Why Are SUVs So Popular? A Closer Look At The World’s Favourite Car Classification

Cars make life easy – there’s no denying it. Whether it’s driving to work, dropping the kids off at school, going away on a road trip, or running daily errands, everything is that much more achievable when you’ve got a reliable set of wheels. 

In years gone by, the sedan was the most popular type of car. Over the past decade or so, however, the popularity of sedans has more or less been usurped by SUVs such as the Kia Sportage. But why are these Sports Utility Vehicles so popular? 

In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into all things of SUVs in order to outline exactly why these impressive vehicles have grown to become the world’s favourite car classification. Read on to find out more. 

Power and Prestige

Generally speaking, an SUV is the car of choice for many people living in city centres across the globe as it offers the perfect balance between power and prestige. If you want to make a statement with your car about your lifestyle and your status in the present day, then an SUV is certainly one of the best ways to do it. 

That being said, SUVs don’t just look superb both zooming down freeways and turning through bustling city streets. The reason for this can quite honestly be found in the name ‘SUV’. An SUV essentially has the torque and horsepower of a utility vehicle, with the handling of a sports car, and a larger body that’s perfectly designed for navigating busy roadways in optimal style. This winning combination allows SUVs to offer strong performance as well as tight and precise handling.

High Safety Ratings

Most modern SUVs have the maximum ANCAP safety rating possible. Each make and model vary, but across the board, cars are safer than they were ten years ago, and SUVs are no exception here. 

When an SUV is tested for safety, safety techs will determine how it withstands a collision and protects its occupants. Because of its elevated cabin design and superior bumper engineering, many modern SUVs are designed to absorb the impact in the unlikely event of a crash and keep its passengers safe and sound. 

These versatile automobiles also come with a range of safety features designed to keep you safe on the road, including anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, designed to help a driver brake suddenly and safely. Other safety features include lane drift alerts, which will help to notify you when you are drifting out of a lane. Reversing cameras also help your park and reverse safely, as do proximity alerts.

Improved Storage and Cabin Space

An SUV offers improved storage space compared to smaller models such as sedans and hatchbacks. Their boots are often ample, allowing you to carry what you need. Fitting bags, groceries, household items, and even your family pets is possible in the majority of modern SUVs. You can also easily fit roof rails or racks on top of an SUV or affix a tow bar to tow a trailer if you need extra storage capacity. 

In addition to this extra storage space, an SUV has much more cabin room when compared to a smaller car. Driving them is pleasant, as you don’t feel confined and cramped up front. Passengers also benefit from the additional legroom, making them feel more comfortable during a longer journey.

Perfect for a Road Trip

More often than not, SUVs are the perfect vehicle choice for those who like to get away for the weekend or for extended periods. This is due to their performance and storage capacity, as we mentioned above. In addition to this, these heavy-duty vehicles also easily have enough power to tow a caravan, trailer or camper trailer, which is perfect for families that like to go on an adventure on the weekends and holidays. 

An SUV will also often have all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities, making it perfect for heading to secluded camping sites. While not a fully fledged four-wheel drive, modern SUVs can still handle some dirt roads and other unpaved surfaces with minimal complaint. Be sure to have your car serviced before taking it out on the great open road, however! 

Improved Fuel Economy

A typical complaint about older SUVs is that they are not very fuel-efficient. With petrol prices on the rise, drivers are definitely feeling the pinch at the pump. However, car manufacturers are always looking to improve the fuel economy of their SUVs. Today, cars that are rolling off the assembly line are more economical than their predecessors. 

Fuel efficiency is crucial as it determines how far a car can travel on a full fuel tank – the further, the cheaper it is for the car owner. Car manufacturers have taken fuel efficiency into consideration more and more over recent years, which is precisely why modern SUVs now come in electric models too, both to give fans of big car driving a greener experience as well as set a precedent for the future of the automotive industry.

A Car Consideration Conclusion

In this helpful article, we’ve shared why SUVs are popular with drivers around the globe. They offer power and prestige, which is essential for some people. Their safety features make them popular with families, as does their storage capacity and cabin room. The perfect road trip car, an SUV is an excellent choice for those that love a weekend getaway.

In addition to these features, new SUVs offer improved fuel economy as well as electric engine alternatives, which is vital to reducing fuel costs. 

All these reasons and more are why people love SUVs. How about you?