Difference Between Driving a Sedan and an SUV

When it comes to renting a car in Dubai, choosing between a sedan and an SUV leads to completely different travel experiences.  

Well, choosing the right vehicle depends on your specific needs and preferences as well as the nature of your planned adventure.  

To be precise, an SUV is ideal for desert adventures, while a sedan is perfect for city exploration.  

Our car rental company in Dubai offers high-end luxury cars, whether you prefer SUVs or sedans. Not sure what’s the best option for you? Let’s help you decide in this detailed guide.  

First, let’s see… 

How Sedans and SUVs Handle the Road 

The way cars handle roads depends on their design and structural elements. The design of sedans provides comfortable rides with excellent handling and simple control, which suits both urban driving and highway use.  

SUVs deliver higher driving visibility combined with elevated ground clearance that helps drivers maintain control during uneven road conditions.  

SUVs stand out in off-road circumstances while sedans deliver better daily commuting performance and improved control during bad weather conditions. 

Now, let’s discuss this in detail, keeping the most important aspects in mind. 

Driving 

The functionality of sedans is straightforward when driving through urban areas like Dubai.  

The smaller dimensions and a lower center of gravity make sedans easier to handle and park as compared to SUVs, especially in confined areas. 

One important thing to note here is that SUVs demand additional effort when driving through crowded urban settings due to their heavy weight. 

Fuel Efficiency and Performance 

Sedans show better fuel efficiency than SUVs because of their smaller size and lighter weight. This contributes to better fuel economy and performance. Sedan cars deliver outstanding mileage, making them suitable for regular usage. 

The latest SUV models provide better fuel economy through hybrid or efficient engine designs, but their larger engine displacement and heavier weight typically results in lower fuel efficiency than smaller vehicles. 

Read also: Top 10 Luxury Cars in Dubai for Ultimate Prestige and Performance 

Space, Comfort, and Passenger Experience 

The spacious design of SUVs provides excellent capacity for passengers and cargo, which makes them suitable for families or people who need to transport extra equipment.  

SUVs deliver complete comfort and extensive storage features compared to sedans. This allows you to meet all your requirements during weekend travel or desert camping excursions. 

Luxury 

Well, luxury is another name for SUVs! 

SUVs offer a more stylish appearance than sedans. Luxury car owners in Dubai prefer SUVs for their premium experience.  

At Mirage Rent A Car, our SUV car rental collection features luxurious models, including: 

• Nissan Patrol Nismo  
• Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE  
• Cadillac Escalade 600 
• Land Rover Defender 110 P400 
• MG Whale and more.  

Check out some amazing car rental offers here. 

The modern style of SUVs matches the luxurious lifestyle of Dubai; a city known for its contemporary look and feel. 

Safety Features and Crash Protection 

SUVs offer better crash protection during head-to-head collisions because their extended front ends absorb more collision energy than typical sedans. 

On the contrary, SUVs experience higher rollover accident risks because of their elevated design, but manufacturers have implemented electronic stability control (ESC) technology to minimize rollover incidents. 

Vehicle safety extends beyond protecting people inside the vehicle.  The elevated position of SUVs provides drivers with what they perceive as improved road visibility, yet their large blind spots remain a concern.  

Sedans are usually equipped with safety features like airbags, ABS, traction control, and crash-absorbing frames to offer a safe ride for drivers and passengers in the city or on the highway. 

Road Suitability: City vs. Off-Road 

As mentioned earlier, a sedan provides better handling for navigating through the crowded urban roads of Dubai because of its compact design. This allows more effortless movement through congested traffic areas. The small size of sedans makes them simpler to locate when parking in crowded lots. 

SUVs gain their main market appeal in the UAE due to their ability to handle off-road adventures. SUVs with 4WD, larger tires, and suspension systems enable drivers to navigate challenging off-road conditions, including dune bashing and tough terrain. 

So, Which One is Right for You? 

