The Hard Truth About SUVs | 4K

[@Max.44]

Funny thing is, the majority of SUV's I see on the road in Germany carry only one person and the small compacts are usually 2 or 4 people.

[@ChrisBa303]

Thats cause you usually drive compacts when your young and still prioritize your friends but drive an suv when they only thing you have to worry in live is how to spend your meaningless money.

[@mwmv921]

You forgot to add that this 'only one person' is mainly 30 years old blond woman in sunglasses and wallpaper on the face, or 30 years old unshaven guy - both of them with a look of superiority on their faces;)

[@SIKCAR]

Here in Australia, majority of our SUV's are people that are not confident in their driving. Which is a really bad combo, as they have difficulty maneuvering in tight spaces even with all these sensors. My mum had to scratch her BMW X6 in the shopping center car parks a few times before my dad came to his senses and downsize to a smaller 2 series.

[@alexandermitchell528]

So in other words people with SUVs have no friends!

[@soundseeker63]

@@mwmv921 God that stereotype is SOOOOO accurate! :-D I cannot tell you how many times I see those bleach-blonde fake-tanned women in leather jackets and sun glasses driving a Range Rover, X5 or whatever, thinking they look the business when in fact they are just a living cliche. I love to watch them getting stuck in car parks and strugging to manouver/park up those silly cars that are so obviously too big for them. Vanity can be a truly comical thing sometime.

[@howlinguts]

Rory you are without peer in motoring journalism. Always, engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, thoughtful, open-minded, articulate. Massive fan.

[@Sazuza2]

agreed, he's such a good presenter

[@clifflord7619]

Totally agree

[@DASH-NZ]

Yes! 👌

[@mision503elsalvador7]

Respect to Rory!!!

[@samthoma2719]

He’s great no doubt, but not the best.

[@BboyCustomz]

Another issue with SUVs is that ironically, as we buy them in the guise of safety, they seem to increase fatality for those we crash into, especially pedestrians, but also people in smaller cars. The latter ends up making more people buy SUVs and the cycle continues.

[@seboritter]

Absolutely true!

[@rachelpurity1]

I drive a Miata to work and let me tell you, SUV drivers straight up don't even see me half of the time. Not an issue for them as much as me, because if Karen one day DOESN'T stop in time, she will just kill me.

[@gravemind6536]

Except SUVs are far more prone to rollovers.

[@gamesmaster1060]

Do the points in this comment and this video also apply to smaller crossover SUVs like the ford puma and nissan Juke

[@konliner9286]

Its like a nuclear war. One country posseses it so the other countries follow to keep up.

[@marquisdaily7715]

I hope the estate body type will make a come back. They are the most practical and aerodynamic. Not so great to package a large battery but engineers will eventually figure it out

[@Lewis_Standing]

Mg5 long range gets amazing reviews

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

What this guy calls an "estate car" is very nearly identical with the SUV I drive in the US.

[@rodoherty1]

Would love to see more Estate cars on the market as full electrics! Please make it happen, Kia/Hyundai!

[@jonboyjon1976]

@@Lewis_Standing I have the short range MG5 EV. It's a great workhorse - think Octavia Mk1, but it's so soft that it's a lot less dynamic than many SUVs.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

Vw Passat estate still going strong tho

[@andrewwilson3544]

At last, something both Petrolheads and EV fans can both agree on! Never understood the point or need for these Chelsea tractors unless you actually plan to use it off-road. As Rory has explained, estates are cheaper, lighter, just as/if not more practical most of the time, more efficient and faster but just feels like we’re fighting a losing battle sadly…

[@SilentClouds]

But most of these suvs absolutely suck off-road. The differentials they are fitted with are laughable, no better than the ones fitted on station wagons.

[@dwayneIs371]

@@SilentClouds They really are just pavement pounders. Made to climb a curb here and there, cross a small fording, navigate some potholes and such. They really cant do much else.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

@@SilentCloudsI’ve seen saloons that are better off-road than some suvs 🤣🤣

[@jbogren]

I've never understood the SUV thing, really. Pay more for worse road handling, expensive tyres, higher fuel consumption, etc. And since I don't feel like I have something to compensate for, I'll stick to sedan and estate.

[@yacinealg152]

Bruh, AWD and big size are absolutely worth the extra money

[@motorpolitan8884]

@@yacinealg152 You don't need AWD. The "bigger" (only taller) size is exactly what is causing worse handling. Seems like a great fit for insecure people.

