Why does everyone want to buy a SUV these days?
Posted by Silver-Neckbeard@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 195 comments
I see people buying bigger and bigger cars. People driving to work alone in traffic in the biggest car possible, burning fuel by hauling useless weight that they don't need to.
I'm low key liking these high gas prices so these people in big cars keep emptying their wallets on gas.
When 2008 happened, people sold off their big cars to save money on fuel cost. Now we're at war with Iran for some reason, gas prices are even higher, and people have not stopped buying big SUVs.
Why does everyone want to buy a SUV these days? Does no one care about the joy of driving anymore?
I am failing to understand the rationale behind this SUV trend. Please help me connect the dots.
Whiskeymyers75@reddit
Reddit loves acting like everyone’s commuting in a lifted Yukon XL burning barrels of oil. In reality, most of what you’re seeing are crossovers. Not real SUVs.
Actual SUVs are body-on-frame trucks (Tahoe, Expedition, etc.). Heavy, built for towing, worse MPG. Crossovers are unibody—basically cars underneath. My Edge is literally a Fusion with a taller body. Same story with CR-Vs, RAV4s, Escapes… aka 90% of what’s on the road. The Escape was actually built on the Focus platform.
So no, people aren’t ‘hauling useless weight,’ they’re driving slightly taller, more practical cars with more space and AWD. And fuel economy? Most of these are mid-20s to 30 MPG. Hardly the gas-guzzling apocalypse Reddit makes it out to be.
God forbid people want cargo space, visibility, and winter capability instead of cramming into a Civic like it’s some kind of personality trait.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
so the new bronco is really just a big ford escape?
MaleficentExtent1777@reddit
The Bronco Sport is a derivative of the Ford Escape. The Bronco is a derivative of the Ranger.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
D:
Lopsided-Public8205@reddit
The Bronco Sport is a Ford Escape. The full size Bronco is a small SUV designed to compete with Jeep Wrangler. The Ford Expedition is a full size SUV built on the F150 chassis. MSRP of the Expedition is 65k to 85k.
If you are seeing new Expeditions all over the place then you live in a very wealthy area.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
what if I live near DC and they are all just spooks D:
Downtown_Reward_6339@reddit
Yeah, that statement made no sense.
Edge is a chopped down last gen Explorer. Fusion was a delightful little Mazda 6. Too bad US didn’t get the wagon which would have been better than the Goofy proportioned Edge in every measure.
ReallySmallWeenus@reddit
You’re spot on, except that a lot of crossovers aren’t AWD either.
CompasslessPigeon@reddit
My civic hatchback was a phenomenal car in my mid 20s.
One problem was that in my town theres a t shaped intersection at a busy road where I need to turn left. Its only controlled by a stop sign. So many big cars would pull up on the right while I was on the left waiting for a gap in traffic. As soon as they did I couldnt see the oncoming traffic over their vehicle. Id get stuck there while loads of cars turned right blocking my field of vision.
Then we had a kid and it didnt fit the stroller and the car seat made the passenger seat damn near unusable.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
Hear me out, we lower that ridiculous inefficient crossover that will never touch the dirt into a station wagon. You can fit the family in it, wonderful visibility in the ones I have been in and cargo space is better than most similar sized SUV’s.
In all fairness I am a fan of the concept of the crossover myself and I think some of them strike a good balance of drivability, efficiency, and capability. I however have scarcely ever seen them be used off pavement so I do kind of wonder who is buying them.
Richard_TM@reddit
Making the Subaru Outback into a more traditional large crossover cost all of 1 mpg. Wagons really aren’t any more efficient than the stuff you’re complaining about.
Whiskeymyers75@reddit
I get the station wagon argument, but this whole ‘they never leave pavement so what’s the point’ take misses why people actually buy them. Off-road isn’t the main use. It’s everything around it.
AWD for snow, higher ground clearance for garbage roads and potholes, better visibility in traffic, easier to load gear, and more flexibility for real life stuff. Camping, fishing, hauling coolers, yard sale finds, beach gear, whatever. You don’t need to be rock crawling to benefit from that.
A wagon might technically match cargo space on paper, but it sits lower, has less clearance, and isn’t as forgiving in bad conditions. Most people don’t want to think twice about a snowstorm, a dirt parking lot, or a beat-up road.
Crossovers exist because they’re a middle ground. They do 90% of what people actually need, not the 1% edge cases Reddit likes to argue about.
Just because you don’t see people driving through mud doesn’t mean they’re not using the advantages every day.
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
This 100%. It's not about being specialized. It's about meeting every need possible. A compromise
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
Crossovers are less fuel efficient but only by like 3-4mpg(impreza vs crosstrek used here) so it’s not huge deal but definitely a real thing .I currently live in a city where there is no snow, and not likely anywhere nearby so I hadn’t considered it. That being said my city still sees massive sales of crossovers and it has never seen snow in recorded history. Also ground clearance is not inherently helpful for crappy roads. The durability and quality of the suspension matters more there because most damage from crappy roads goes straight to the suspension and not to the actual car. I guess there aren’t any affordable modern station wagons around to make a good comparison so all of my points are kind of null since it is either done with older cars that I have driven or trying to apply that experience to a modern car.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Who's we?
