Car & Driver is Absolutely Wrong About Crossovers

"BrtStlnd" (BrtStlnd) 09/30/2015 at 13:58 • Filed to: Point/Counterpoint, Journalismism

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Where do I start with this? Their point is essentially that the vehicles consumers have chosen to purchase are the wrong vehicles. Crossovers aren’t the right choice, small sporty sedans and hatches are the correct choice.

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They see the car’s very existence as threatened, summarized thusly: “That word—car—its meaning both to the general public and to us as enthusiasts, has long been threatened with dilution by all ­manner of conveyances that are not cars, from trucks to minivans to SUVs.” Here’s why sales of crossovers has gone up... buyers are looking for vehicles with a mix of roominess, efficiency and well-integrated technology. Like it or not, this is what the median modern driving experience demands and most crossovers offer these traits in droves.

This is also one reason that Subaru has been repeatedly mashing home runs into the upper deck in the last several years. They offer a great alternative to large SUVs by providing many advantages of much larger vehicles in an easily consumable (smaller/more efficient/less expensive) package. Other examples of success abound in this category with the RAV-4, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox and the Jeep Cherokee & Patriot all posting 20+% YoY sales figures. This is where the money is going, and it’s not for no reason. These Swiss Army knives offer very compelling ownership experiences, yet here is how they naively see the change in consumer behavior: “ And because modern MBA ­doctrine insists that every profit center must be exploited as rapidly and fully as possible, an even smaller !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is now filling the marketplace like circus clowns in a Volkswagen Beetle.” Ok? Car companies are businesses that are constantly trying to increase their earning capacity, unlike auto magazines who will still have enthusiast integrity when they shudder their doors and send out resumes.

The other part that seems completely disconnected from reality is that they’re ignoring the “enthusiast” car renaissance we are living in. The Miata, the Hellcats, Caddy’s V series, Porsche’s Boxster/Cayman duo, the Toyobaru twins, the new Mustang GT/Camaro fight, a new Viper, Jaguar F-Type, the C7, Genesis coupe, Chevy SS, Model S, several BMWs and the 370z are all examples of enthusiast-oriented platforms for sale today. If you want to get even deeper into what’s out there you can include all of the specialized track day cars available in 2015.

There is an important distinction to be made between what is a great high-volume daily driver in 2015 and how the “enthusiast” car market has evolved and Car & Driver does not see it.

shop-teacher > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:03

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I think my wife’s CX-5 is a perfect daily driver. It offers a nice compromise of ride and handling. It has plenty of room, a nice powertrain, and gets decent gas mileage. The stereo is also great. If she ever gets sick of it, I’m taking that thing from her so fast, it’ll make her head spin.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:06

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Awesome take-down of that article. I have to admit, as much as I wanted to agree with the sentiment of the C&D article from a personal aesthetic standpoint, it was clearly written from a position of ignorance about the very industry it purports to cover.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:07

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Id buy a Juke, come at me bros.

lone_liberal > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:09

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Daily drivers do not exist in a world where you mostly drive cars provided by manufacturers. The truth is that for a lot of us a CUV is a flexible DD that gets us to work and back with minimal fuss and can take the weekend trip to Costco too. It is the modern day station wagon. Of course, if you go back and read enthusiast mags from back in the day they ragged on wagons too.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:11

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buyers are looking for vehicles with a mix of roominess, efficiency and well-integrated technology.

And, of course, in pursuit of being more *pure*, by which we mean driving almost the same vehicles but a tiny bit smaller and shorter and closer to the ground, these buyers are apparently “wrong”. Okay. Because choosing the best compromise is for weasels and it’s also impossible to own multiple cars. Also, making more vehicles car-like and expanding the capabilities of cars back out of a self-isolated corner in paint means that “car” doesn’t sell? Yeah, whatever, C&D.

BrtStlnd > shop-teacher 09/30/2015 at 14:13

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I’ve recommended the CX-5 to several people looking for a good city/family vehicle.

Berang > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:14

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“...a mix of roominess, efficiency and well-integrated technology...”

And they particularly like a compromise that does none of it as well as it could be done.

HammerheadFistpunch > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:18

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Yeah, I agree with this. Kinda makes me wonder if the people who are so fervent at badmouthing the crossover are the equivalent of the people who bad mouthed the station wagon. “The homely wagon is killing sedan sales!” Save the sedans! oh rly? Maybe the sedan isn’t the car the world wants anymore.

