SUVs are on the rise and are attracting more and more people. With their aesthetic appearance, their comfort and their power, SUV vehicles have seen their sales take off in a few years. So what is the reason for such enthusiasm for this particularly fashionable segment? What are the real advantages of SUVs?
What is an SUV?
Before looking at the advantages of SUVs, let’s first try to find out more about these vehicles, also called Sport Utility Vehicles. It is a generally raised car with a particularly generous interior volume and 2 or 4 wheel drive. Although taking the form of a 4X4 (without being one), the SUV is distinguished by its bodywork, inspired by station wagons, hatchbacks.
The Jeep Wagoneer, which dates from 1963, is one of the first SUVs recognized as such. The latter emerged in the United States and was derived mainly from pick-up trucks. From then on, the success of the bodywork skyrocketed, particularly in Europe with the arrival of the Mercedes M-Class and BMW X5. The end of the 90s actually marked the beginning of the popularity of modern SUVs.
What are the characteristics of SUVs?
The features of SUVs are certainly among their many advantages. This leisure vehicle can both adopt a sporty appearance while having the characteristics of a 4X4. Note that this type of vehicle results from a cross between a minivan and an off-road car. A SUV car therefore offers you a perfect union between all-terrain and comfort.
We also know that SUVs are distinguished by their hatchback shapes. This is a body with 2 distinct volumes.
SUVs also overshadow minivans. The latter in fact combine the advantages of a traditional sedan. It offers a lot of space and can accommodate up to 7 passengers thanks to the folding jump seats located in the trunk floor. This therefore seems to enormously benefit the large families.
What are the advantages of SUVs?
If large families feel comfortable in an SUV car, it also offers real advantages for backpackers. Capable of making long journeys, SUV cars benefit from a cabin allowing you to transport other Road Trip fans and all their luggage.
In addition to allowing you to get everywhere, this type of vehicle allows you to tackle the most difficult roads. SUVs, generally five-doors, actually benefit from a sufficiently high ground grade allowing you to avoid back pain and other obstacles on the roads.
An SUV car has a high ride and gives a feeling of security and protection (especially for women), both in urban areas and in the countryside. In the city, the SUV (generally compact models) allows you to stand out. Easily recognizable, with the color of its body, the SUV car can be personalized.
The flaws of SUVs?
The biggest problem with SUVs is its size and weight, certainly it’s practical for long journeys but for traveling in big cities, it’s a real problem especially for finding a parking space, then there’s also the noise, it is a very noisy vehicle because of the large engine capacity because most SUVs are equipped with large V6s, V8s and V10s and who says large engine capacity also means a large consumer of fuel, it consumes no less than 10 L/100. But currently, there are hybrid versions on the market that consume less fuel but are very expensive to maintain. The smallest part costs hundreds of euros, not like small minivans like the Berlingo underbody right side