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
Furthermore, people forget regular people don't want to be low to the ground when they share the road with f350s everywhere.
Regular non car people want to be as tall as the trucks. Literally that simple. Just ask
Swimming_Tonight_355@reddit
Does no one care about the joy of driving? Lol
I have a Porsche Cayenne S - I’d love a 911 or a Panamera but one won’t fit my family and the other is well over my $130k budget.
But I absolutely guarantee the driving experience trumps most cars out there. Do you really think people are ‘emptying their wallets’?
Have you ever considered just focusing on your life? You might be happier in the long run.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Poor phucker cannot buy a 911 or a Cayman so compensates with an inferior Porsches to show off they drive a Porsche. Ouch!
Swimming_Tonight_355@reddit
Laid off for six months and needing to keep a roof over your head….. winner!!
Swimming_Tonight_355@reddit
Oh there’s nothing ouch about it. It’s wonderful.
I wouldn’t concern yourself though - it’s well outside your potential earnings.
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
Because it's too expensive to have multiple cars for specific tasks, it's more affordable to have 1 car to do everything.
Furthermore, because the roads are filled with giant ass cars, it feels better for most non enthusiast drivers to have something similar in size.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
What tasks?
Most SUV don’t do better in an off-road situation than normal cars. If you don’t pay extra most of them even come with 2WD and a suspension made for paved roads.
That’s because most SUV are just overpriced grocery getters.
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
You're not moving a big family comfortably in a sedan.
You're not fitting 20 bags of mulch, towing something, or moving whatever in a sedan easier than a SUV
There's a plethora of things you can do with a SUV that you can't do with a sedan. Never even mentioned off road and yes, it'll have more ground clearance than a sedan, regardless if it's FWD.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
The answer is station wagons.
They have room for everything you need room in a big suv for without the unnecessary cost to buy and maintain a SUV.
Old-guy64@reddit
An SUV is a station wagon.
It’s just taller and has AWD.
Disastrous-Group3390@reddit
ESPECIALLY when you compare SUVs to American wagons from the ‘60s to the ‘80s (‘through ‘96 counting the Roadmaster and Caprice). The le wagons were available with large v8s, were sturdy body on frame construction and could tow. Today, if you want those three things in addition to lots of room, it’s a full size SUV. A LOT of current SUV owners have lifestyles and hobbies that wagons used to accomodate, but regulations and industry reactions killed big cars and wagons’ utility. Once upon a time, you could tow a large camper, horse trailer, boat or race car with a DeVille, Electra, Grand Marquis, Fury, LTD or their wagon siblings. Now the Suburban/Escalade/Yukon XL IS the modern wagon Caprice/DeVille/Electra.
Usernamerequired_92@reddit
In regards to space, there is more of difference between station wagons and big crossover suvs then there is between big crossovers and minivans. But yet you always hear a station wagon has all the space you need compared to an SUV, eventhough SUVs have more space. But it you say need a SUV because you need a lot of space they will say you should get a minivan because you need more space eventhough the gap is smaller. There is a very good reason for this. People love to hate SUVs. Thats why. Any advantage an SUV has doesn't matter. Unless that advantage can be found in a different type of Vehicle and then it matters a lot. There used to be a time when people just said it about SUVs but now they are saying the same thing about pick up trucks too.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
The problem aren’t the 10 percent of SUV drivers who actually benefit from driving an SUV.
The problem are the 90% of SUV drivers who don’t need it.
Usernamerequired_92@reddit
So we shouldn't recommend minivans either then. Because of 90% of SUV owners wont use the space then a minivan is even more unnecessary right?
Old-guy64@reddit
A minivan doesn’t have all wheel drive.
A Ford Escape with the “big” motor, and smart AWD will go anywhere short of boony bouncing. Wonderful in snow and gets 25mpg.
An Explorer with the “big” twin turbo will pull down 20mpg, be more comfy, and also do well in the snow.
There are way fewer 40mpg cars out there these days.
Yes I miss my Escort GT. But it wasn’t as good in snow. And in the Midwest snow capable is very important to people who absolutely MUST get to work.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
The people who don’t need the space don’t buy minivans because they don’t like the looks.
They buy the SUV because they think they are cool.
Usernamerequired_92@reddit
Well A) People who don't need the space regularly buy minivans. They are supper popular among old people for there step in height. B) People buy SUVs for a lot more reasons then they look cool. They are easy to get into. They are safer than cars. More ground clearance makes them better in snow. They tow more, particularly in North America where cars have much lower towing capacities. SUV are also just way more diverse then any other class of vehicle too. You can go from something thats basically the size of a hatchback to something thats pretty much a half ton pickup truck with a third row.
ZealousidealArt1865@reddit
Redditors don’t like the typical type of person who drives a pickup truck or a large SUV. it’s really that simple.
worstatit@reddit
SUVs and Minivans are both called "station wagons" by my state dmv. Appropriate.
ForcefulUnicorn@reddit
Not many options for station wagons in the US
Moar_Wattz@reddit
That’s because the market has adjusted to people buying SUV over sedans and SW.
It’s not like people started buying SUV because they suddenly became the only option.
They became the most common option because people buy them.
