Over the last couple of decades, a new type of vehicle segment has taken over the roads and highways of our great nation. Vehicles like the 2022 Ford Edge vs 2022 Chevy Blazer go head to head in a category that is very competitive today, but not so much back then. It’s funny because when this new type of vehicle hit the market, nobody really had any idea what to call it. The crossover craze began when manufacturers designed a new segment that combined all of the things we love about cars, SUVs, and minivans. Indeed, the crossover is truly a mixed breed among purebreds. People started buying up crossovers at an extraordinary rate, even if they weren’t sure exactly what it was.
When auto manufacturers were struggling with slumping sales, the crossover enjoyed tremendous growth. The term “crossover” can and does mean a lot of things, and it is interchangeable with other terms, including compact SUV and small SUV. But why do we love crossovers so much? Well, there are obvious reasons and reasons that are harder to explain. Let’s break down the reasons why crossovers are loved by comparing two popular models; the 2022 Ford Edge vs 2022 Chevy Blazer.
The Rise of the Crossover
Many people were confused when they first heard of the term crossover; perhaps it’s because they basically look like SUVs, only smaller versions. In the beginning, crossovers were essentially hatchbacks and station wagons that were beefed up a bit by adding all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. This proved to be a wildly popular move mainly due to the fact consumers could enjoy the benefits of a traditional SUV without having to deal with the clunky nature of an SUV and the poor fuel economy.
Many crossovers are built on car platforms, which makes them easier to handle than traditional SUVs. The big difference between conventional SUVs and crossovers is fuel economy. The average crossover would enjoy about five miles a gallon more than the typical SUV. Even though crossovers enjoyed limited off-road capabilities, they did much better off the beaten path than most sedans.
When taking a look at the Ford Edge and Chevy Blazer, both offer two engine choices that enjoy good fuel economy. Even the V6 options deliver in this category. The Ford Edge offers a powerful V6 with the horsepower you need for satisfying acceleration and that added boast for off-road adventures.
Do You Need a Crossover?
You don’t necessarily have to be a fan of SUVs to appreciate what a crossover has to offer. There are plenty of reasons why a crossover should be nestled in your garage. You may not have a need for a crossover, but you should still own one nonetheless.
So you don’t need the extra cargo space that crossovers offer, and you don’t need a vehicle that seats more than four, and you will never take your crossover off the paved roads, so buying a sedan makes total sense. But there are other considerations. For example, crossovers ride taller than cars, so you enjoy an elevated view of the road. This is great as it allows you to see better on the crowded highway. And it is a good thing considering that sedans are disappearing and most of the vehicles on the road are trucks and SUVs, which means it is as difficult as ever to get a clear view from behind the wheel of any sedan.
While you might not think that you need the added cargo space crossovers have to offer, we would be willing to bet good money that, at some point, you will take advantage of it. For example, it is very likely that you will find yourself in a scenario in which you need to transport a large item that simply would not fit in a sedan. Whether it’s the impulse purchase of an antique chair at the flea market or having to pick up your luggage-laden in-laws from the airport for a holiday visit, you will appreciate the cargo space crossovers enjoy. The Ford Edge boasts a healthy 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Chevy Blazer offers 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is still pretty decent.
Lastly, you may never take your crossover on an off-road adventure, but that does not mean you can’t appreciate the capabilities it offers. If you live in an area where cold and snow are a given in the winter, you will undoubtedly enjoy the ground clearance and all-wheel drive that crossovers boast.
Reasons Why We Love Crossovers
There are certain perks you get with the Ford Edge and other crossovers that cannot be ignored. First, crossovers are one of the most versatile vehicles found on car lots all over the country. Second, crossovers are the ideal choice for families who need more room than sedans offer. Sure, if you want a vehicle that seats five or six and has plenty of cargo space, you might opt for a full-size SUV, but that comes with a few downsides. In a nutshell, the Ford Edge and other similar choices are the happy middle ground between cars and full-size SUVs.
With a crossover, you get drivetrain options not just limited to three and four-cylinder choices. Again, a hearty V6, like your find in the Ford Edge, offers the power your lack in sedans with smaller engines and the V8s in full-size SUVs that tend to be gas guzzlers. The Edge offers a V6 with 335 horsepower and good fuel economy. The Blazer offers a V6 with 308 horsepower and good fuel economy.
With a crossover, you are prepared for just about any type of situation that might come up. So, for example, while you might not even think about towing anything with your crossover, it’s nice to know that your Edge holds the capability. But, again, we never know what life has in store for us, so it is totally possible that you might find yourself in a situation where you have to hook up a trailer and tow something. In such a case, that towing capacity number you never bothered to read will actually mean something. The Ford Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and the Blazer can manage up to 4,500 pounds with the bigger engine.
Just Try to Imagine the Crossover Life
The next time you are parked in the lot of your local grocery store, take a moment to watch people get in and out of their vehicles. You will notice that some people have a difficult time getting in and out of their cars. This is because cars are very low to the ground, and it can be challenging to get in and out of them. The same holds true for trucks and full-size SUVs. Having to utilize a running board can be difficult for some people, and climbing in and out of a full-size SUV without a running board can be nearly impossible for a percentage of the population. It might not sound like a big deal, but if you are driving every day, you are getting in and out of your vehicle several times. Getting in and out of a crossover is relatively easy and a lot less dangerous as well.
We don’t see any slowdown in the popularity of crossovers. In fact, it is likely that they will continue to be the segment of the industry that continues to grow and dominate. Let’s face it, the downfall of the sedan continues, and something has to take its place. The crossover is the perfect middle ground between cars and full-size SUVs and is not just a passing phase; they are here to stay.
