Once considered a vehicle for people who worked out of their vehicles, or alternative transportation for larger families, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have become the most popular inventory item for many manufacturers. It's no surprise that these versatile vehicles are so popular as there is so much you can do with them. According to Motor1.com, nine of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2019 were SUVs or SUV crossovers. Let's explore the SUV meaning and the ins and outs of each type.
What is an SUV?
According to BuyaCar.co, Another term in the US for the popular family vehicle is the "sport-ute." SUV is a loose term that traditionally covers a broad range of vehicles with four-wheel drive that can be taken off-road and have the feel of a lighter truck. While the term SUV can be applied to larger vehicles, such as the Range Rover, Chevrolet Suburban, and Jeep-like SUVs, it can also apply to smaller vehicles that don't have four-wheel drive and have a minimal capability of going off-road like the Honda CRV and crossover SUVs. Sport-utility is more than just a technical term for the SUV. It also means that the vehicle can get things done and has a quality made for the outdoors, such as scaling different terrains.
How Popular is the SUV?
According to MarkLines, SUVs accounted for 36.8 of the world's passenger car market in 2017. SUV sales then went up 2.6% in 2019. Over a million of those sales were new SUVs or light pickup trucks. Conversely, car sales were down 1.3% for 2019 as a whole, and 5.8% for December.
About the SUV
Per Cars.com, in the United States and several other countries, the SUV has been classified as a light truck rather than a car. This gives the SUV a more relaxed fuel efficiency standard. In terms of how the SUV looks and feels, it resembles a combination of truck, minivan, and the average American family car. SUVs were first built on a truck chassis before switching to a unibody frame where the chassis, body, and the floors were on a single structure. This is found in today's SUV. Most modern SUVs have four to five doors to accommodate families, while historical off-roaders only had two doors.
SUV Pros
SUVs combine the storage and hauling of pickup trucks with the comfort of a station wagon, explains All Car Leasing. The combination includes large interior spaces and two or three rows of seating. SUVs give their owners flexibility in transporting people and cargo. With all the space in an SUV, owners can pick up groceries, carry luggage for road trips, haul the equipment for sports and activities, and still have enough seating for a larger group as an SUV often has seven seats.
While SUVs don't have the best fuel economy, says Autos.com, they were originally built to enable a vehicle to pass over rugged terrain without scraping the underside of the vehicle. This design gives them a high center of gravity and seating positions. They also have a strong engine and powerful towing capabilities. Nowadays, SUVs are divided into two types. One type is for hauling heavy loads or going off-road, such as the Toyota 4Runner, while the other is known for its sleek looks and secure handling. Both types can tackle slippery road conditions and shallow standing water like the Ford Flex.
SUV Cons
When considering an SUV as your next vehicle, All Car Leasing says it is important to consider the cons. Their bulk and size make them tricky to maneuver, especially when it comes to finding a parking space. Not only are they expensive, but they have been criticized for their environmental impact as they are less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles of the same price range.
SUV History
According to Cars.com, the first four-wheel drive passenger car that was mass-produced with a unibody frame was the 1955 Gaz-M20. In 1977, the Lada Niva, a relatively compact SUV-type vehicle, had a coil-sprung independent front suspension as well as a unibody construction. This vehicle was the predecessor of the crossover SUV.
Per AutoList, until the sales success of the 1984 Jeep Grand Cherokee XJ, SUVs with a unibody frame remained rare. It wasn't until the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee that all Jeep SUV models had started using unibody construction. One thing that remained constant, according to The Truth About Cars, was that 2-door SUVs had never been as popular with consumers, most likely because they weren't as convenient.
Sizes of SUVs
There are three sizes of SUVs: small, mid-size, and full-size.
Small SUVs
The small SUV models, such as the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson, are easier to park and maneuver, and some mini-SUVs are compact crossovers. The Mazda CX-5 is more of a sporty type with responsive handling and steering.
Mid-Size SUVs
Some of these are crossovers as they share platforms similar to passenger cars, while others are based on mid-size and compact pickup trucks. JD Power explains that some of the most popular choices for mid-size SUVs are the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. This is mainly because of the all-wheel drive, quiet interior, and excellent storage space.
Full-size SUVs
Full-size SUVs, such as the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, and the 2019 GMC Yukon, are either marketed as luxury vehicles or are marketed for their off-road capabilities. Full-size SUVs are the largest size, but some models include an extended-length body to give extra space for passengers and cargo.
SUV Evolution
Before and during World War II is when the first SUV prototypes began to appear. The first examples were large and fitted with four-wheel drives, had large interiors, and were built for navigating tough terrains. The term SUV was first used in brochures for the full-sized 1974 Jeep Cherokee SJ. Auotrader says the AMC Eagle came in coupe, sedan, station wagon styles, can offer luxury, comfort, and convenience as a passenger car.
When you are contemplating a vehicle that fits your lifestyle, it is important to weigh all the factors. Not only do you have to consider price, but also how you are going to use it, the size, performance, safety, comfort, and fit it meets your storage needs. This SUV guide gives you more information on SUVs to help you understand the capabilities of each type. If you need help narrowing down your choices, please speak with your sales associate about your needs.
Sources used:
https://www.motor1.com/features/358016/20-bestselling-vehicles-2019/4635605/
https://www.cars.com/articles/what-does-suv-stand-for-1420699104367/
https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/family-cars/suvs/360/what-is-an-suv
https://www.marklines.com/en/statistics/flash_sales/salesfig_usa_2019
http://www.autos.com/car-buying/looking-to-buy-a-new-suv-5-pros-and-cons-to-consider
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/04/attention-automakers-please-stop-selling-two-door-suvs/
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/every-single-two-door-suv-has-failed-266841
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https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/amc-eagle-no-seriously-this-was-the-first-crossover-suv-265257