And still: if you’d actually want a sedan or SW there are still plenty of options for every price segment.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
No CAFE regulations killed the SW, vote better next time.
morosis1982@reddit
SUVs became the default because making them bigger and heavier meant the US manufacturers could skirt cafe regulations and make more money.
OnionTaster@reddit
Yeah moving family in a sedan is fine, not like youre gonna drive for more than 6 hours in one way because at this point plane ticket is just cheaper.
20 bags of mulch ? You know, you can order it online and guess what they bring it to your door FOR FREE, just like any big object ( fridge, dishwasher couch, bed etc)
Cant say anything about off road because I live there roads are everywhere and even if you wanted there is nowhere to drive off road because its either protected natural land or someones private property
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
What?? People drive over 6 hours all the time.
Ordering online costs just as much half the time, tf planet you're on?? Literally Home depot charges 35$ minimum on large orders.
Appliances are 79$ unless you get their stupid credit card
Dirt roads are everywhere? Hell half the paved roads would be better served as dirt roads considering how poorly maintained they are with potholes the size of people across the country.
Shrikecorp@reddit
Who drives 6 hours all the time, besides truckers? And WHY? Sounds miserable.
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
Americans. It's generally cheaper and less stressful compared to flying.
Europeans having zero concept on the sheer scale of America will always be funny to me
Shrikecorp@reddit
Live in the 18th largest state in the Union. Only time I drive anything close to that far is to visit my kid in college, 4-5 hours depending on traffic. Sure not all the time, though. Tend to dread the drive because it's hours of left lane campers and extremely bad, inattentive drivers. Anything further, I'm flying.
Don't get me wrong, I love driving...but driving, not slogging through rolling roadblocks made up of people driving mostly, well, SUVs.
OnionTaster@reddit
No they don't ? I would leave my country if drove for 6 hours and guess what plane ticket to the next country is $60 or so and gas costs $7.5
I get free delivery on this stuff
It's 2026 I haven't seen unpaved roads in a while
ZealousidealArt1865@reddit
We’re talking about Americans. We don’t mind driving 6+ hours here. That’s like 2 states worth of driving and I can do it at the top of a hat and it’s way easier than loading my 3 children on a plane plus I don’t have to deal with the general public as much
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
Exactly. Super easy. No stress and cost is literally the same but without getting fondled by TSA plus bonus sight seeing
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
6 hours doesn't even get you across half the US states. You're a European, discussing about American issues. You literally don't know what we are talking about.
Chomblop@reddit
This is bizarre. Gen Y and earlier would have mostly grown up in sedans and - for a family of four - there’s no reason an SUV should be any more comfortable than a Toyota Camry or Mazda 6, etc. They’re just taller and sometimes have more cargo space.
ZealousidealArt1865@reddit
Car seats are larger? We rear face way longer? Lol. If you want the front passengers to have their knees to their chin, sure drive a sedan. And then you have to think about the nightmare of trying to put a Costco size order of food in the trunk of a sedan around a full size stroller that’s already in there.
AerieWorth4747@reddit
You’re getting downvoted but you’re not wrong about SUV’s. Modern SUVs are just lifted hatchbacks now. Old SUVs could go off road and were actually bigger.
AJimJimJim@reddit
Cramming kids in it
Moar_Wattz@reddit
Im nearly 2 m tall. And can comfortably sit in the back of my station wagon without my legs even touching the drivers seat.
My trunk is also bigger than most SUV trunks.
It was also cheaper to buy, is cheaper to maintain and only needs 6l of diesel on 100km.
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
You're European, literally not even in the conversation. You get wagons galore, we don't.
You don't have f350s as every other car, so you don't have this weird need by regular people, NOT CAR PEOPLE, to need to be as tall as them
This is the problem with asking car people. They think like car people. You need to ask regular non car people to get proper answers
Moar_Wattz@reddit
The fact that your market has cut back on wagons is due to you guys buying SUV.
You didn’t start buying them because they became the most common models. They became the most common models because of what cars you bought.
LeatherRebel5150@reddit
You know it’s not just because of “everyone buying suvs?” right? Our government regulations basically force manufacturers into building bigger platforms. Look up CAFE regulations and how it has basically eliminated most smaller platforms.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Ohh you're not American, that's your issue here.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
Someone’s grumpy because he can’t convert units it seems…
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
A mini van can do that better. No?
SwizzGod@reddit
Pretty sure people aren’t thinking about off roading bro. They’re thinking about their family, groceries, moving shit
Its_0ver@reddit
Camping? Moving furniture? Trip to the hardware store? 10 ft deck boards? Drywall?
I can do all those things in my suv and wouldn't be able to do any of those things in a sedan
Eziekiel23_20@reddit
You can rent a truck for practically nothing in those rare cases you buy drywall or deck boards. Stop being obtuse.
Shrikecorp@reddit
Seconded. 4-5 times a year I need to carry stuff that won't fit in the car. U-Haul van or pickup all in is less than $35 for a day. So for less than $200/year my "haulin' needs" are met.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
Every of that tasks can also be done with a station wagon that costs less to buy, maintain and fill with gas.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Exactly which station wagon?
Moar_Wattz@reddit
Just about every large station wagon.
VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Mercedes E class T Models, Opel Insignia, Volvo V90 …
Usernamerequired_92@reddit
And which of those offer 2400 litres of space with and seven seats?
Moar_Wattz@reddit
The average American SUV doesn’t offer that either.
Usernamerequired_92@reddit
Is a Ford Explorer not an average American SUV? Cause thats where those stats came from
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Which of those are available in the US?
And no, most of those are on light FWD platforms.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
At least the Passat, E class and V90 are available in the USA as far as I’m informed.
And we didn’t even mention Asian models that are available there.
Yes, they all come with 2WD if you don’t buy the 4WD option. Just like your average SUV.
Its_0ver@reddit
The options for duration wagons are much much less and station wagons generally don't have great clearance, that's not going to work for camping
Moar_Wattz@reddit
I never had any issues while camping with a station wagon.
Plus: I highly doubt that even half of the people who drive an SUV go camping at all.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
I see more sedans and minivans in the public land, where I occasionally camp or hunt/fish, than I do in the city. It’s kinda amusing.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Well you can, it's just less convenient, a good sedan with a roof rack and trailer hitch can do a lot.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
I have seriously done every single one of those in a sedan before. Well the boards were 8 feet so maybe not exactly that. But seriously an SUV for camping? Why? I have gone hunting, fishing, and camping out of a honda civic.
clue_scroll_enjoyer@reddit
Yeah unless you have like 4-5 kids, a sedan can do everything an SUV can but better. I had 2 siblings and we always drove a sedan growing up with no problems
Moar_Wattz@reddit
There are station wagons and minivans for that.
xxtankmasterx@reddit
Most SUVs are just slightly tall wagons.
Moar_Wattz@reddit
And there usually is no benefit to it.
Sands43@reddit
Nonsense about the “task” part. That big purchase at the home center twice a year? Cheaper to pay &50 for deliver than carry the cost of a full sized suv year round.
crypticcamelion@reddit
I never buy larger materials in a shop anymore, usually it cheaper and easier to order with delivery. The shop saves the space and the materials or new dishwasher or whatever is delivered directly to the door. The idea of a large car for transporting things home is oldfasioned. If you order online you will usually not have to pay the 50 for delivery. My wife paid a 120€ the other day for delivery of a new dishwasher, but that was including installation and removal of the old mashine. Next time we need a new something I'll gladly pay that to avoid the hazzle myself.
gonyere@reddit
This is largely true. But, we need a truck to haul hay home from the auction, take recycling in (no roadside pickup here!), and haul animals around occasionally.
crypticcamelion@reddit
Ehhh thats were we use a tractor and a trailer, but most are not farmers and don't need hay. Recycling we also do by car, but that can for a normal familly of 4 be handled by any car.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
explain how its more affordable to have a 60-70k suv over an old honda and a station wagon
Channel_Huge@reddit
A “station wagon?” Who sells these any more? 😂😂😂
WizeAdz@reddit
Every automaker makes station wagons, they just call them “crossovers.”
Practicality hasn’t changed, but marketing jargon has.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
idk but bmw refuses to sell their most sought after wagons for decades in the states for some reason. americans begged them for years to get N54 and N55 wagons
Channel_Huge@reddit
Station wagons were the SUVs of the 70’s. My family had one with the wood panels on the side and the huge swinging door. They were huge and definitely not as safe as my Ford Explorer.
Viper-Reflex@reddit
pretty sure volvos and audis are more safe than an explorer
WizeAdz@reddit
CUV/SUV is the new name for station wagons.
The new name is just marketing because boomer marketers didn’t like the practical vehicles their parents bought. So, they came up with a new name to sell practical vehicles for the next generation and they made money.
Our Rivian R1S is an SUV by most definitions, but we bought it for its station wagon capabilities.
Nervous_Hurry_9920@reddit
Nobody said the SUV had to be expensive. You are comparing apples and oranges.
Explain to me how a brand new Mercedes S class is more affordable than an old f150
Viper-Reflex@reddit
yukon uses a lot more material than a new mercedes and still has a v8 engine
mercedes doesn't use double glazed windows anymore lol
Nervous_Hurry_9920@reddit
That didn't explain affordability at all
Viper-Reflex@reddit
s class 25 years ago cost more than now not even adjusted for inflation
Nervous_Hurry_9920@reddit
Easily verifiable as incorrect
AcanthaceaeOk3738@reddit
Disagree with the first part. Families overwhelmingly have multiple cars, even if at least one is an SUV.
RedHotFuzz@reddit
Sedans/coupes are the least practical of automobile types. People aren’t buying SUVs, they’re buying crossovers, which are simply wagons with a couple extra inches of ground clearance. Also, do you think people cared about the “joy of driving” when everyone was driving Chrysler K cars and Chevy Chevettes around?
beachbum818@reddit
I hunt, fish, camp year round. I've gone of road in places where you simply cannot take a car. But I also can't afford a second daily driver cat with insurance, registration, inspection, had, car payment. So 1 vehicle it is
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Very understandable.
jaydubya123@reddit
Why do so many people have such strong opinions on what other people drive? Drive what makes sense to you and mind your own business when it comes to others
bigblackglock17@reddit
Cars are too small. No headroom, no visibility. Rides like shit on our shitty Texas roads.
