With
more cars on the roads, longer commutes, and bigger vehicles, safety
concerns continue to grow. One of the goals of manufacturers has been
to build vehicles that are not only equipped with safety equipment, but
that are also safer by design.
Stability is
the foundation of the crossover design. It creates vehicles that have
convenience and size while utilizing the lower and more forgiving
platforms commonly utilized for cars (instead of the rigid, high riding
truck platforms). SUVs are commonly built on truck-based platforms,
which mean they handle more like a truck, providing sometimes unwieldy
and sluggish response. In addition to being cumbersome, this awkward
handling can provide dangerous loss of control. Vehicles with a high
center of gravity are usually top heavy; add the extra weight of
several passengers or a large cargo load, and a sudden swerve, sharp
turn, or other corrective action could cause the vehicle to skid out of
control and possibly roll over. Although ongoing improvements in design
and handling have contributed to fewer incidents, a naturally lower
center of gravity reduces the chance of an imbalance in weight
distribution.
Car-based crossovers are built
on car-based platforms and are closer to the ground, lowering both the
center of gravity and the chances of losing control. The lighter
car-based platform also improves the handling by providing suspension
better suited to the road, a softer ride for the passengers, and more
vehicle control for the driver. It is often said, the best defense is a
good offense—and in this case, the increase in handling improves
responsiveness and accident avoidance. The lower platform also provides
a lower cargo deck, reducing the difficulty of lifting heavy objects up
and into the vehicle.
As crossovers are new
to the market, they also benefit from newer design technology,
adaptations that better accommodate new safety innovations, and
improved materials. The 2007 GMC Acadia, for example, offers a tire
pressure monitoring system, StabiliTrak electronic stability control
system, and first-row seatbelt tension sensors that activate if an
accident is detected. Standard on all Hyundai models, including the
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, are active front head restraints, front and seat
side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. The 2007 Honda CR-V
promises advanced safety with an anti-lock braking system, vehicle
stability assist, airbags, and active front head restraints. Suzuki’s
2007 XL7 offers an electronic stability program, and standard
four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Once the
“utility” stigma wore off, it was quickly realized that the SUV’s
increased height and use of more metal provided a greater degree of
protection for the passengers. And so began the transition from SUVs
being thought of as vehicles for “outdoorsy” types to being known as
the modern family vehicle. Crossovers would have a very difficult time
taking over any portion of the SUV market without still providing the
natural protection of the “metal,” so, as the category began to take
shape it was clear that the large body styles needed to stay but the
truck platform needed to go. Moving to a car platform but keeping the
taller body allowed passengers to maintain their improved visibility
and still ride higher, above where most bumpers would impact in an
accident.
Since the risk of top-heavy
control issues can never be completely eliminated, many of the latest
crossovers come equipped with features designed to counteract the sway
of taller bodied vehicles. Technologies like “Electronic Stability
Control” and simply making the platforms wider have greatly
counteracted the weight distribution problems.
For more articles on RTM auto advice and tips, click here.
For more information from Autotrader.com's Lifestyle Center, click here.