BrtStlnd > HammerheadFistpunch 09/30/2015 at 14:19

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Exactly. Why must sedans be saved?

BrtStlnd > Berang 09/30/2015 at 14:20

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Who is ‘they’?

duurtlang > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:21

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People don’t choose ‘wrong’. That’s not how it works. From a rational point of view, sure, but in a free market people are allowed to follow trends and fads and whatnot and can make decisions that aren’t rationally the best. Why choose a Ford Escape when a similarly sized Ford Focus wagon* is better in every way, except for the subjective ride hight advantage of the Escape? It’s an irrational preference, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Luxury cars, coupes, vehicles that accelerate to 60 mph faster than 10 seconds, all of it isn’t rational. Yet there’s nothing wrong with preferring it.

Some people want a comfy boat-like vehicle, others want a plastic clad bloated hatchback to go to the mall and yet again others want a race car to commute in. More power to them.

Having said that, I don’t mind (mild) governmental forces guiding people towards a more rational choice. For example by establishing emission rules (hi VW!), yearly safety tests and a significant fuel tax to pay for infrastructure.

*) not even available in the US anymore, unlike elsewhere.

On another note I don’t believe we live in an “enthusiast” car renaissance at all. Those new performance cars are fast but mostly sterile. (insert oldmanscreamingatclouds.jpg)

ly2v8-Brian > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:21

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As an enthusiast I do hate them. But, they have purpose, the average buyer cares not for the things I do. Crossovers check every box for the average buyer. Can it carry kids and things (while looking better than a minivan and wagon (I like wagons, Joe and Jane Average don’t))? yes. is it safe? Yes both real and perceived. Does it have gadgets? Yes. Does it have good mileage? Yes, compared to SUVs. Does it have cup holders? Many. These are the parameters most use when car shopping.

shop-teacher > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:24

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As have I.

BrtStlnd > duurtlang 09/30/2015 at 14:25

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You lost me with your last paragraph. Track day cars like the Atom offer the most un-sterile, raw experience you could ever want. If you want to take it to 11, your dream car is for sale today.

brian1321 > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:25

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Jalopnik meme phrase.

Just kidding but not really joke

Semi-serious agreement with what you wrote, contradictory closing clause.

BigBlock440 > Berang 09/30/2015 at 14:25

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Right, but it does all of it, not just one or two things really well and nothing else.

Berang > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:27

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Consumers.

Berang > duurtlang 09/30/2015 at 14:28

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BrtStlnd > Berang 09/30/2015 at 14:28

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It’s like picking Mario in the old platformer games... he’s decent at everything and doesn’t excel in any one area. Crossovers are Mario.

Leon711 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 09/30/2015 at 14:30

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For shame. CX-3 all the way

duurtlang > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:33

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Agreed about the Atom, but that’s hardly the best example of your average ‘enthusiast renaissance’ vehicle. Despite being 32 years old I might be sounding like a grumpy old guy here, but I’ve had most fun in older enthusiast cars. Older cars that were far slower than their modern contempories. The car that delivers most smiles per gallon to me is my ‘88 Peugeot 205 GTI. Yet it’s barely got a 3 digit hp number.

Margin Of Error > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:34

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I’m not overly concerned as we Jalops know better than buying new cars.

The Panther supply will last for another 30 years so we’re good.

TractorPillow > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:39

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I tend to agree with you and, despite my own opinions on crossovers and many other cars, I understand why car companies make what they do. I also agree that car culture is only getting better and better. Personally, I have gotten way more into car culture over the past two to three years and am more excited than ever for the future (although mostly excited for depreciation to hit on some of these new awesome cars)

BrtStlnd > Margin Of Error 09/30/2015 at 14:42

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The Strategic Panther Reserve?

Berang > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:43

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I think a lot of people get sold on the versatility of a crossover, and there is nothing wrong with versatility of course. There are other versatile vehicles though, and it may be that salespeople don’t push them as much as they might because the margins are smaller for them.

One of the things that has confused me about crossovers is how not-roomy they are inside, particularly now that many are getting more car-like. Formerly there was at least a good advantage in head room, and now it’s basically just a car which is perplexingly large on the outside, and yet normal-car sized on the inside. Sure there is a bit more luggage space and flexibility for hauling bulky items, but the same could be said for most hatchbacks.

