Know the 5 Differences between SUV vs MPV Before Buying a Car!

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV) are two vehicle categories that are very popular in the automotive market today. Before you decide to buy a car, it is very important to understand the differences between SUV vs MPV so that you can make the right decision according to your needs and preferences.

Both SUVs and MPVs certainly have their respective advantages and disadvantages. So, make sure you understand these two types of cars so you don’t make a mistake when you want to buy a car that suits your needs. In this article, TransTRACK will explain the differences between SUVs and MPVs clearly to increase your insight before buying a new car.

A Glimpse into SUV vs MPV Cars

SUV car is an abbreviation of Sport Utility Vehicle. This car is designed with a higher body height than a regular sedan or hatchback. The characteristic of an SUV is its ability to traverse various types of terrain, including rocky roads, gravel paths, or even through off-road conditions. SUVs often have more powerful engines and four-wheel drive (4×4) to increase traction and performance on difficult roads.

Meanwhile, MPV car stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle. This car focuses more on comfort and passenger capacity than off-road capability. MPV cars usually have a lower design than SUVs and have spacious cabin space to accommodate many passengers. The rear seats of MPV cars can often be folded or adjusted to increase flexibility in transporting passengers or goods.

Types of SUV Cars

There are different types of SUV cars, each with unique characteristics and intended use. You can consider several types of SUVs when you want to buy a car.

Compact SUV

Compact SUV or also known as low SUV is the smallest type of SUV among other SUVs. This type is designed to be a vehicle that is easy to drive in urban areas and is practical for various purposes. Some examples are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

Medium SUV

This type of SUV offers more space than a compact SUV. Medium SUVs have a good level of comfort, making them suitable for family cars and long-distance travel. Examples of medium SUV cars: Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Subaru Outback.

Full-Size SUV

Next there is the full-size SUV. This type is the largest in the SUV category and can often accommodate up to eight passengers or more. They are generally equipped with powerful engines and luxury features. Examples include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon.

Sport SUV

Sport SUVs emphasize performance and style. These SUVs often have powerful engines and suspensions tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. Apart from being powerful, this car is also quite comfortable to drive. Car Examples: Porsche Cayenne, Jaguar F-PACE, Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Types of MPV Cars

No less than SUVs, MPV cars also have various types. Below, we will explain some of the most common types of SUVs.

Small MPV

Small MPVs or mini MPVs are usually equipped with relatively lower engine power than other MPVs. This type of SUV is often used for city trips and can carry around 5 to 7 passengers. Examples of cars are the Toyota Avanza, Daihatsu Xenia, and Suzuki Ertiga.

Medium MPV

Medium MPV has a larger cabin space compared to Small MPV. This type of MPV is often used by families who have many children and need more space. Examples of medium MPV cars are the Toyota Innova, Honda BR-V, and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Premium MPV

Description: Premium MPV is an MPV variant that offers comfort and luxury features. They often have more luxurious interiors and advanced technology features. The price set for a premium MPV car is also relatively high. Examples of cars: Toyota Alphard, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and Honda Odyssey.

Hybrid MPV

MPVs with hybrid technology combine a petrol engine with an electric motor to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This type of car tends to be more economical than other types of MPV. Car Examples: Toyota Prius V, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Honda Odyssey Hybrid.

Pros and Cons of SUVs and MPVs

SUVs are known for their ruggedness in various terrains, while MPVs are the top choice for comfort and passenger capacity. However, to determine which one is more suitable, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. Here is a more detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of SUVs and MPVs.

Pros

1. Greater Passenger Capacity
   • MPVs are designed for family comfort, with a larger passenger capacity, often accommodating up to 7-8 people, making it an ideal choice for family or group travel.
2. Cabin Comfort and Space
   • With a spacious and flexible cabin design, MPVs offer more legroom, plusher seats, and customizable seating configurations, perfect for long journeys.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
   • Compared to SUVs, MPVs usually have more efficient fuel consumption due to their lighter weight and smaller engines, suitable for daily use or urban travel.
4. Lower Maintenance Costs
   • Being more focused on comfort and practicality, MPVs tend to be more affordable in terms of purchase price and maintenance costs, and are easier to park and use in urban areas.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Off-Road Capability
   • MPVs are not designed for rough terrain. While they can handle highways or urban roads well, they are less capable of off-road travel or more extreme terrains, unlike SUVs that are more resilient in various conditions.
2. Less Sporty Design
   • MPVs have a simpler and less flashy design than SUVs. Despite focusing on comfort and function, MPVs tend to look more ordinary and less appealing to some people who want a sporty-looking vehicle.
3. Limited Luggage Capacity
   • Although MPVs have a larger passenger capacity, luggage space is usually more limited compared to SUVs, especially when all seats are in use. This can be an obstacle for those who often carry a lot of luggage.

Difference between SUV vs MPV

SUV vs MPV cars certainly have their own differences and uniqueness. Know the following 5 differences between SUV vs MPV so you don’t make a mistake when choosing a car.

Design and Capabilities

The first difference between SUVs and MPVs is in design and capabilities. SUVs have a sturdier and taller design, which makes them more suitable for off-road terrain and rough road conditions. On the other hand, MPVs have a lower design and focus on comfort and large passenger capacity.

Passenger Capacity and Flexibility

MPV cars usually have a larger passenger capacity compared to SUVs. They can often carry 7 to 8 passengers easily. Additionally, MPVs often have rear seats that can be folded or adjusted to provide flexibility in transporting goods or passengers.

Performance and Drivetrain

SUVs are often equipped with more powerful engines and four-wheel drive (4×4) or all-wheel drive (AWD). This makes it more suitable for off-road adventures and difficult road conditions. On the other hand, MPVs usually use front-wheel drive and engines that are more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption

SUV cars tend to waste more fuel because they have advanced features in each component, while MPV cars have more efficient fuel consumption. This is also influenced by the different car drive systems between SUV vs MPV.

Machine Capacity

SUV cars require an engine with a large capacity because they are designed to go off-road. The average SUV is equipped with an engine with a capacity of more than 1500 cc. Meanwhile, MPV cars have engines with smaller capacity, so they are more suitable for urban roads only.

Before you decide to buy a car, it is important to understand the differences between SUV and MPV and their types. Choose a car that suits your needs and lifestyle. By understanding these differences, it will be easier for you to choose the right car according to your needs. Apart from that, don’t forget to always carry out maintenance, so that your car remains in its best condition for many years.

Maintaining a car is an important part of maintaining performance and safety so that it is always in top condition. Currently there are various technologies and services that can help you maintain your car better, one of which is the Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK.

Vehicle Maintenance System is a system specifically designed to help you track your car maintenance easily. With this technology, you can remember maintenance schedules, monitor vehicle conditions, save maintenance costs, and increase safety. Visit the TransTRACK website now and apply for a free demo!