5 ms·

The interesting thing to me is that all the 'rational' arguments given by SUV buyers (more storage, easy of entry, larger interior space) are without exception

The interesting thing to me is that all the 'rational' arguments given by SUV buyers (more storage, easy of entry, larger interior space) are without exception much better in any family MPV instead of SUVs that invariably are also pretty shit off-road vehicles. Literally just more weight and waste, zero function other than satisfying the buyers reptilian brain.

Aromasin 3y ago
Agreed. I've been a passenger in plenty of them; many of them don't seem any bigger on the inside than a hatchback, with very similar boot space. It's all pointless, superficial bodywork that makes the demand for them seem even more egregious to me.
- GoToRO 3y ago
  Because the space is under the car, between the wheels. I was surprised too.
- neuralRiot 3y ago
  Have you been on a BMW X6? I swear there’s less interior space in it than in a 3-series, the trunk is almost at armpit level and a mazda 3 can load bigger things. Same for the mercedes GLC. They’re the contemporary version of the hummer.
  - arethuza 3y ago
    Coupe style SUVs like the X6 must be one of the stupidest car design fashions ever. And I say that as a recovered X5 owner....
arethuza 3y ago
I recently had my car written off (a small SUV) and due to lack of availability of replacements I replaced it with a similar sized hatchback. Now I find myself thinking why on earth I had an SUV - I'm unlikely to purchase another one as the hatchback is cheaper, roomier inside and handles much better.
- vikingerik 3y ago
  There are small 'subcompact' crossover SUVs that get the best of both of those worlds. I've owned a Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V. Both are marketed as SUVs but really function as roomy hatchbacks (lightweight, tight handling, front-wheel drive), along with others in the category. Very practical compromise between cost/efficiency and size/utility. Generally the only thing that cars in this class don't do is tow.
  - arethuza 3y ago
    So apart from being a bit higher up - what is the benefit of the SUV? Edit: It's a question I keep asking myself, my wife still has a SUV...
    - datavirtue 3y ago
      You can tow a small camper. ??
    - southwesterly 3y ago
      You can look down on the plebs? :/
    - pandaman 3y ago
      It's not a bit higher up, it's quite a lot and makes a lot of difference in adverse weather (like getting water in your engine or not getting water in there and driving safely through a flash flood, for example). Also the visibility is quite different, especially at night, due to low beams covering much less space in front of a low car [1][2]. The higher stance allows for large tires and smoother ride. Getting in and out of the car, especially with children in seats is much easier. This is without getting into the actual instances of hatchbacks and SUVs on the market. There is more choice and variety in SUVs. 1. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/prius-4-door-hatchback/2023#headlights https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/prius-4-door-hat... 2. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2023#headlights https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/...

Aromasin 3y ago

Agreed. I've been a passenger in plenty of them; many of them don't seem any bigger on the inside than a hatchback, with very similar boot space. It's all pointless, superficial bodywork that makes the demand for them seem even more egregious to me.

GoToRO 3y ago
Because the space is under the car, between the wheels. I was surprised too.
neuralRiot 3y ago
Have you been on a BMW X6? I swear there’s less interior space in it than in a 3-series, the trunk is almost at armpit level and a mazda 3 can load bigger things. Same for the mercedes GLC. They’re the contemporary version of the hummer.
- arethuza 3y ago
  Coupe style SUVs like the X6 must be one of the stupidest car design fashions ever. And I say that as a recovered X5 owner....

arethuza 3y ago

I recently had my car written off (a small SUV) and due to lack of availability of replacements I replaced it with a similar sized hatchback. Now I find myself thinking why on earth I had an SUV - I'm unlikely to purchase another one as the hatchback is cheaper, roomier inside and handles much better.

vikingerik 3y ago
There are small 'subcompact' crossover SUVs that get the best of both of those worlds. I've owned a Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V. Both are marketed as SUVs but really function as roomy hatchbacks (lightweight, tight handling, front-wheel drive), along with others in the category. Very practical compromise between cost/efficiency and size/utility. Generally the only thing that cars in this class don't do is tow.
- arethuza 3y ago
  So apart from being a bit higher up - what is the benefit of the SUV? Edit: It's a question I keep asking myself, my wife still has a SUV...
  - datavirtue 3y ago
    You can tow a small camper. ??
  - southwesterly 3y ago
    You can look down on the plebs? :/
  - pandaman 3y ago
    It's not a bit higher up, it's quite a lot and makes a lot of difference in adverse weather (like getting water in your engine or not getting water in there and driving safely through a flash flood, for example). Also the visibility is quite different, especially at night, due to low beams covering much less space in front of a low car [1][2]. The higher stance allows for large tires and smoother ride. Getting in and out of the car, especially with children in seats is much easier. This is without getting into the actual instances of hatchbacks and SUVs on the market. There is more choice and variety in SUVs. 1. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/prius-4-door-hatchback/2023#headlights https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/prius-4-door-hat... 2. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2023#headlights https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/...