Crossover vehicles pass up SUVs on road to growing sales

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2006 | by Sharon Silke Carty

Correction ran 5/5/2006: Ford's Escape crossover SUV, in gasoline and gas-electric hybrid versions, outsold both Toyota RAV4 and Ford Explorer SUVs in April. The information was incomplete in a story Thursday.

DETROIT -- For the first time in April, crossover vehicles made up more than 50% of the overall SUV market, showing that buyers are willing to forgo the ability to drive off-road to enjoy a more comfortable ride and, often, better fuel economy.

Power Information Network says crossovers accounted for 53% of SUV sales in April, a 3-percentage-point jump from March.

Crossovers offer SUV-like convenience and a carlike ride. They are built on a car chassis, while traditional SUVs are built on a truck platform.

April was "really a milestone for the...