A blessing always comes with welcoming a new family member. But it can also need the purchase of a new, larger vehicle. Which vehicle should you get —SUV vs Sedan for baby?—now emerges. Millions of satisfied consumers consider these vehicles some of the greatest and safest options. It might be challenging to find the right car for your family.
Come along as we assist you in finding the ideal answer! This post will discuss the key distinctions, advantages, and disadvantages.
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: The Differences
An SUV and a Sedan primarily vary because an SUV is often based on a truck, whereas a Sedan is a vehicle. The latter distinction is rather messy in modern times because of the crossover design, which fuses characteristics of classic SUVs and Sedans.
Even crossovers, meanwhile, vary from cars in so much as they sit higher, frequently have more towing capacity, and nearly always have an AWD option. Crossovers and SUVs are sometimes grouped. In contrast to most Sedans, which have a standard car-style trunk, crossovers also feature hatchbacks in the back.
However, the original SUV was constructed using a body-on-frame, whereas crossovers use unibody construction (like cars). Some SUV vs. Sedan distinctions have utility, and others revolve around design. Here are some key ways that these types of vehicles differ:
Body Type
As mentioned, an SUV has body-on-frame construction, while a Sedan typically has unibody construction. This means an SUV is more rugged, can tow more weight, and is often better suited for off-roading. A Sedan is usually lighter and has a lower center of gravity, making it more agile.
Doors
While most Sedans have four doors, SUVs have two (though some may have four). The exception here is the hatchback, a type of car with a rear door that opens upward.
Seats
- Infant car seat helps protect rear-facing infants 4-30 lb and up to 32"
- Lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7.2 lb, making it easy to carry baby from car to stroller
- 4-position adjustable base helps ensure an accurate install and helps keep baby comfortable as he or she grows
- Easy-to-read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork from the installation process, so you can feel confident it’s installed correctly
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes; additional testing based on the New Car Assessment Program and for extreme car interior temperatures
- Convertible Design: Transforms from rear-facing harness (5-40 pounds), to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds), to highback booster (40-100 pounds)
- Slim Fit: Rotating cup holders and 10% slimmer design saves valuable backseat space
- Safety Assured: Graco ProtectPlus Engineered for rigorous crash tests; frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes
- Effortless Adjustability: No-rethread Simply Safe Adjust harness system and 10-position headrest adapts to your growing child
- Comfortable: 4-position recline ensures comfortable journeys and better installation
- Built-in ergonomic grip for an easy lifting technique recommended by chiropractors
- Weighs less than 8lb for easy carrying and lightweight mobility
- Handle of the car seat can be used as an anti-rebound bar to limit rotation in the event of a collision
- Base includes Flip Foot recline and bubble level indicator to help get the perfect angle
- Plush seating for superior comfort for baby
- 3 strollers in 1: Infant Car Seat Carrier, Infant Pramette, and Toddler Stroller to stroll from infant to toddler
- Reversible stroller seat can face parent or the world, for just the right ride as baby grows
- Toddler seat converts to an infant pramette mode, for comfortable strolls with baby
- Includes the Graco SnugRide LX Infant Car Seat, rear-facing for infants from 4-30 lb and up to 32" for an easy transition from car to stroller
- One-hand stroller fold for easy storage and transportation
An SUV typically has more seats than a Sedan, making it better suited for larger families or groups. That said, some Sedans have a spacious backseat, and some SUVs have only two rows of seating (as opposed to the three rows found in many full-size SUVs).
Storage
An SUV often has more storage space than a Sedan, thanks to its boxier build. This can be helpful if you transport large items or lots of gear.
Towing
As mentioned, an SUV’s body-on-frame construction and higher weight capacity make it better suited for towing than a Sedan.
Off-roading
An SUV’s ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and body-on-frame construction make it better equipped for off-roading than a Sedan.
MPG
In general, a Sedan will have better gas mileage than an SUV. This is because SUVs are often larger and heavier and have the four-wheel drive (a gas guzzler).