My friend traded his HHR for a Fit, and though the Fit is much smaller overall, the passenger space is about the same, and it gets better mileage.

PS9 > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 14:54

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The Douchebag Auto enthusiast cycle;

Stage 1: “Fuck crossovers and anything else that isn’t a Miata!”
Stage 2: Meet Girlfriend/Boyfriend
Stage 3: Get Married (note; this is an optional step)
Stage 4: Pregnancy/Adoption
Stage 5: Kids, Need kid hauler with space inside that is also cheap SO hates manuals so must be automatic
Stage 6:....* Begrudging crossover purchase*
Stage 7: Enthusiast friends about to hit stage one see you in your new crossover. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Margin Of Error > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:08

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Tradition

Margin Of Error > Berang 09/30/2015 at 15:10

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HHR was hardly a crossover, it was the size of a Matrix. But yes, the fit is pretty impressive for a subcompact

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:13

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Am I still on Oppo? What is this “defending CUV’s” nonsense? Of course they’re practical and sensible. They’re also dull as oatmeal. Have we forgotten that?

But they’re reliable and comfy! It’s 2015. Pretty much everything except exotica and German luxury is reliable. The days of new cars overheating in traffic are gone. Not only are there tons of comfy cars being made currently, most CUV’s ride like total butt. And I’ve ridden in more than I can name as I end up shooting about one per week for my job.

But the AWD is so convenient! Besides the fact that quite a few AWD cars exist at whatever price point you like, I have lived and driven in the worst winters Canada had including ski trips and all kinds of mountain passes in nothing but 2WD cars. There was winter in 1969 and people managed to get to work.

But the center of my utter contempt for CUV’s is the complete lack of compromises necessary to own and drive one. We’re Opponauts! I think we pride ourselves in driving overly harsh, loud, fuel-sucking cars that nobody has made parts for in 30 years. That’s what Oppositelock used to rant and gnash teeth over. Drive weirder! They said. People prided themselves in their Audi 5-cylinders, Subaru 360’s and Borgwards.

Crossover SUV’s are the obvious choice, the easy choice and the sensible choice. But they will never be my choice. Hoopties ‘til I die.

random001 > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:18

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Pretty sure you could have left your headline at this and been 100% correct for life:

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AMC/Renauledge > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:31

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Yeah, I see crossovers as a more functional return to the vehicle forms we saw in 4-door sedans up through the late 1940s. High belt lines. High roofs. High ground clearance. Narrow greenhouses. And 2-box body shapes.

Of course, our CUVs don’t quite have the character these old DeSotos do, or the dash-to-axle ratios. But they are better performing, and way more powerful and efficient.

Textured Soy Protein > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:32

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People make logic-defying decisions about vehicles all the time. It just so happens that many irrational automotive purchasing ideas end in a crossover. For example:

“My vehicular needs are best served by a minivan but I don’t want to be seen driving a minivan.” = 3-row crossover

“My vehicular needs are best served by a midsize sedan but I am scared of driving in the winter and anything vehicle with any type of system that sends power to all 4 wheels is winter driving magic.” = 2-row awd crossover

“My vehicular needs are best served by a midsize sedan or hatchback but I like sitting up high so I can see over all the other unnecessarily tall vehicles my peers have already purchased.” = 2-row fwd crossover

Same as #2 & #3 but prefers high mpg and/or smaller vehicles = mini crossover

I also have the displeasure of often finding myself in the presence of an insane woman who drinks at least a half gallon of Mountain Dew every day and insists on referring to her new Honda HR-V as her “truck.”

BrtStlnd > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 09/30/2015 at 15:33

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Breathe. Calm down... and actually read what I wrote before you waste all this virtual ink.

I’m talking about how asinine it is to tell the car buying public that they’re doing the wrong thing (because it isn’t what you like), when really they are making the most sensible choice.

Did I ever say that I thought CUVs were better in any way? I explained what makes crossovers so appealing to the general public and why they continue to pick them over sedans.

BrtStlnd > PS9 09/30/2015 at 15:33

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A million times this.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:36

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I like CUVs. A lot of them are actually pretty nice vehicles in their own rights.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:39

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Sigh. You’re right. But wagons were replaced by minivans and minivans by the crossover. Who knows what will come next.