[@yacinealg152]

@@motorpolitan8884 nah, i need AWD in all type of situation, i enjoy my family's santafe more than the Passat TDI simply because the santafe got AWD and it feels like you're bigger and scary on SUV Unlike a car, big is cool mate, i once wanted to buy a Varadero 1000 or a R1200GSA because they aren't toys, they are big intimidating bikes that if you hit them, they will not get a lot of damages, unlike roadsters or sport bikes And no, they aren't insecure, SUVs are like tanks, they are more secure than a car

[@robinlarabi]

SUV are great for car manufacturers, as this type of vehicles are designed to extract more money from their owners. Car manufacturers have good marketing departements which can efficiently convince people to donate their money to them.

[@superweeb6969]

@@motorpolitan8884 what about trunk space? I find that I can never fit my costco run into my wife’s sedan.

[@rmr5184]

Finally someone who is pointing out the truth about SUVs. I know there are some benefits in owning SUVs but the negative aspects are far greater!!! Anyway, as always, excellent video!

[@bingoberra18]

Lets not start with americans and their trucks xD

[@dcrz]

Yeah you’d be pissed at how many f-150s are sold a second lol

[@andreblackaller3560]

Dude, I’m from Texas. Here buying an SUV is the reasonable thing to do as opposed to a massive pick up.

[@petelattimer6808]

unless you have disabilities which mean the higher access is useful, OR you actually NEED an off road capable vehicle (which an SUV should be, these crossovers are just a gimmick) then i see NO advantage at all!

[@dcrz]

@@petelattimer6808 I don’t even need a car lol I work from home and take my BMW X5 only to chill on a cool smoke spot in La Jolla. Welcome to the San Diego life! People here live to flex and chill lol

[@EmjayO]

Car purchases are emotional decisions. Doesn’t matter how impractical they are. Awesome video Rory!

[@bingoberra18]

Sure but if they are actually bad for people around you, i dont think its fair to just say "but it makes me feel good"

[@bingoberra18]

@@DennisJosephin If I lived in a big city then yes most likely.

[@DennisJosephin]

@@bingoberra18 Why not in small city? A small city car will always be more ecological than a sporty sedan no matter the place. Cars are not brought for saving the planet but for fun/utility/status/feel. It is because of climate change happening Suv are considered bad otherwise no one would have any problem.

[@thecraigmachine69]

I own an Up! GTI. Perfect blend of a cheap/reliable/sporty car. It wasn’t long ago a car of this size was a ‘normal’ sized hatchback 20years ago.

[@EmjayO]

@@thecraigmachine69 perfect daily in my opinion!

[@AyoHues]

Wow! This has been true for 20 years but I never thought I’d see the day when a motoring channel would have the bottle to take on both the manufacturers and readers and say the unsayable. Well done Rory! You’ve got a lot of bottle. 👏🏽👍🏽👊🏽

[@simonfesting8933]

I like your clarity, honesty and charisma. People hate to be told that their SUVs and other excessively large cars are bad for the environment. But that's the truth. Keep up the good work

[@downwind_david]

If you're living in the country dealing with gravel roads, snow etc then the increased ride height and AWD / 4WD makes sense - however the vast majority of SUVs do the school run in inner cities. My personal preference is the AWD versions of estates - Passat Alltrack, Volvo V90 Cross Country, A4 Allroad etc. You get better handling and comfort but still the ability to deal with rougher road conditions.

[@demoniack81]

Most SUVs aren't even 4x4. I guarantee I went more places with my old '97 Audi A4 Quattro than most people do with their ginormous X5s.

[@a_single_white_female]

Tires are far more important than any other factor on snow and ice. AWD doesn't help you slow down, nor does it prevent you from breaking traction. It would only help when accelerating in snow, and even then, tires are far more important.

[@dshaprin]

@@a_single_white_female Awd also helps getting out of the snow, also you are more stable in corners. But I agree that tires are most important.

[@mapofthesoultagme7143]

In many snowy places like Sweden and Norway and Austria, sedans are so common and handle snow just fine

[@konliner9286]

And also the Subaru Outback and Forester which are estates disguised as SUVs to sell in the US.

[@SteveHarrellRally]

This touched on one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from SUV owners about why they chose it. So many are convinced that by buying the bigger car they've got massively more cargo space, but when you compare the dimensions to the car equivalent (hatchback, estate/wagon, etc) the numbers are usually similar and sometimes are even in the car's favor. For example, the i30/Elantra GT has a full four cubic feet more cargo space than the Kona, but most when asked would believe it's the other way around

[@cadenguyen463]

I personally hate SUVS...buts it not just about cargo space...SUV's are usually to offer more shoulder room and head room then their wagon counterpart

[@puppetmaster3371]

I bought my Honda Pilot 2009 for the smooth ride, superior visibility, and not sitting on the pavement feeling. Would not trade or sell it. Will drive it till it dies. So far 2 small minor troubles, changed a sensor and the overhead cabin light.

