Why are SUVs selling like crazy?

They’re clogging up our cities. They’re polluting our air. And they’re making the car industry lots and lots of cash. Why are so many people obsessed with SUVs? And how bad is this for our planet?

Author: Malte Rohwer-Kahlmann
Video Editor: David Jacobi
Editor: Carmen Meyer

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[sohamkumar]

these are the youtube channels which deserve 100 million subs and yet we have rather useless channels sitting at the top

[blerst]

Most SUVs never even go offroad. They're only used once a week for shopping. That's something hatchbacks are more than capable of.

[lordwiadro]

I hate SUVs for their square like, boxy look, and will never buy one. I very much prefer slick, low to the ground and sporty looking sedans or coupes.

[mikimouse]

SUV = expensive and useless off-road wannabe

[cyberdon]

Here's the real reason: "The US CAFE standards provided an advantage to minivans (and later SUVs) over station wagons, because... minivans and SUVs were classified as trucks in the United States, and therefore subject to less stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. Station wagons remained popular in Europe and in locations where emissions and efficiency regulations did not distinguish between cars and light trucks."

[FTFSupremacyROBLOX]

SUV driver: *is scared to drive over 20 mph on dirt*

Subaru driver: aww how cute!

[mok.]

At least in the US, I think the illusion of safety plays a role. This is especially true if they are surrounded by a bunch of larger vehicles. I work in an area with tons of truckers, and there have been a few times where I’m one of the only sedans on the road.

On the producer’s end, I’d compare it our housing market. Both SUVs and larger houses have higher profit margins compared to smaller models, and the US has enough space to make both of them more viable for more buyers here. So even if most people here don’t strictly need the space for more children or an extra office, they’ll go bigger because that’s what they can access.

I also think that to a lesser extent, the comfort factor some Americans cite might have to do with the obesity rates here. My father weighs a little under 400 lbs, and he can barely fit into my sedan’s passenger seat.

[seboritter]

Its funny that not long ago I saw my neighbour stuck on plane wet grass with his SUV and wasnt able to get off for about half an hour without help. To me shows the contradictory nature of these cars. Pure status affirmators - "Bigger is better" - to the point it becomes rediculous and almost depressing to watch.

[danielmolinar]

I would never be intimidated by SUVs if I was in something like an old sports car or kei car. In fact, I would feel empowered just by standing out in the crowd.

[Joseph-cyns]

SUV is basically pickup truck with permanent camper shell.

[zoravar.k]

While i hold no love for SUVs. The crumbling road infrastructure in many countries might be to blame, i have hit a few potholes that have bottomed out my suspension here in Europe, and some roads (especially after winter) have basically fallen apart. I know the situation in the US is pretty bad as most roads built a few decades ago during the infrastructure boom are on their last legs. And India has similar issues when it comes to road quality outside of the major highways.

[DanielHowardIRE]

They're taking over where I live: Dublin, Ireland. Many of the roads aren't suitable for large vehicles like SUVs. Just today a narrow, winding road was closed to traffic as many SUV drivers were driving on the pavement to get around other cars! I drive a small Toyota car and SUVs blind me with their lights constantly. They're awful vehicles and should be simply banned.

[ALiTY]

The Dumbing Down of Society is also helping the Downfall of Society rapidly in every Single aspect of Life, what they Drive, how they vote, falling for Debt Traps, being bad parents, trash clown land

[gamingtonight]

The average person doesn't think about the environment at all. They just do what makes THEM happy. They don't even care about their kid's future. It all means the end is closer than anyone realises...

[thatundeadlegacy]

Im just sick of them taking up the entire car park.

[lagalissonniere]

I live in Indonesia, SUV here is more advantageous than sedans or wagon type of car because the road is so wavy and there are many holes. Taller car means you can get anywhere. Also seasonal floods, it is a nightmare for sedans driver.

[kacper_k]

SUV trend is irrational I hope that it will stop coming soon.

[arunbissoon]

I really hate these. I'd rather a sedan for the lower centre of gravity and better handling.

[drunkdrftr]

Ban large heavy vehicles; give short people a seat cushion

[Damian-cilr]

If you want an suv just buy a hatchback instead atleast it's cheaper