h3>
An SUV isn't necessarily longer than a sedan. Honda lists the CR-V at 184.8 inches long and the Accord at 195.7 inches, even though the CR-V is slightly wider. If you park on the street, see how much room each car needs to turn into a space.
If you have a narrow garage, leave room for the mirrors and for the rear doors to open far enough to buckle children in. With an SUV, check whether the liftgate can open fully beneath the garage door and whether there's room to stand behind it while you unload.
Bring your own car seats and stroller to the test drive. Install the seats, adjust the front seats to your usual driving positions, and load the stroller without folding any seat your family needs. Try that same setup in both vehicles before you decide.