[@a_single_white_female]

​@@puppetmaster3371 So you have sacrificed speed, fuel efficiency, a better ride, cost, ease to park, and you likelihood of killing pedestrians in a collision all because you don't like the feeling of "sitting on the pavement"? Guess what... if you are in a vehicle, you are on the pavement.

[@a_single_white_female]

@UC_v8z_VxaTWMsIT-IdppYYA A Honda Pilot is objectively worse in almost every way to most cars. The only thing you gain is offroad capability.

[@puppetmaster3371]

@@a_single_white_female Ok if you say so. The 2009 model was rated 4.5 out of 5 in nearly every car magazine.

[@WildReefer]

I enjoy the physics on smaller, lighter cars personally. I have no kids so I can't justify an SUV to myself. I chose the other end of the spectrum. I drive a SEAT Ibiza FR with a tiny 1 liter engine, which is only really fast when you think about the engine displacement. I agree. I am eagerly awaiting some cheap, agile electric Ibizas and Fiestas and Polos etc. Weight is even more of a performance killer on EV's than ICE engines it seems anyway. Bring on the e-hatchbacks for everyday folks! Accumulatively they also pollute a lot simply because there are so many of them. That's where we can really improve air quality. In the mainstream. And we already know that an efficient hatchback is often also a fun one to drive. Minimalism has its charms also.

[@ThiagoAbelhas]

I drive a VW UP TSI. 1 liter, 3 cilinders, turbo, 105hp, 950Kg. Amazing ride!

[@WildReefer]

@@ThiagoAbelhas I know what you mean. My Ibiza has 115 HP and it's fun to drive a 3 cylinder turbo. It still amazed me how fast they are, all things considered.

[@xIcarus227]

Completely agree with the sentiment, I think superminis are being overlooked in more ways than one. I'm looking for a hyper hatch or sports car right now and the only reason I'm not considering a supermini is because I'm shopping in the 300-400HP range. Granted I'm likely going for an RS3, which isn't much bigger, but is there really no market for a 300HP supermini or small sports car? I genuinely think there is considering how well the Yaris GR sold. Small sports car top out at about the same power too (Miata, GT86). Missed chance imo.

[@liamcowling9906]

@@WildReefer I've got a Skoda Citigo, only 85hp but it drives fantastic. SEAT Ibiza FR or a Polo GTI are probably the next car I'd be looking at

[@spektrograf]

Couldn’t agree more with this!

[@johnnybgood7812]

I have the new Subaru Outback on order. I do need 4WD occasionally due to where I live and what I do. With 8.5” of ground clearance and highly advanced 4WD control systems and a low centre of gravity it is a match or betters most SUV’s on the market but looks like an ordinary estate car. Tonnes of useable space and a very refined drive. A less “prestigious” badge? I certainly hope so.

[@flowerpowerocks3283]

lol, what do you do? what type of environment do you live in? Does 'occasionally' mean once a year? I bet it does.

[@mjab5652]

Sold my X5 last July. I don't fancy another SUV because of it's handling abilities. Great family car.

[@flyme195]

Great video. I just don’t get the obsession with SUV’s. I drive a Land Rover because I live on a farm in the countryside. I drive through fields and I tow a trailer every now and then so I use my vehicle as it was designed for. Not because I want to sit up high. If I lived in a village or a town, I wouldn’t “need” an suv and would be more than happy with an estate or a hatchback.

[@thepandaman]

There's a niche where they're practical - we have a Duster because we live down a gravel lane in terrible condition and wanted the ground clearance. But when it gets onto the road, it's reasonably economical compared to a full-on 4x4, getting 55-60 mpg on a long run. But for the vast majority, they don't make sense. Personally I think they look silly with low profile tires. If you've got a vehicle that's attempting to look "rugged", why would you want those.

[@GRcorolla-bt3mn]

Do you drive an old defender or discovery1/2, something like that?

[@HerbertDuckshort]

Towing a trailer across a muddy field with an SUV is not an obsession. It’s a necessity.

[@cocazade7703]

Exactly. SUVs were invented for farmers (and people who go off-road). But they've become hugely popular with people who never leave the town and don't need such ride height or towing capacity.

[@GRcorolla-bt3mn]

@@cocazade7703 Exactly because of such people SUVs have also become softer in the name of comfort. They are loosing away the truck like ladderframe and solid axles. Also even worse, they are coming with tiny engines that are less reliable and less economical for heavy duty stuffs.

