Why are SUVs so Popular?

If you’re not an SUV driver, it can be a little perplexing when you see people who swear by this class of vehicles above all others. Once you dive into things, though, it’s easy to appreciate what they have to offer. Especially since there are now so many SUV subclasses to choose from, including compact SUVs, crossovers, full-sized, and even luxury models.

The SUV as the New Luxury Style

There are a variety of features that come with the form factor sport utility vehicles tend to occupy, and they lend themselves well to designs that emphasize both style and comfort. Since these vehicles tend to be taller, with more headroom, they can accommodate more spacious seating, for starters. They also tend to be large enough to integrate multi-speaker systems that go beyond the stock setup available for most smaller passenger vehicles.

The increased interior space also makes room for a variety of stylistic innovations, including wood trim, interior running lights, and other pieces of visual flair.

Getting the Job Done—With Passengers

Another reason why SUVs are so popular is their towing capacity. Practically all of the top rated SUVs in all classes have a minimum towing capacity of at least 2500 lbs. Compact SUVs, the smallest subclass of this vehicle type, tend to guarantee seating capacity for at least five adults, too. That means that these vehicles offer up towing and passenger space comparable to higher-end pickups at an economy price.

New crossover SUVs have even been designed to fold in some improved handling and stability controls while preserving the rugged off-road capabilities the sport utility vehicle class offers. As a result, these vehicles have become very popular with families looking for vacation vehicles and with those who have to alternate between using a vehicle for work and using it for the family errands.

Safety Features

In the early days of this vehicle class, there were some rollover concerns due to the ratio between the vehicle’s height and its wheelbase, and they held true for many offerings in the class. Over time, though, improved designs and improved stability controls have made sport utility vehicles some of the safest on the road. They accommodate many passengers, which encourages ride sharing, and they also tend to incorporate many of the newest technological features. That means top rated SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator, the Chevrolet Suburban, and the Ford Expedition often have features like assisted braking.

Finding the Right SUV for Your Driving Style

Since there are a variety of subclasses, it’s good to know what you are looking for. Compact SUVs tend to be a replacement for the family sedan, and they often incorporate features like all-wheel drive. Top examples of this class include:

• Honda CRV
• Toyota Rav4
• Ford Edge

If you want something a little bigger, with a little more towing capacity, check out these top rated SUVs from the midsize class:

• Ford Flex
• Toyota Highlander
• Chevrolet Trailblazer
• Toyota 4Runner

Full-size sport utility vehicles are harder to find, and they include:

• Chevrolet Suburban
• Ford Expedition

If you want something that still has the rugged power of a sport utility vehicle but without the imposing profile, you will also want to check out new crossover SUVs like the Nissan Rogue. In this niche, there is something for everyone, it just takes time and patience to find it.