I was half joking because there is no clear definition of what it is.
The name do not translate, most SUV aren't sporty nor utilitary. At least they are vehicles.
Wheel size? you said it, all are growing bigger and bigger yeat after year regardless of category.
off-road capability? nope
ground clearance? nope, a tesla model Y or that new Kia sit closer to the ground than many non SUV.
hatchback shape? nope, there are now SUV coupe, concertibles, and some will rank pickup trucks in the SUV category.
how high are the driver/passenger seated? nope again, some vans are higher.
I think what now caracterize a SUV isn't even a combination of these variables but more a tag from the brands marketing team and a general perception based on the car looking vaguely more boxy and bulbeous than other models of the same brand.
Yeah I understand that sentiment. I use the “on stilts” metaphor - a sedan or a hatchback on stilts is an SUV to me. A van is a van, those rarely go on stilts. We also have a new segment called “crossover”, which is an SUV without the S.
There’s no coherent formula for what an SUV/crossover is, but ride height is my rule of thumb. But then I ask myself “where does the Jeep Wrangler fit in?” - afaic, it’s an SUV.
I was half joking because there is no clear definition of what it is.
The name do not translate, most SUV aren't sporty nor utilitary. At least they are vehicles.
Wheel size? you said it, all are growing bigger and bigger yeat after year regardless of category.
off-road capability? nope
ground clearance? nope, a tesla model Y or that new Kia sit closer to the ground than many non SUV.
hatchback shape? nope, there are now SUV coupe, concertibles, and some will rank pickup trucks in the SUV category.
how high are the driver/passenger seated? nope again, some vans are higher.
I think what now caracterize a SUV isn't even a combination of these variables but more a tag from the brands marketing team and a general perception based on the car looking vaguely more boxy and bulbeous than other models of the same brand.