What is suv

The initials SUV stand for sport utility vehicle but that doesn't really explain a great deal about the car. The first examples were big, rugged machines that were sturdy and fitted with four-wheel drive , which meant that they could travel off-road. They also had a spacious interior, a large boot and were built for a tough life. You could sling your surfboard in the back and reach deserted beaches; take your skis to isolated slopes; or transport your sheepdog across steep fields to recover a lost herd.

But as their practicality and high driving position became more popular, the number of buyers who never took SUVs off tarmac increased and manufacturers increasingly made them more stylish, and more car-like to drive - often at the expense of their off-road ability. And in , the term SUV can still be applied to big and rugged cars capable of scaling different terrains, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or Range Rover.

But the name can also apply to smaller and far less capable vehicles often without four-wheel drive , such as the Vauxhall Mokka X and Honda HR-V. However, these are really crossovers. Think of them as more like a tall hatchback than an SUV. If you were going to be a stickler for accuracy, you'd say that an SUV needed to have four-wheel drive, which helps prevent it getting stuck on slippery surfaces.

However, bear in mind that some SUVs don't, in order to reduce weight and improve fuel economy. An SUV is also tall. The original purpose wasn't to give the driver a better view of the road ahead, but to enable to vehicle to pass over jagged rocks, and through ruts, without scraping the bottom.

It's got lots of interior space too. Whether you're an extreme sports enthusiast or a farmer that needs to transport bales of hay, a traditional SUV should have enough room. Those three ingredients: a high driving position, better performance in icy weather and plenty of space make SUVs particularly attractive to families. Finally, an SUV is generally built with mechanical parts that are specifically designed for rugged use - although there are exceptions.

It can make the cars heavy and increase the amount of fuel that they use. This is the big difference between SUVs and crossovers, which use the mechanical parts from family cars, which are designed mainly for tarmac roads.

According to Cars. In , the Lada Niva, a relatively compact SUV-type vehicle, had a coil-sprung independent front suspension as well as a unibody construction.

This vehicle was the predecessor of the crossover SUV. One thing that remained constant, according to The Truth About Cars , was that 2-door SUVs had never been as popular with consumers, most likely because they weren't as convenient. The Mazda CX-5 is more of a sporty type with responsive handling and steering. Some of these are crossovers as they share platforms similar to passenger cars, while others are based on mid-size and compact pickup trucks.

This is mainly because of the all-wheel drive, quiet interior, and excellent storage space. Full-size SUVs are the largest size, but some models include an extended-length body to give extra space for passengers and cargo. The first examples were large and fitted with four-wheel drives, had large interiors, and were built for navigating tough terrains. Auotrader says the AMC Eagle came in coupe, sedan, station wagon styles, can offer luxury, comfort, and convenience as a passenger car.

When you are contemplating a vehicle that fits your lifestyle, it is important to weigh all the factors. Not only do you have to consider price, but also how you are going to use it, the size, performance, safety, comfort, and fit it meets your storage needs.

If you need help narrowing down your choices, please speak with your sales associate about your needs. New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. As SUVs are being used less and less off-road, manufacturers are opting to save on weight and increase fuel efficiency by using front-wheel drive-trains.

Despite their huge size and enormous weight, the increased demand for SUVs has led to manufacturers experimenting with performance variants of their range of SUVs. If you've got your heart set on an SUV for your next car, take a look at our SUV leasing page for the latest deals along with more details.

Is a Crossover an SUV? Related: What is a Crossover? What's the difference between an SUV and a 4x4?