Your first step should be identifying your requirements before choosing a rental car type. These three common factors will guide your decision:  

1- The number of passengers 

Small families with four members or fewer will find a sedan sufficient for their traveling needs. An SUV serves as the best option for a large family traveling with plenty of luggage.  

SUVs provide sufficient space, which allows all passengers to maintain comfort throughout their journey.   

2- Type of travel 

Off-road travel and desert drives have become preferred throughout the United Arab Emirates. SUVs are the right vehicle type for off-road travel. The four-wheel-drive capability of most SUVs allows them to handle challenging off-road surfaces.  

An SUV provides the best solution during unfavorable weather conditions because it can handle challenging situations like floods. 

A sedan provides ultimate travel experience in the cities. For example: 

• Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 2021 is a testament of automotive engineering which unites stunning speed capabilities with attractive styling.  
• Mercedes C200 is a premium sedan that combines elegance, advanced technology, and superior performance.  
• Audi A6 combines elegance, cutting-edge technology, and dynamic performance to elevate your city driving experience. The premium sedan delivers a smooth, comfortable, and stylish ride for both business trips and weekend getaways. 

3- Fuel Efficiency 

The sedan proves fuel-efficient than SUVs. This is because of its aerodynamic design, smaller size, and lighter weight. It is the most suitable vehicle for travel limited to paved roads. The car type will save you a substantial amount of money.   

Sedan vs SUV: A Quick Comparison Table 

FAQs 

What are the main differences between sedans and SUVs? 

Sedans and SUVs are commonly used vehicles across UAE roads, and each model type provides specific benefits. The main difference between a sedan and an SUV is the design of the vehicle. Sedans are sleek and sporty and are easier to maneuver, while SUVs are spacious, have more passenger and cargo space and are more rugged.  

Which is safer to drive – a sedan or an SUV? 

The size of SUVs and their elevated position gives them a safety advantage in accidents whereas sedans have better handling and fewer rollover risks. The safest choice will depend on the driving situation, type of vehicle, and safety equipment like airbags, ABS and stability control. 

Is it easier to drive an SUV or a sedan in the city? 

Sedans tend to be easier to drive in urban and crowded areas due to their size, lower ride height, and lower center of gravity; as it can be more challenging to maneuver an SUV in tight spaces. 

Do SUVs consume more fuel than sedans? 

Yes. Sedans are generally smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic than SUVs, and have traditionally had better fuel economy. 

Which is better for long road trips, a sedan or an SUV? 

Sedans are an excellent option when you need to save on fuel costs. They are fuel-efficient and most of them come with four-cylinder engines that deliver great performance without using too much fuel. Therefore, they consume less fuel than SUVs. If you are going for a long road trip on paved roads, then a sedan will save you money on your trip. 

Are SUVs more comfortable than sedans for passengers? 

Both sedans and SUVs can be fitted with comfortable seats. However, SUVs often have more flexible seating options such as folding rear seats or third row seating, which can be useful for families or groups. 

Can you drive a sedan on rough roads or desert terrain? 

No. Sedans are not built to handle desert terrain or off-road conditions. Their lower ground clearance, lighter suspension, and two-wheel drive limit performance on uneven surfaces. If you are going to the desert or rugged terrain, then an SUV or 4x4 vehicle is much better and safer. 

Is parking harder with an SUV in the city? 

Yes, driving an SUV in the city can be more difficult as it is bigger and has a tighter turning radius in tight spaces. Narrow streets, small parking lots, and heavy traffic can make it complex as compared to a sedan. However, features like parking sensors and rear cameras can make it a bit easier. 

Should tourists rent an SUV or a sedan in Dubai? 

If you are going to explore the rugged desert or require more space and comfort for your group, then it is likely that you should choose an SUV from our reliable car rental company in Dubai. But if you are looking for a more economical, fuel efficient option for city driving, then a sedan is the way to go. 

Get in touch with us for luxury car rentals in Dubai.