[@PlazmaBooy]

I've always preferred a sedan/wagon over SUV. I also think it's more comfortable in the long wrong, to not have a 90 degree bend in my knees. I know I'm one of the few, but yeah. And they drive better, a lot better actually.

[@seemaprathapan7354]

Yeah

[@pigeonpoo1823]

And then the marketing men demand a Nissan Juke has 18+ inch wheels, otherwise it looks crap (worse). So massive wheels, skinny rubber, elevated height, stiff suspension to jiggle the kids around and make them sick. Who thought that was a good idea?. As you say, drive and ride like sh1t (unless your Uber expensive suv has 48v anti roll and 3 chamber everything, which most don't)

[@Shockz_BE]

Estate fam :D but that said, i do want to have an SUV atleast once in my life.

[@NoNxmeRxme]

Them ridiculous speed humps in London drove me to get a Q5 actually. Yes, speed humps slow us down but when they’re every flipping 50meters, it gets tiring fast. I do acknowledge that I’m a part of the problem though

[@O8Zen]

That's a vicious circle : speed bumps are now purposely designed to slow SUVs down, and getting too big for regular cars. Next thing you know, everyone that can afford it buys a SUV..

[@Techademics]

That's something I haven't thought about before. I feel that doing 15mph in 30 zones is becoming more and more common these days...

[@IverKnackerov]

How does jacking a normal car up in the air, help with speed bumps? Ground clearance isn’t an issue and SUVs don’t have tougher suspension

[@rjpm92]

@@IverKnackerov wider track so they aren't as effected by them? Just speculating. Thinking of those ones that are only in the middle of the carriageway.

[@teabagtowers3823]

That has to be the stupidest reason to get an SUV over say a normal estate that I've ever heard.

[@MrJamesguy9]

Rory, I'm from Canada and don't normally subscribe to UK content (mostly because you get all of the good estates we can't have ;) ), but your videos are some of the most informative and well researched that I've ever seen! Seriously, half of the other outlets on KZbin, may have dove into doing a direct comparison of models between SUVs and their non-raised counterparts (though maybe not a direct trim level [that's how I'd compare it]), but none of them would have actually compared them to what we as humans actually choose; let alone cite articles comparing them to a polluting nation... Keep up the good work!

[@andreacristoforetti2061]

This video, or concept, should be known as a requirement by every car seller and he should let every customer know about this Thank you Rory

[@piggymito]

I'm definitely in the estate camp. I can't however claim it's for eco reasons, I drive an audi a6 avant v6 tdi quattro that spends most of its life with a roof box on... I simply prefer the looks and handling of an estate. To each their own I reckon.

[@jandersen6802]

Estates are so low and sad though. Kinda look like hearses.

[@reduxith]

@@jandersen6802 SUVs are just less practical Minivans. The smart cars for a family should be a minivan with a wagon or some smaller car as a secondary. Minivans have sliding doors, better for parking and loading kids while still having room to fit plywood in the rear.

[@deadlydizzle7588]

@@reduxith What if you need relative practicality, but don't want to look like you've totally given up on life by driving a minivan? What if you're a car enthusiast that needs a do-all, go anywhere vehicle? Still a minivan?

[@gbrh-uk4zq]

@@deadlydizzle7588 just buy a big estate

[@jamesroadnight2369]

I’ve got one of those too, couldn’t agree more, was going to buy an X5, very pleased I changed my mind!

[@MaestroMassiah]

Great article, plenty of food for thought here. I hadn't realised how much SUVs cost over a similar estate model. This will definitely influence my next car choice.

[@WEZ4136]

Great video as always Rory, I’m ex military and now disabled with spinal injury and pain, suv style cars are of the perfect height for people like me because it’s much less painful to get in and out when we can just rest against the seat and slide our legs round. I have the X1 and the economy comes second to a less painful entry, there’s also the boot floor being a good height to put things in and get them out without having to bend down to remove cumbersome items, flush load lip along with electric tailgate just makes life much easier and gives more feeling of independence to people in the disabled sector. Awesome work as always Rory, look forward to the next video 👍

[@habsom1406]

Totally agree with you Sir! Respect to you Wesley!

[@fishmanmtb]

I also have a spinal injury and predominantly use a wheelchair. I prefer estates because it's easier for me to transfer to and from my chair to the drivers seat as it's a similar height. Also find the boot height in an SUV too high for me to load items in.

[@andrewdawson5281]

Disabled or not, everyone wants a less painful entry. ;)

[@M_H_H]

How many innocent people you killed?

[@nigelpearson5229]

Rory. I'm an estate guy, practical with space. Great to see someone tell it like it is. Its an emotional thing that costs money and does not necessarily help the world. We'll keep on doing it until we can't me thinks. That's life, enjoy it when you can, 'cause you won't have it for ever.

