Why Are SUVs Popular in America?

It seems like every other car on the road is a bulky and high-riding sports utility vehicle. Though SUVs typically tend to be more costly and inefficient than smaller cars, many still purchase them en masse.

Have you ever found yourself asking why SUVs are such popular choices in America? What accounts for their popularity across the country? Is it simply due to a trend, or could there be deeper reasons behind their widespread purchase?

In this article, we’ll investigate all factors contributing to an SUV's success in American auto markets.

Why Are SUVs More Popular Than Sedans?

SUVs have quickly become the vehicle of choice among many consumers due to their various advantages. Primarily, SUVs tend to offer more capability than sedans in terms of hauling power and off-road ability.

Furthermore, SUVs generally feature larger-size cabins and trunks suited for families or groups looking for plenty of space. Their increased safety features, such as all-wheel drive or higher ride heights, serve as useful advantages in inclement weather.

SUVs' meteoric rise is partially fueled by the automakers' recent shift toward crossover and SUV production over sedan production.

Acclaimed models like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima have seen sales decline due to automakers' efforts to maximize profits by appealing to an increasingly SUV-oriented market, leaving no choice other than to phase out these popular sedan models gradually.

Additionally, new SUV entrants like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have provided enhanced comfort and luxury at an affordable price point, further solidifying their space within the car market.

Consumers Feel that SUVs Are Safer than Sedans

With consumers increasingly concerned with road safety, SUVs have grown ever more popular as people perceive them to be safer alternatives to sedans. SUVs provide their occupants with a greater sense of security by creating obstacles between themselves and the road surface.

Many drivers also prefer the higher ride height of an SUV as it offers a better view of approaching traffic or any other obstacles they may encounter while driving.

Another factor that gives SUV owners peace of mind is the addition of driver-assist features. The Ford Edge, for instance, offers inflatable rear seat belts, which offer added protection in case of an accident.

Meanwhile, many automakers now provide standard driver assistance features. For example, adaptive cruise control and blind spot indicators make drivers feel safer.

SUVs are popular among consumers because they provide an overall perception of increased safety compared to conventional sedan cars.

SUVs Generally Have More Cargo Room

SUVs have long been favored over compact or sedan cars due to their generous cargo spaces. They typically offer greater cargo room. Due to being larger vehicles overall, SUVs usually provide additional room for cargo storage.

Even mid-size SUVs offer bigger storage capacity than sedans or compact cars. In contrast, large luxury models have even more room and flexibility to accommodate family size and individual needs.

Unlike many other types of vehicles, SUVs can often provide both rear seating and ample space for gear or luggage. If needed, many models come with folding third-row seats that almost double the available cargo space.

Additionally, many manufacturers offer roof racks and storage units on some models so consumers can optimize their important cargo needs. For these reasons alone, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to the extra cargo potential an SUV offers.

SUVs Are More Capable than Sedans

SUVs are often preferred due to their increased capability over sedans. On top of safety and cargo volume, an SUV or crossover is built for more rugged terrain than a typical automobile design.

Most three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have four-wheel drive systems to help get you through tougher road conditions.

Higher ride heights and wider tires enhance SUVs' stability in mud, snow, and gravel. Also, newcomers like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona offer surprising all-terrain capabilities for a compact vehicle.

Despite their smaller size, these modern hybrid models provide ample ground clearance. Their tech-savvy features are not lacking in comparison to similarly priced large sedans like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

An SUV may be the ideal choice for those who desire safety and convenience from their vehicles without forgoing some fun off-road capabilities.

Top Three Most Popular SUVs in America

SUVs remain the ideal vehicle of choice among many drivers searching for their next ride.

It's easy to understand why these vehicles are proving popular. They offer more cargo capacity than other types of cars, and their increased ride height gives drivers better visibility and helps protect occupants from hazards such as hail or rain.

The popularity these vehicles have found in 2022 and 2023 is a testament to their capability both on-road and off, as well as their ability to offer comfort and convenience features that rival even luxury saloons.

Let's take a look at America's three best-selling SUVs.

1) Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 was crushing the SUV market in 2022, leading the vast majority of other models by a wide margin, becoming the top-selling vehicle with an impressive 399,941.

It's no wonder the Toyota RAV4 has proven to be such a success, as it possesses many qualities consumers look for in an SUV.

From being incredibly roomy and comfortable while still being reliable and practical to striking just the right amount of balance between quality and affordability—this car has it all.

2) Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been a resounding success when it comes to strong sales. With 238,155 total units sold in 2023, the CR-V earned itself the title of Compact SUV Best Buy Award by Kelley Blue Book for its excellence.

With features that rival those found in its competitors and offering greater cargo area than some SUVs in its class, the Honda CR-V makes for an unrivaled compact SUV option.

Additionally, customers have the option to select from six trim levels that come with their own features and possibilities, like the 4WD, which is perfect for traversing all kinds of terrain, no matter the conditions.

3) Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is a highly-anticipated electric motors crossover SUV developed by the now-famous electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla. The car was unveiled in March 2019, and production began in January 2020.

It features a sleek design with a panoramic roof, Autopilot driver assist system, as well as impressive range and performance specs such as 0-60 mph times of 4.8 seconds for some trims and up to 315 miles of range per full charge.

Given its strong offerings, the Tesla Model Y has become both a sought-after SUV and electric car on the market today. Its driving performance comes as highly recommended as its practical features.

SUVs Offer a Better Value Proposition

In the end, it's all about value. The lucrative SUV market is awash with models offering features and specs well beyond regular sedans for about the same price.

With head and legroom above what you'd typically expect from a regular sedan, you get so much more for your money. An SUV really is an unmissable value proposition.

Ford seems to capitalize on this trend by phasing out their sedan models to concentrate their efforts on trucks and SUVs.

This makes complete sense when you consider that now, with the ever more saturated crossover and SUV market, pricing has become highly competitive, making them an even better value.

Maybe in the future, we'll only be able to shop for SUVs. It remains to be seen.

Wrapping Up

Their practicality and status symbol appeal contribute to SUVs' popularity in America. And with advanced technology in these powerful rides, SUVs are looking to be more popular in the future.

No matter why people love their SUVs, one thing is for sure: SUVs are here to stay.

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