What’s ridiculous is how big so many vehicles are but they’re actually so cramped.
I seen a 01 CRV today and thought it looked so roomy and was actually smaller than a lot of modern SUVs.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Don't know about Texas at all. Will find out next week what Texas is actually like.
TrueWolf1416@reddit
Between wanting a Minivan, a Sports Car, and a Pickup Truck, a Luxury unibody SUV with decent horsepower is the best all rounder. Better on road manners and MPG than a body-on-frame, better ground clearance and ruggedness than a minivan, and better hip entry and interior space than a sports car. It’s a jack of all trades master of none scenario.
Flamtap_Zydeco@reddit
We don't need to prove a need to carry a gun in NYC, or anywhere else in the land. I prove I need a 4-door F-150 or Suburban when I buy one. It's my truck, my choice.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
One can carry plenty of guns in a Chevy Sonic or a Fiat 500. Unless you wanna carry 50,000 rounds for hunting or self-defense, then I can understand the need for F-150.
Are people allowed to carry guns in NYC?
I don't live in NYC so I don't know the laws.
oboshoe@reddit
i think you are trolling now
Thereelgerg@reddit
Not everyone wants to buy an SUV these days.
not-a-toad@reddit
Crossover suvs are different from real SUVs. Crossovers are boring but it’s truly the whole “jack of all trades, master of none” type car if youre not an enthusiast and view cars as simply a tool. I don’t knock people for getting them. I sometimes wish i DIDN’T care about cars so much so that id be perfectly content driving around something like that that does everything i need it to while also getting good mpg and being comfortable.
Also ur a hater and modern crossovers get pretty good gas mileage lol.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Idk. SUV/crossover drivers seem to be the most frustrated bunch. Maybe they are too busy texting their kid at the soccer practice.
not-a-toad@reddit
I agree, but i think thats just bc more drivers are crossover drivers in my area at least. More of a chance to see a crazier one when theres more of em type thing
bostonhockey_80@reddit
I love these “why doesn’t everyone drive the Car I deem best for them” posts - where OP just lectures and lets everyone know they can’t fathom other’s perspectives, don’t understand cars, and think what they happen to see is all that exists. The sloppy thinking while condescending is such a Reddit specialty
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Please enlighten me how a SUV is superior to a sedan mechanically. Better suspension? Better center of gravity? Safe because you can kill the other person but live to spend your life in prison?
Shrikecorp@reddit
I'm with you. I see all the specious rationales, but truly the most common thing I hear is some variation on, "I want to sit up high". Screw handling, mileage, aesthetics (let's see, do I want a box with tires or an egg with tires..). "I want to seeeee"
Safety is admittedly a thing with SUVs... predominantly because they have more mass. 6000lb tank hits 3500lb car, the results are simply physics. But they aren't as agile, so collision avoidance is less successful. Ultimately, any enhancement to safety is not shared with the occupants of the other vehicle...or God forbid, a pedestrian.
All that height and mass...when every vehicle parked along a street is a water buffalo, taking a left onto that street is a complete leap of faith. They're dangerous even when parked.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Reminds me of George Carlin. Paraphrasing here: we need more space to buy more shit. Then we carry that shit with us to a bigger place to buy more shit.
Maybe I am a closet hippie. I don't see value in buying a bigger car so I can justify my purchase of a bigger car for hauling a TV once in 5 years.
Competitive-Double67@reddit
Yeah im loving this, im a suv and truck guy, but I also have an es300 and a highlander both 21+. Apparently there isnt even really a reason sedans exist anymore 😂, crossovers "do it all" lmfao. In my opinion most people could do anything they needed an suv, crossover, or truck for in an 08 focus wagon, which are still easy to find cheap. oh, and suvs are so much more comfortable apparently even though they weigh twice to 3 times as much, drive poorly compared to sedans, cost more to maintain, and usually have shitty interiors unless its real expensive. If you actually go out and buy a new hyundai venue, kia soul, chevy equinox, Idek what to say, these cars accomplish nothing, they do nothing well and are giant piles of shit. My es300 is almost as comfy and spacious as the first two rows of my expedition were, it drives better, triples the mpg( legit 8mpg in expi) , and I have towed 2-3k pounds with her 😂. These new sedans especially hybrids, push 50 mpg have powerful and reliable engines ( non turbos) and most modern comforts that you need, or just get a used focus hatch and have it all, 40 mpg, cheap easy maintanence, fun driving, and u can most likely fit a fridge in the back with some bungies and willpower( been there).
Competitive-Double67@reddit
Oh, I almost forgot, the fucking safety argument, please just look at the ratings, camrys and civics have had optimal safety ratings in every crash area for almost 2 decades, took most of the suvs till 2010s to get to the same level, so if youre suv isnt 2015+ its not very safe at all. And god fucking forbid you are the person in the other car after an expi hits you going 65-80mph, I have been hit by a drunk truck at 60 mpg and to this day it is the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced, We literally fucking flew into a pole 20ish feet away in an old dodge caraven ended up with the entire motor crumpled into said pole.
byrdman77@reddit
It’s not my favorite, but we just need one car that can handle the family cruising with both kids + maybe grandma on a trip with all our stuff.
