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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

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/...
  - simfree 3y ago
    Sounds like the low beams are mis-aimed if they are generating a much larger light pool and likely dazzling other drivers on the road at night.
    - pandaman 3y ago
      I am pretty sure IIHS is setting up lights according to the DOT regulations when they test. As the report says: "The low beams never exceeded glare limits". It's simple geometry - headlights at the same angle will intersect with the ground farther when they are higher off the ground.
      - arethuza 3y ago
        But does that have any noticeable impact on the driving experience - can't say I've ever noticed any difference in headlight lighting between SUVs and "normal" cars?
        pandaman 3y ago
        It depends, makes a difference for me as I like to be aware of the surroundings. Seeing that some people drive while looking into their phones, I figure, it may not matter for everyone.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]

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/...
- simfree 3y ago
  Sounds like the low beams are mis-aimed if they are generating a much larger light pool and likely dazzling other drivers on the road at night.
  - pandaman 3y ago
    I am pretty sure IIHS is setting up lights according to the DOT regulations when they test. As the report says: "The low beams never exceeded glare limits". It's simple geometry - headlights at the same angle will intersect with the ground farther when they are higher off the ground.
    - arethuza 3y ago
      But does that have any noticeable impact on the driving experience - can't say I've ever noticed any difference in headlight lighting between SUVs and "normal" cars?
      - pandaman 3y ago
        It depends, makes a difference for me as I like to be aware of the surroundings. Seeing that some people drive while looking into their phones, I figure, it may not matter for everyone.
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]