Body Types
Introduction
Cars come in many shapes. On AUTO.AE you can filter by body type when searching for vehicles for sale or for rent. The Catalog itself only filters by make and model, but understanding body types helps you search smarter.
Core Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
| Body-on-Frame | A truck-based construction used in true SUVs (Patrol, Land Cruiser) — stronger for off-road. |
| Unibody | A car-based construction used in crossovers (RAV4, X-Trail) — lighter and more fuel-efficient. |
| Clearance | Ground clearance in mm — 200 mm+ is needed for desert driving. Check the Specifications tab. |
Common Body Types
When searching on the Buy or Rent pages, you can filter by body type:
- Sedan: 4-door, separate boot (e.g., Camry, Accord). Good for highway stability.
- SUV: High ground clearance (e.g., Patrol, Land Cruiser). The most popular type in the UAE.
- Coupé: 2-door sporty car (e.g., Mustang, Supra).
- Pickup: Open bed (e.g., Hilux, Raptor).
- Convertible: Roof opens (e.g., 911 Cabrio).
SUV vs. Crossover
The Catalog often groups these together, but the technical specs reveal the truth:
| Type | Structure | Best For | Example |
| Crossover (CUV) | Unibody (car-based) | Mall runs, school runs, highway | RAV4, X-Trail |
| SUV (4×4) | Body-on-Frame (truck-based) | Desert, towing, off-road | Patrol, Land Cruiser |
Tip: Check the Clearance tag in Specifications. A true SUV usually has >220 mm.
Visual Example
Figure 1: Use the Dimensions / Weight tags to check the size and clearance of the body.
Useful Links
Related Pages
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