Price
SUVs are more expensive than Sedans, though both categories have a wide range.
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: What Is The Best Vehicle
Let’s take a moment to reflect and consider the overall picture before delving into the specifics of each. Both solutions are excellent, yet each has advantages and disadvantages.
Review Of Pros
Sedan
The main advantages of an SUV over a Sedan are size and strength. An SUV is a larger vehicle, which can be helpful when transporting a baby and all of their gear. They also generally have stronger engines, which can be beneficial if you live in a hilly area or need to tow something.
- Easier to maneuver in confined places
- Cheaper alternatives
- Closed-trunk style
- Save fuel
SUV
Some people prefer SUVs because they feel safer in them. They are also generally easier to maneuver in confined spaces, such as parking lots. On average, SUVs also have the advantage of being less expensive than Sedans. Finally, many people find the closed-trunk style of an SUV more practical for carrying around baby gear.
- Options for 4WD or AWD
- Less vulnerable to harm from the weight
- Due to height, visibility is improved
- More room for extras
- It can be used for towing
Review Of Cons
Sedan
- Fewer options for AWD
- Fewer spaces for extras
- The car’s weight is closer to the ground making it more vulnerable to harm
- Limited visibility
SUV
- Driving is challenging in small places
- (Visible) Hatchback design
- Fewer fuel-saving options
- More expensive
Some parents feel an SUV is the best vehicle for transporting a baby, while others prefer a Sedan. As you can see, there are pros and cons to both choices. The best way to determine which is best for you is to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Advantages Of SUVs For Babies
SUVs provide excellent safety and comfort. There is a sizable interior and cargo capacity, which will be plenty for your child. You can also find many luxury SUVs with features and amenities you need to make your baby comfortable. Some inquiries shouldn’t ignore.
Safety Comes First
The safety and defense of the infant is the primary benefit of SUVs. These automobiles are well-known to everyone due to their robust construction and weight. This implies that your car will be less likely sustain damage in collisions. You may drive your car in any weather and feel more secure about your baby’s security. They will offer far more traction than vehicles with two wheels.
Keep this thought in mind, particularly if you require towing or reside in a snowy environment. Greater visibility is just another fantastic feature of these vehicles. You will have wider perspectives because they are taller than cars.
Another benefit of taller automobiles is that, for the foreseeable future, you won’t have to stoop down to buckle your child in. This is a fantastic benefit for parents with back issues.
You may also pack more stuff in an SUV than a car because they have more cargo space. This is perfect if you go on long trips with your baby or have several other children. The final advantage of an SUV over a Sedan is that they hold their value better.
More Space Is Available
Without all the supplies your infant could require, you cannot travel. To manage it all, you will want a lot of room. SUVs have a ton of room, so you can always have all you require. Your SUV’s room expands as your youngster does. Letting you retain it without being concerned about obtaining something bigger for years to come.
Your infant will have plenty of room to move about in the rear of an SUV because it is roomy. The inside room is more than aside enough from the cargo area. Excellent attire for road vacations. You will not have to be anxious about how you’ll pack everything in when planning a road trip.
SUVs offer ample space for all the clothing, food, and other things you will need. You can take some things you would not ordinarily think of taking on a shorter journey.
More Power
Your average SUV has more power than your average Sedan. That’s because SUVs are built on truck platforms, and trucks generally have more powerful engines than cars. An SUV is a way to go if you’re looking for a vehicle with some get-up-and-go.
Greatest SUVs For Baby
The following list is a few of the best SUVs currently available.
- Toyota Highlander
- Mazda CX-9
- Toyota RAV4
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
The greatest vehicle for safety is the Toyota Highlander Grand Cherokee, whereas a Mazda is the finest vehicle for snow. You could find the perfect solution by comparing the automobile in two or three categories!
Advantages Of Sedan For Babies
Sedans frequently combine economy and power. Some car models can have impressive performance.