That said even our giant 2.5+ ton tank can get 90 mpge these days. It’s not too bad with the efficient options.
el-art-seam@reddit
It’s a size war over safety and a big dick contest among drivers. When I drove a civic, the suvs couldn’t or wouldn’t acknowledge me, it was like being in a motorcycle, they’d cut me off, swerve into my lane. I got a midsized suv and noticed that it happened far less. This was years ago. Now that same behavior is creeping back in. I recently got to drive a 3 row and that behavior happened less. I bet if you’re in a raptor or f350, you own the road.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Touche.
Fringelunaticman@reddit
Im 6'5. And I had a Mazda 3 hatch. Try getting in and out of that daily at 50. No, I am not overweight. Im in good shape. It just gets harder to get out of as you age
Im_Not_Evans@reddit
I’m not a fan of the SUV/Crossover segment. Give me a proper car, with a proper manual transmission.
Fire1777@reddit
Longest lasting vehicle I have owned so far in life is a 1/2 ton pickup. It does trick stuff like plowing, dump runs, home maintenance and family stuff. People have unique situations and needs, so they purchase vehicles to help with things.
I do agree that a lot of people like trucks and suvs for ride height and visibility, along with increased storage and performance (e.g awd 4x4)
VegasBjorne1@reddit
Consider the name “Sport Utility Vehicle” which implies a vehicle which can serve multiple purposes— daily driver, kid hauler, tow a trailer, drive on dirt roads, go on long trips in comfort, etc. Sedans, crossovers, trucks, and sport cars can do everything an SUV can handle.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Don't you find them pretty scary to drive? Too many blind spots and slower to stop in traffic.
Maybe they need bigger brakes?
VegasBjorne1@reddit
Blind spot aren’t bad as there’s typically windows in all directions. They don’t brake like a sports car, but more than adequate for normal city roads and highways. They handle much like a truck, as they are close to truck but instead of a flat bed, there are enclosed seats to accommodate more passengers.
Anon_Tax_1738@reddit
They’re popular because car companies sold the idea of big and safe for mommy’s and manipulated people by saying big equals safe.
The real reason is because sedans require a higher safety standard than trucks and truck chassis base “SUV’s”.
Car companies could make SUV’s cheaper and sell the to you as being big and safe while literally requiring less safety standards.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I think you're beyond help.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
Maybe I need to go to NYC, the only place one can survive in US without the need for driving.
ac5450@reddit
Because the vast majorly of what people call SUV’s are just tall cars. Also the majority of vehicles currently available in the US are crossovers (tall cars) and the manufacturers are pushing them because they make more money on them. There are only a handful of actual true SUV’s sold in the US.
NoSteak3322@reddit
Visibility for one. You are sitting up higher and can see over traffic. It’s easier to get in and out of because the height is such that you can step in and out of the vehicle instead of climbing down into or up out of the vehicle like in a car. This is true especially for older people and those with disabilities. It’s also much easier to load groceries etc at waist level rather than down into or up out of a trunk. My wife and I have also hauled lumber, garden supplies and all sorts of furniture and bulk items over the years easily in our Subaru Forester by flipping the back seat down and sliding the cargo easily into the back. These are the many reasons SUVs rule over cars.
Silver-Neckbeard@reddit (OP)
No need to workout ones legs getting in and out of beds or cars. Our beds and cars need to be the same height as our legs at 90 degree angle?
I say that because of how many of our fellow Americans cannot perform a simple Asian squat.
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
Because most people need one car that can do it all, and now a days most SUVs drive pretty well, especially performance ones. Also wagon selection is abysmal here, especially performance ones.
at614inthe614@reddit
I have owned two wagons. They evetually needed replaced. The manufacturer stopped ~~making them~~ importing the sub-$125k version so I went for the most readily available next best thing.
Channel_Huge@reddit
I love my SUVs. They are comfortable and they are very useful.
It depends upon need.
In 2008, I have two SUVs as well and didn’t “sell them off” because of gas prices. What are you talking about?
Doublestack00@reddit
Everyone?
I daily drive a kei truck and my other vehicle is a sedan.
Dedward5@reddit
You can buy what ever car you want (within your price range)
NickyTwoThumbs@reddit
I want a station wagon. They don't make them, or at least sell them in the US, anymore because every manufacturer just makes SUVs now. So really, you can buy whatever SUV you want.
No_Durian_3444@reddit
The joy of driving?
There is no joy trying to cram my big ass into a sardine can.
7ar5un@reddit
Idk about you guys but when i was shopping for a vehicle for me, i wanted a sedan. I also have kids and a boat and use firewood to heat my house. What was shocking to me was that the mpg of allot of these suv's was really good. The tlx awd and the rdx awd got the same city mpg and within 1 or 2 mpg hwy. So why not get the suv and have the extra space and ability to tow? Hybrids like the cx50 and others bring the mpg even higer than a traditional sedan with a v6 and even some 4's. We have a 3.5 highlander for hauling firewood, trailering the boat, moving the family around (with the dog), and other things that require the space. I went with a sedan for me because i mostly commute but, dont get it twisted; my tlx gets shit gas mileage. I would have been better off with a hybrid suv.
