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Funnily enough, actual seating capacity maxes out in the minivan class and all the bloated SUVs out there walk that metric back. SUVs are purely about status a

Funnily enough, actual seating capacity maxes out in the minivan class and all the bloated SUVs out there walk that metric back. SUVs are purely about status and, for many people I've asked, a feeling of greater security at high speed on secondary roads from being higher off the ground. It's pretty problematic that people seek out a vehicle specifically so they can falsely feel more secure driving in a less-safe manner.

stcroixx 3y ago
Many roads in rural areas are unimproved and the extra clearance is a necessity. Towing moderately heavy stuff like boats also work better with the higher frame of an suv. So, about the same internal size plus these benefits makes it the best choice for me. Mine is 20 years old though, so I suppose I’m in negative status territory.
- unyttigfjelltol 3y ago
  Near-zero chance of SUVs in my city being used for towing or on unimproved roads. We must live different places. Like the difference between a Hummer in NYC on the one hand, and in War Zone XYZ. Different contexts.
  - all2 3y ago
    Funny enough, the modern consumer Hummers were built on Chevy Suburban chassis for a long time. I have no clue what they're using now, but for the H2 (and I think the H3?) its just an uglier suburban.
- tomtheelder 3y ago
  While that’s true, a relatively small portion of Americans live in an area where that’s a serious concern. Yet go to any suburb and you’ll see huge numbers of SUVs.
  - stcroixx 3y ago
    Once upon a time I lived in the suburbs, but on the weekend I’d head up to the north woods and need the clearance and towing ability. Hard to understand someone’s use case unless you know them and their lifestyle.
all2 3y ago
I've considered one of the heavier duty Sprinter style vans. Good towing capacity. All the cargo space you'd ever need, all the seating you'd ever need. Does it look as good as a new Dodge Ram? No, not really. But it has way more utility.
NoGravitas 3y ago
SUVs usually also have less cargo space than minivans. SUVs are a worse choice in almost all situations.

stcroixx 3y ago

Many roads in rural areas are unimproved and the extra clearance is a necessity. Towing moderately heavy stuff like boats also work better with the higher frame of an suv. So, about the same internal size plus these benefits makes it the best choice for me. Mine is 20 years old though, so I suppose I’m in negative status territory.

unyttigfjelltol 3y ago
Near-zero chance of SUVs in my city being used for towing or on unimproved roads. We must live different places. Like the difference between a Hummer in NYC on the one hand, and in War Zone XYZ. Different contexts.
- all2 3y ago
  Funny enough, the modern consumer Hummers were built on Chevy Suburban chassis for a long time. I have no clue what they're using now, but for the H2 (and I think the H3?) its just an uglier suburban.
tomtheelder 3y ago
While that’s true, a relatively small portion of Americans live in an area where that’s a serious concern. Yet go to any suburb and you’ll see huge numbers of SUVs.
- stcroixx 3y ago
  Once upon a time I lived in the suburbs, but on the weekend I’d head up to the north woods and need the clearance and towing ability. Hard to understand someone’s use case unless you know them and their lifestyle.

all2 3y ago

I've considered one of the heavier duty Sprinter style vans. Good towing capacity. All the cargo space you'd ever need, all the seating you'd ever need. Does it look as good as a new Dodge Ram? No, not really. But it has way more utility.

NoGravitas 3y ago

SUVs usually also have less cargo space than minivans. SUVs are a worse choice in almost all situations.