Driven In A Light, Safe Vehicle
Sedans have excellent theft-prevention capabilities. They are designed with closed trunks so no one can look inside the vehicle. Therefore, burglars will be less likely to steal from or break into your car. Sedans may not be as hefty as some other types of vehicles on the road, but consider this from a different angle. They are considerably simpler to drive because they aren’t as hefty!
A Sedan is excellent if you find yourself on a small street. You’ll breeze right by. Very appropriate for congested highways when traveling to the store. There are other benefits to that, such as parking. Sedans will accommodate parking places that are tight and compact better. Additionally, they work great in the little parking places outside your child’s school.
You’ll have no problem getting in and out of the spot, and your child will be close to the school doors.
Fuel Economy
Another element you should consider is fuel. Sedans have the excellent fuel economy. This signifies that your automobile’s mpg (miles per gallon) range is between 30 and 40. Sedans are an excellent choice for this since we all understand how crucial it is to preserve every dollar.
On the other hand, an SUV’s fuel economy is not as excellent as a Sedan’s. The mpg range for an SUV is between 20 and 30. This may not seem significant, but it quickly adds up over time!
Greatest Sedans For Babies
The ideal Sedans for your family are as follows:
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Impala
- Nissan Altima
- Honda Accord
Such a beautiful and spacious design!
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: The Price
You need to be aware of many facts before purchasing a new automobile. However, the price is what everyone notices. Discussing money when a new family member is involved can be challenging. You want to make the best decision for your baby, but you also want to keep as much money in your pocket as possible.
Here is a breakdown of how pricing works for SUVs and Sedans so that you can decide which is better for your family budget:
SUV Price
There are a variety of SUV models available in various sizes. The most affordable and ideal for babies are the compact ones. A new automobile might cost anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000.
Sedan Price
The cost of a Sedan is often less costly. Okay, in comparison to SUVs. New cars range in price from $30,000 – $45,000. Consider purchasing a secondhand automobile if you wish to pay less. Make careful to examine the secondhand car’s condition. However, secondhand automobiles are frequently less expensive simply because you aren’t the original owner.
In other words, after the first ride, each car’s market worth decreases. For $15,000 to $25,000, you may purchase a used Sedan in better condition. Huge differences exist!
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: Which Is Simpler To Drive
When compared to SUVs, Sedans are typically easier to drive overall. Since they are less top-heavy, they can move quickly while remaining stable. Additionally, they are simpler to drive in constrained areas like parking lots and small city streets. SUVs’ key driving benefits include a higher seating position that provides better sight.
Furthermore, many SUVs are equipped with 4WD or AWD, which enhances grip on slippery, ice, and snow-covered roads. SUVs typically feature bigger front and rear windows, which further improves visibility. Those who have trouble seeing the road may find this helpful.
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: Which Is Safer
The judgment varies when comparing the safety of SUVs and Sedans. Both SUVs and Sedans are equipped with contemporary safety features, and it’s simple to discover vehicles in both categories that have received excellent safety ratings. Due to their stronger construction, SUVs may absorb less damage in a collision.
However, because of their higher mobility, Sedans could be better at preventing collisions. Where you keep your stuff is the other safety concern. There is no closed trunk on an SUV. Most of the time, the back cargo space is completely visible from the outside and is simple to reach from the inside of the automobile.
Conversely, the rear trunks of Sedans are closed, so no one outside can see inside. The trunk is locked and difficult to open inside the automobile.
SUV Vs Sedan For Baby: Which Is More Comfortable
This again relies on your requirements, desires, and tastes. Overall interior space is greater in SUVs than in Sedans. When purchasing a large SUV with two rows of rear seats, you typically have the option to fold the third row to increase the amount of luggage space. Even both back rows can be folded in some SUVs.
There is just one row of rear seats in the conventional 4-door car. Additionally, an SUV often has more room for the legs. On the other hand, Sedans often feature better support and comfort in the seat itself. In most cases, they are also simpler to enter from the front and back seats.
How To Choose Wisely In Your Situation
These criteria ensure that the automobile you’re considering purchasing is the best option. These are the critical inquiries you should make when purchasing a vehicle for a growing family.
