The revolution in transportation technology has led to the rise of a multitude of options for vehicles. A personal car is one such aspect in this domain. The car market is crowded with scores of options based on sizes, specificities, and designs. When choosing a car, the first common question that comes to the mind of buyers is choosing between an SUV and an MPV.
Firstly, let’s talk about what they are.
An MPV i.e. Multi-Purpose Vehicle, is also called a family vehicle and is concerned more with space and carrying capacity than strength and style. These vehicles come in different sizes based on their passenger capacity (small and medium), with the 7 seater MPV car being the most prioritized.
SUV- Sports Utility Vehicles are mainly concerned with off-road adventures. It is also called a light truck and in the US, it is labeled as “sport-ute”. The SUVs come in different categories based on their size, i.e., compact SUV, medium-size SUV, full-size SUV, and sports SUV, to provide buyers with a wider range of choices.
The differences between the vehicles are stark and diverse from the perspective of performance and specifications. Let’s move to a brief and crisp comparison between the two options.
Points of Comparison Between MPV and SUV
Both MPVs and SUVs are shaped and structured to adapt to the requirements of the buyers. The basic features of both these categories of cars differ to a large extent.
Let’s discuss them.
- Fuel efficiency: SUVs come with a busty and powerful engine that craves more fuel. While MPVs are installed with an engine for calm rides that need less fuel. This reflects the impact on mileage difference between the two, with the MPV standing ahead of the SUV. SUVs generally come with 4×4 wheel drives, which require more fuel than the MUVs, which are usually composed of only front wheel drive engines.
- Suitable Terrains: The SUVs are made mainly for offroading, i.e., for driving in tough terrain. While MPVs have engines unsuited for rugged and complex terrains but work best on urban roads.
- Maintenance: The SUV hunks need more maintenance, especially when it is taken out for off-road drives. While MPVs require less maintenance since they can’t endure off-road runs and are structured to run on tender roads. If you take your MPV on rugged roads, make sure you have auto insurance beforehand.
- Ground clearance: Ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle and the ground. Since SUVs are forged for tough drives, they have higher ground clearance to avoid road obstacles. While MPVs, which are designed for gentle drives, have less ground clearance.
- Space and seating capacity: An MPV has good interior space to provide seating comfort and more cargo space to passengers in the long run, while SUVs have less space inside. Considering the seating capacity, MPVs come with more seats than SUVs. MPVs also come with spacious interiors, while SUVs come with sturdy design and style from both inside and outside to give strength and fortitude to the vehicle.
- Design and style: SUVs look more rugged with a ruff and tough appearance to bring the essence of strength to the vehicle. On the other hand, MPVs are given a tranquil and smooth design to make them look more calm and composed. The back seats of the MPVs are usually foldable to make more space for people or luggage. This is not the case with SUVs.
- Price: The most important aspect before choosing a car is how much it demands from your pocket. As SUVs are more robust and physically efficient for varied topography, they are more costly than MPVs, which are less resilient to tough terrains but are best for smooth and happy drives.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses of SUVs and MPVs
Considering the above points, both MPVs and SUVs, have certain pros and cons, which need to be pondered before making a decision about which one is better for you.
- Strengths of MPVs: MPVs come with a good space and seating capacity with significant ease to carry 5–9 passengers and luggage. Being lightweight and having a moderately efficient engine makes it fuel efficient, which adds a star to its performance. They also put less burden on the pocket of the owner, right from the purchase to the maintenance.
- Weaknesses of MPVs: The MPVs are not suited for driving in tough terrain. The engine and transmission systems are designed for smooth and comfortable drives, limiting its functionality.
- Strengths of SUVs: SUVs come with a higher ground clearance, stronger engines made for challenging topography, and parts and components that are more durable and damage-proof than an ordinary MPV. Their strength expands their utility in uneven terrains.
- Weakness of SUVs: SUVs generally come with a lower seating capacity. Apart from that, the installed rugged engine draws more fuel to add extra thrust, which the buyers must consider before buying. The cost price of the SUV itself is more than a typical MPV and so is the cost of the spare car parts and maintenance.
When it comes to choosing between an SUV and an MPV, it is very decisive to consider the needs and preferences of the buyer. The above debate, covering broad dimensions of comparison, will give a fair idea to the buyers about the points to consider before making a choice.
Which Car Will Suit You More?
The adventurous people exploring options for a sporty and stout car who can pay more for purchasing and maintaining the vehicle should go with an SUV. Those searching for a car to cater to the basic needs of family and household should go with the MPV. The car market is extending its tentacles, with the recent Tesla releasing the Model Y SUV and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a 5-seater SUV, the buyers have myriad options in front of them.
The decision lies with the buyers and their criteria for choosing the car, which is instrumental in deciding which is best for them. Buyers should list out their requirements, consolidate them, and go with the best option to make the right choice.
