What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV?

A crossover is built on a car-style unibody platform, while a traditional SUV is built body-on-frame like a pickup truck. In practice, crossovers tend to ride more smoothly and get better fuel economy, while body-on-frame SUVs usually tow more and handle rough off-road use better. Today many automakers call both "SUVs," so check the towing capacity, drivetrain and fuel economy specs rather than relying on the label.