BrtStlnd > Textured Soy Protein 09/30/2015 at 15:40

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All these things you listed are preferences. I prefer Titleist clubs over Taylor Mades or Pings for mostly insignificant or irrational reasons. This doesn’t make Titleists a wrong choice.

deekster_caddy > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 15:48

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Question - how would you know if, for example, Ford redesigned the Taurus to be just a little bit higher and have larger wheels, and suddenly it’s called a “Crossover” even though it’s still really the same sedan.

The whole concept of the crossover is muddled to me - They are cars, raised up more. Wagons even. In many, many sizes. See for reference, the difference between the Subaru Outback and Forester:

One is a ‘car’, one is a ‘crossover’, both are so close it’s hard to tell the difference!

brian1321 > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 16:09

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Yoshi master race.

Mario was great in Mario Golf though

Brian, The Life of > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 16:12

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Yup. I thought minivans were lame until I had four kids. Now I consider them a “lifestyle vehicle.”

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 09/30/2015 at 16:12

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The wagon.

Then the minivan...

Textured Soy Protein > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 16:15

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Oh, I don’t mean that irrational vehicle purchasing decisions are bad. I have absolutely no ground to stand on when trying to say that someone else made an irrational decision to buy a particular vehicle. Because I have not one, but two, completely irrational vehicles.

I chose my BMW 135is because it came from the factory with a loud exhaust and an ECU tune that makes brapping and popping noises, in spite of the fact that its “back seat” really only functions as a nicely-upholstered shelf for my girlfriend to put her bag o’ random crap on when we take a road trip.

I chose my Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Hemi because I didn’t want to put snow tires on the BMW, and so if I was getting a winter SUV, might as well get the best possible 4wd system, which is only available if you also get the Hemi, and oh hey I need to maximize this 4wd system’s capability with all-terrain tires that are rated for severe snow duty, so now I have a winter “beater” with heated leather seats and a sunroof that gets 12 mpg on a good day.

So really, someone who has say, a Toyota Highlander as their main vehicle, is making much smarter vehicle buying choices than me.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Textured Soy Protein 09/30/2015 at 16:16

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Actually, it’s:

1. My parents drove a wagon, I’m not driving a wagon. I need practicality, I’ll buy a minivan.

2. My parents drove a minivan, I’m not driving a minivan. I need practicality, I’ll buy a crossover.

3. My parents drove a crossover, I’m not driving a crossover. I need practicality, I’ll buy a wagon.

Repeat.

uofime-2 > duurtlang 09/30/2015 at 16:19

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Have you considereed our lord and savior, the FiST, and its derivatives?

They’re probably the best modern alternative to your 205 (that I, an American, know of)

uofime-2 > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 16:22

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If we just rebrand crossovers as “lifted rally wagons” I think we can all be happy.

duurtlang > uofime-2 09/30/2015 at 16:22

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They’re among the best hot hatches today. I can’t say I’ve driven a FiST yet though, but I certainly would like to try one.

I do dislike modern Ford interiors. My company car is a ‘13 Focus wagon (diesel/manual). It drives better than most in its class, but the interior is ugly.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 09/30/2015 at 17:16

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I think we are still in the #3 section right now and will be until around 2025. By then the first wave of kids who grew up in a crossover will be tired of seeing them everywhere. They will want to start a family, they want a practical vehicle, they want something exclusive , enter the wagon.

Tom McParland > BrtStlnd 09/30/2015 at 17:39

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C&D cannot into the reality of your average car buyer.

Scott > BrtStlnd 10/14/2015 at 12:38

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Reading the C&D blog, I think you missed their point. I do not interpret that to mean people who buy cross overs are buying the wrong car. what they are pointing out is that in the demand to fill the demand for a particular type of car other cars are not being brought to the US market. Take their example of the Audi wagon, or the Mazda 2. I think many of us car enthusiast lust for cars that are simply not available in the US market, but can be found in the rest of the civilized world. Even though there are many great options available in the US it is frustrating when a car maker decides that a particularly wonderful car is not worth selling in the US market and instead decides that people who want it will be happy with what satisfies the accountants.

I do think this point, assuming I understand their point correctly, could be made more clearly. The start of the blog does in fact sound like they are lamenting that too many people buy cross-overs. To a point this is related and possibly why it makes it confusing.