- Is there enough room for a baby and everything else?
- Is it affordable for you?
- Do you reside in a city or a snowy/mountainous area?
The picture will become clearer once you have responded to the initial question. Make sure the infant is secure and has enough room at all costs.
What You Should Know
Over the past few years, technology has advanced significantly, offering increased functionality outside and inside automobiles. The following features are typical of most new cars:
- Advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, are intended to monitor the road and notify the driver of hazards, including speeding vehicles, oncoming pedestrians, and approaching collisions. These systems also serve to lessen driver stress. They collaborate and serve as the foundation for autonomous vehicles. Although certain features are available as options, most are part of a standard package. Some common systems include adjustable high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, emergency stop, lane departure warnings and assist, blind spot alerts, and pedestrian recognition.
- Car manufacturers have improved the amount of power produced by smaller engines, resulting in more power, smaller engines, and better fuel efficiency. However, HP remains a crucial indicator of how well a car can perform in traffic and along the highway, particularly when fully loaded with people and cargo.
- The three most popular electrified kinds of automobiles are the full electric, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and the hybrid. Electric cars tend to be spacious and strong due to the battery architecture, which is often located under the passenger compartment between the wheels and provides a variety of mileage ranges, charging periods, and perks.
- Most electric car customers charge their vehicles at home using a conventional household outlet, a 220V or 240V household outlet similar to a clothes dryer, or a DC rapid charge station. Standard household outlets generally provide around 6 miles per hour of charging. In addition to charge station applications and built-in mechanisms to help drivers with charging, each model includes a user app.
- There are tax benefits for PHEVs and electric vehicles, but you need to consult a tax expert to grasp the savings fully.
Keep in mind the following as you assess your kids’ car seat requirements:
- LATCH systems have a weight restriction of 65 lbs (seats + passenger), and children’s car seats are meant to be installed with either a seatbelt or the LATCH system, which is the lower anchor and tethers for kid passenger car seats), but not both. Federal regulations can be met by installing a kid passenger car seat with a seatbelt so long as it is firmly fixed and immobile.
- Although LATCH mechanisms for car seats are excellent, they are not necessary for every seat: Lower anchors are not necessary for all seats. Therefore, they are frequently only found in the center row and occasionally in one or 2/3 row seats. Tethers are located on the shoulder or back of the vehicle seat and thus are needed for every second and third-row seat. For each of the cars listed below, we record their location.
When looking for a car, keep your eyes open and concentrate on the most important features to you and the family. Alternatives for first, second, and third choices might prevent frustration and sadness due to the ongoing lack of automobiles and their components. Check out our winners and bear in mind the following advice while considering how the pandemic has altered the car-buying experience:
- Set up a time to take a test drive: It’s essential to test drive a car before making a purchase, but owing to regulatory limitations and vehicle supply concerns, you may not be able to stroll into the store and request a test drive simply. Instead, call to schedule an appointment and verify vehicle availability. Also, remember that some dealers can offer to deliver the vehicle to you so you can test drive it.
- Be aware of your spending limit and expected cost: Even if it could be harder to find a deal now that demand is higher due to a lack of supply, it’s still a good idea to conduct your homework and have realistic expectations about price. Negotiating is always worthwhile to arrive at a pricing and payment schedule that you are happy with. Additionally, even if your dealer is unwilling to move significantly on the cost, you can still bargain for extras and benefit from services like contactless signature and delivery.
- Review the trade-in value: When dealing in your used automobile, research and have reasonable expectations, especially since supply chain concerns have driven up prices everywhere. Remember that you are not required to trade your current vehicle at the dealership where you intend to purchase it. The number of alternatives available to consumers and sellers has increased thanks to services including Carvana and CarMax.
Summary
In the end, both choices between SUV vs Sedan for baby are ideal for a family that has a new, gorgeous addition. Your particular demands, financial situation, and location will all influence your decision. Put that infant seat in your new, ideal vehicle, and let’s go on your next journey! Thanks for reading!