Its not what it used to be.
airmanmao@reddit
Fuel efficiency(hybrids exist), hauling weight(a family of 5 isn’t getting into a smart car), and clearance.
My Honda CRV hybrid is getting 29mgp in the last 10k miles and would be higher if it weren’t for skill issue and pure city driving. I’m not looking for a gas guzzling “joy of driving” car. This is a joy of driving car.
icanfly2026@reddit
It’s like a second home
Pdxlater@reddit
Roads seen to be getting shittier. I need to adapt my driving when taking our hatchback.
Some modern sedans have forgotten about cargo capacity. I was given an Infiniti sedan (in the larger category by Hertz) as a rental. Our luggage literally wouldn’t fit.
The large wagon is gone or unaffordable in the US market.
KatarnsBeard@reddit
A lot of car companies have stopped producing saloon cars and some have stopped producing smaller hatchback cars too.
In Ireland, Ford has stopped or signalled it will stop producing the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo leaving just the Puma (small SUV/crossover), Kuga (SUV) and the Mustang Mach-E electric sports SUV.
So the options are just different size SUVs
Late-Button-6559@reddit
Multi-purpose / practical for many people.
not1or2@reddit
I don’t get it either, you need the space then get an estate , drives better, looks better, better space just better everything. Don’t need something that big, buy a hatch.
Civil-General-2664@reddit
I wanted a new affordable/ mainstream wagon with a ski pass through. The closest I could get was a Tiguan. Sadness.
-a-user-has-no-name-@reddit
I drive a crossover because I like how it looks. Gas prices don’t concern me because I charge mine in my driveway and it costs $6 for a full charge.
I care about the joy of driving. I’ve owned several performance cars. Been there done that. I still have a lot of fun in my EV. The torque and low COG make it quite fun. I still enjoy hearing a nice throaty V8 step on the gas when I’m on the road, but I don’t want to be the one driving it anymore
SignalMaster5561@reddit
Our SUV doesn’t use any gas and is safer for my family to get hit by a distracted driver in.
That’s it.
Mindless_Job3481@reddit
Its a combination of status and stupidity but great marketing.
SorrySite4358@reddit
It may be due to the fact that very few brands offer sedans. One example is Ford. No sedans.
rtekaaho@reddit
Because it’s just better than a sedan in every way. It’s that simple.
Users5252@reddit
I think that part of it, at least in the US, is because SUV are subjected to looser regulations for fuel economy, so manufacturers put more resources into marketing their SUVs.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Not anymore, but yeah.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
When did this get overturned? I’ve been hearing about it being a thing for so long.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
In Trump's Big Beautiful Bill some months ago. They zeroed out all the fines, basically nullifying CAFE.
LeatherRebel5150@reddit
That will take years to actually hit the manufacturing level. Companies have to re-tool models and assemblies to now take advantage of the lax regulations
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
Interesting I didn’t hear about this. Thank you for telling me.
worstatit@reddit
Because they like them and can afford them?
evilr2@reddit
People like the idea of sitting up higher and having a better view of their surroundings. Plus most SUVs that aren't large three row ones are usually shorter in length than their sedan counterparts making them actually easier to park. It's also much more convenient to get in and out of and place kids in child seats compared to cars that sit lower to the ground. The majority of SUVs now are the smaller crossovers using the same smaller engines that would be used in sedans. They're not much heavier so gas mileage is pretty much the same.
Own_Jeweler_1936@reddit
Pot holes, clearance, less scraped wheels and bumpers
scream4cheese@reddit
The trend of buying SUVs is slowly declining. It seems younger people are now buying sedans since they’re less expensive. This report came out about a month ago.
Leftbackhand@reddit
I moved up from a car because I needed to get my rear view mirror higher than the LED headlights on pick up trucks.
RainbowNugget24@reddit
some people will say SUVs are safer, but is it really true? Sedans or wagons/estates are way more safe
Agreeable_Tonight807@reddit
Not true. Being up higher makes an impact more survivability better. Own Honda Accord and Pilot. If I am in a wreck I'll take the Pilot.
ZealousidealArt1865@reddit
And SUVs actually test better than minivans even
kiwivi21@reddit
On the other side higher center of gravity and heavier so if you hit a guardrail more likely for something to go wrong. They only reason they are more safe is because everyone else has one. It's a catch 22
xxtankmasterx@reddit
No, it's not. SUVs are always safer than sedans if a similar amount of engineering effort went into both. An SUV on SUV collision is safer than a sedan on sedan collision, everything else being equal. When it comes to protecting vehicle occupants there is no replacement for displacement, as the more a vehicle can crumple prior to the passenger cage the lower the impulse of the impact.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The exception to this is the higher rollover risk with SUVs.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
It makes the situation for whoever you hit a lot worse though. If everyone drove an SUV/crossover it would be less safe for us all than if it was all hatchbacks/wagons/or sedans.
Someboooty@reddit
For me it was a combination of fitting my dogs (I own a 70lb malinois and a 95lb doberman, they did not fit very well in my old Mazda 3), the ability to haul somewhat larger items without needing to rent a truck (notably a chair), and just room to grow.
