What is an SUV?

SUV stands for ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ – a term used to describe a type of car that sits higher off the ground than a regular hatchback or saloon, has a rugged look and may or may not have four-wheel drive. 

The term SUV was first used in the US in 1974 by car company Jeep to describe one of its models. Over time, SUV has become the preferred name for an entire category of cars – firstly in the US and, more recently, in the UK.

What does SUV mean?

The original use of ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ by Jeep was to differentiate its new Cherokee model from other cars it sold. Its rugged four-wheel drive models were known as ‘Utility Vehicles’ – the Cherokee was a slightly sportier two-door version, hence the ‘Sport’ part of the name.

Since then the meaning of the term 'SUV' has evolved and today it’s used to describe a huge variety of cars. Most car manufacturers produce at least one SUV and, for many, SUVs are their most popular (and profitable) models. The modern-day SUV can be large or small, cheap or expensive and it can range from basic and functional to extremely sporty or luxurious. 

What’s the difference between an SUV and a hatchback?

The main difference between an SUV and a hatchback is that an SUV has raised suspension that means its body is higher off the ground. In technical terms it has extra ‘ground clearance’. Some off-road-biased SUVs have significant extra ground clearance, but in many cases the difference can be comparatively small. 

As an example the Kia Sportage (one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in the UK) has about 17cm of ground clearance whereas the Kia Ceed hatchback has about 14cm. As well as their  higher stance, SUVs generally have a taller, bulkier shape than a hatchback (the Sportage is about 20cm taller than the Ceed overall). SUVs are also more likely to have four-wheel drive, even though many of them don’t.

What’s the difference between an SUV and a 4x4?

The key difference between a 4x4 and SUV is simply that ‘4x4’ is an older, outdated term. In fact, ‘4x4’ technically means four-wheel drive, but historically it (along with ‘off-roader’) was a phrase used to describe the type of car that today most people call an SUV. 

Although some people still use the term ‘4x4’ it has become largely redundant and generally refers to a traditional four-wheel-drive vehicle that’s great off-road. These tend to be older cars, since even the most rugged modern SUVs (such as the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser) are now more focused on luxury and on-road sophistication.

What’s the difference between a crossover and an SUV?

‘Crossover’ (or ‘Crossover SUV’) is another term that you may have heard used to describe a car. On the whole, there’s not a lot of difference between a crossover and an SUV. Both sit a bit higher off the ground than a conventional hatchback, and look a bit more rugged. The general consensus is that a crossover is usually a bit lower and sleeker than an SUV, and even less likely to have four-wheel drive. 

As an example, the Kia XCeed is a crossover based on the Ceed hatchback. It has an almost coupe-like shape yet it sits higher off the ground. It’s not as tall or chunky-looking as the Sportage SUV, however. 

Do all SUVs have four-wheel drive?

As we’ve mentioned, not all SUVs have four-wheel drive. Large, premium-badge SUVs are most likely to have four-wheel drive, partly because they tend to have powerful engines that could easily cause wheelspin if they only had two-wheel drive, and partly because buyers of these cars expect it. In many cases, big SUVs are available only with four-wheel drive – examples include the Audi Q7, BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. 

Smaller and mid-size SUVs are less likely to have four-wheel drive as standard, although many will offer it as standard or as an option for the pricier models in the range. As an example, there are 16 different engine and trim combinations in the Kia Sportage range and only four have four-wheel drive. 

Some SUVs (usually small ones) aren’t available with four-wheel drive at all – examples include the Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

Are all SUVs large?

As we’ve touched on, not all SUVs are large. In fact some are tiny. Smallest of all is the Suzuki Jimny, which is 39.5cm (more than a foot in old money) shorter than a Ford Fiesta! Other diddy SUVs include the Dacia Spring, Ford Ecosport and Suzuki Ignis. 

What types of SUV are there?

There are many different types of SUV these days. As well as traditional SUVs that have a tall, upright rear window there are coupe SUVs that have a sleeker rear end with a tapered roofline. Examples include the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, all of which are five-door coupe versions of conventional SUV models. 

Some SUVs are only available with a coupe-style body, with examples including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Lamborghini Urus and Renault Rafale. Although older, 4x4-style SUVs were often available with three or five doors almost all modern SUVs have five doors (including the boot lid). There are a handful of exceptions, however, including the Suzuki Jimny and three-door versions of the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover Evoque.

Why are SUVs so popular?

The popularity of SUVs has increased steadily and in 2024 eight out of ten of the UK’s best-selling new cars were SUV (or crossover) models. So what makes SUVs so popular? 

Lots of people also like the raised driving position of an SUV, not only for the improved visibility it can offer but also for the sense of safety it gives them. Practicality is another aspect and the tall, upright shape of an SUV tends to make it more spacious inside than an equivalent hatchback or saloon, with extra headroom and a bigger boot. Getting people, children and loads in and out of a car that sits higher off the ground than a hatchback can be easier, too. 

And, last but not least, there’s fashion to consider. Many people simply like the look of SUVs, as well as what owning an SUV says about them. When SUVs are the hot ticket, who wants to be seen in a saloon that doesn’t look as trendy and won’t hold its value as well as a result?

What are the advantages of an SUV?

As we’ve seen, SUVs are popular for a number of reasons. To summarise, some of the key advantages of an SUV are:

• Higher driving position than a hatchback
• Most are practical and have a large boot
• Huge range of models available
• Desirable image means they depreciate slowly

What are the disadvantages of an SUV?

While SUVs are hugely popular there can be downsides if you choose an SUV over an equivalent hatchback, saloon or estate model. Some of the disadvantages of an SUV are:

• More expensive to buy
• Less fuel-efficient
• Higher CO2 emissions
• Can be less nimble and enjoyable to drive