The plan is to drive my SUV until she is big dead. She's adaptable, and I don't put enough miles on it for gas to be a huge issue.
Also, my SUV is my third car at nearly 30. Previous two cars were sedans. Previous two cars got run over by larger cars. I loved them, but something tells me I'm just not meant to own small cars
JebediahKermannn@reddit
It's because car companies pay lower fees to produce and sell SUVs, as they technically count as minibuses based on the number of seats (I think), so their fuel economy is compared to other minibuses (which is obviously a lot lower than a car) and looks great in comparison. This in turn makes the cars' MSRP slightly cheaper than a comparable wagon or sedan would be. I'm pretty sure there's an organisation called CAFE that has something to do with it.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
They use the off-road exemption in CAFE not "minibuses".
JebediahKermannn@reddit
That's the one.
Benchod12077@reddit
Because they’ve fallen for the marketing scheme
lunchbox651@reddit
SUVs aren't always inefficient and giant cars. Plenty of smaller SUVs around, especially outside the U.S.
The reason people buy them is because they have the same utility as a wagon but you can actually find one these days.
No_Win7658@reddit
More SUVs -> more pollution -> more erectile disfunction -> more SUVs….
It’s so fucking sad as they are inferior vehicles that kill children and lambos, increase consumption, suck at handling and all that… because you want to look advneturous … sad
Double_Rip7489@reddit
Safety. Bigger car,bigger mass.
reddituser19023@reddit
I want a coupe coming from a sedan
Melodic-Picture48@reddit
I think its like the idea of "value" and being able to handle an active lifestyle that they're associating with the SUV. I just want a Ford Excursion V10 for a daily commuter car.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Got one in my driveway.
Melodic-Picture48@reddit
❤️that's awesome
TDot-26@reddit
Bigger=comfier, modern SUV's aren't SUV'S and get mostly the same mileage as cars, and the majority of car buyers have never cared about the joy of driving
BudFox_LA@reddit
I have an X3 and it’s enjoyable to drive. Not quite as enjoyable as my GTI or 328i were but I have better visibility, a smoother ride, more vertical storage (fam, 2 kids), can do light off roading with if needed and can enter a parking lot dip without scraping my front fascia.
GoldBlueberryy@reddit
You guys can’t even differentiate between an SUV and a crossover, so this conversation never ends up going anywhere.
Optimal-Buddy6566@reddit
Neither can most of the people buying them lol.
Spyderbeast@reddit
I have an SUV now because I bought it 11 years ago. I still have large dogs, live where it shows, and sometimes buy large objects. Very reliable, it's a cheap to keep tank
However, I bought a different car a couple years ago as my daily. It's smaller, lighter, and gets better mileage and one of my dogs fits. However, the little car is also fun, which I have an unfortunate weakness for
Flamtap_Zydeco@reddit
Because schadenfreude. Buy a Yugo or Mini-Cooper or anything you like. I happen to like my SUV. Its versatility fills many voids-otherwise known as utility. I don't have to beg, borrow, or pay delivery to buy a large TV or appliance. I can also haul my recycling and garbage off to the compactor station. It gets great gas mileage and bowls right over potholes. I can see many car lengths ahead of me, giving me more time to spot potential dangers lurking ahead. It's very roomy inside, too.
Maxxjulie@reddit
Because people are stupid.
Whiskeymyers75@reddit
Chances are, they’re not driving an SUV.
Independent-Field226@reddit
If everyone is driving a 6k pound huge vehicle is it stupid that other people want to also be in big vehicles and not something that could be obliterated by an SUV?
Capable-Region-8677@reddit
That's a great question. I fucking hate it myself. Nothing I can do about it. SUV and trucks being used as commuters, daily drivers, going to the fucking office and back home to jerk off. Can't even fit in the lanes, can't even park, blocks the whole damn view, taking forever to turn. I have had a bit to drink tonight and God damn it have you got me started. There used to be an abundance of kick ass cars out there. But they stopped producing them because of what the dumbass consumers want. And the consumer wants a big pile of whore shit. Jesus Christ man
chriswaco@reddit
Because they’re more comfortable, capable, and have better sight lines than cars. They have more room for family vacations and have higher clearance so they’re better in the snow.
FlintHillsSky@reddit
Where I am, it is crossovers that are more popular and they are a lot less bulky and inefficient that full sized SUVs.
You mentioned “Does no one care about the joy of driving anymore?” but also “People driving to work alone in traffic”. There is little joy in driving in bumper to bumper traffic so people tend to buy cars that are more pleasant to sit in for long periods.
whattteva@reddit
Because it's an arms race. It's like the nuclear war. I only feel safer if I got more nukes than you. Same concept, I only feel saver if I got more mass than you in a collision. That's how we end up with 80% of new car purchase is either an SUV or a pickup truck of today.
OH yes, pickup trucks are also vanity vehicles these days dressed up with lift kits or spot lights that blind you, or rolling coal kits, and all kinds of other silliness.
Specialist_Slice9627@reddit
I live in the Southwest where dickbags have lifted crew cab trucks to compensate for…something. I don’t feel visible or safe in traffic without my 5k pound SUV. The roominess is nice too of course