[@onilovni1234]

I had a shock when I saw the MPG figures of these cars, seemed impressive 39-43 MPG... But then I remembered this is the english MPG and not US MPG. I hate it because I'm neither of these 2 and I prefer the metric system with Liters per 100 km.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I once got really confused in a conversation about fuel efficiency with a guy in Scotland until I realized he was speaking in imperial gallons. (Using liters/100km would have removed the ambiguity.) I was in the market for a hybrid recently and noticed that there are a lot of hybrid SUVs out there now, that use all this advanced technology just to bring the fuel economy of a giant SUV up to the point you'd expect of a conventional sedan. It does seem like a waste, more like buying an indulgence than any kind of eco-smart decision.

[@onilovni1234]

@@MattMcIrvin That's the rebound effect; solving a problem to see it reappear shortly after for a different reason. Hybrid SUV are better than standard SUV but are nowhere near a proper eco car who will do 3-4L/100km.

[@Mike-dd8bd]

I have owned all different types of luxury and performance cars over the years. I once had a lease on a Range Rover sport and couldn't wait to turn that thing back in and get another car by the time it was due. I see the appeal in owning one if you have a family, but they get boring. Its also weird to pay more on gas for something that is slow.

[@bwmim9709]

Slow uno . Ur flying past in a svr or amg mate

[@tcaudiobooks737]

I went on a Land Rover experience driving a Range Rover Vogue and it was dazzlingly good on the off road course, but when I got it on the road I was like... wow... this is actually shite.

[@redline589]

@@bwmim9709 The fastest suv's are only hot hatch fast and in the corners will get eaten by any semi decemt car, they are garbage for posers.

[@bwmim9709]

@@redline589 search Porsche gt cayeene Lool about hot hatch fast . This isn’t 2005

[@redline589]

@@bwmim9709 The Cayenne GT is £144k haha - The Cayenne S is hot hatch fast and 70k as fast as 45k hot hatches

[@kwstaskoutsos3300]

For me the biggest drawback in SUVs is that they block the visibility for other drivers. Buying a SUV basically you trade of other people’s safety for your ego(debatable).

[@real-eyes-realise-real-lies]

No different to a van... you simply sit further back to see ahead and allow for breaking distance.

[@Mateuszyk]

such a bad comment…

[@ecurb10]

Yep. So many times at an intersection I can't see past the bloody things!

[@IvanBosnjak89]

Great input Rory! Here in Canada, we’re basically forced in to SUVs as almost all wagons are gone or are premium and therefore too expensive. My dogs fit comfortably in our AllSpace Tig, and it was the only one in its already large size of class that would work for us.

[@alanmay7929]

Are subarus wagons also that expensive?!

[@ZesPak]

Tbh the estates being gone is the consequence, not the cause. It's because people stopped buying estates that they stopped selling them, not the other way around.

[@alanmay7929]

@@ZesPak I totally agree with you and with mentalities, people always associated estate to a category of old people or uni/school teacher...... its a shame.

[@anassohail938]

But the thing is that over there you have Tahoes, Suburbans, Escalades, Yukons, Expedition and Navigator that are loaded with decent specs, and offer a much broader sense of security and safety, also it offers a far taller ride height and these factors do put the estates, mpvs (minivans) at a disadvantage. For example, why would I buy a brand new Chrysler Pacifica when I can buy a 1year used Chevrolet Suburban LTZ..

[@jgiz6419]

I drive a VW golf wagon and I think it's the perfect car for our family, I also don't understand the fascination with SUVs and everyone's perception about the "need" for all wheel drive. Now we get the Taos SUV to replace the wagon which I would never even consider. The golf wagon would be my next car but I guess I'll be looking at the used market when it comes time to replace my old one.

[@michaelpeebs]

I wanna see more of Japanese Kei car approach. With the efficiency of modern engines and EV I think that's a better answer to the issues..

[@isakjohansson7134]

Depends on use i suppose, i very much like wagons and minivans but i think a Kei-esque vehicle could be cool. Basically a larger kei van with a significantly larger engine.

[@johnt2732]

I'd go into debt for a Mitsubishi Delica Mini lol

[@jamesm90]

Good points well made. Unfortunately forgot to mention one of the most important points about SUV ownership, you can take it off road. You can’t really take an estate car off road , not enough ride height.

[@ruan13o]

But almost no-one ever does take them off-road. And with many SUVs actually having pretty disappointing ground clearance and low profile tyres many of them are not even built for off road. The most off road most of these cars do is a gravel path. So theoretically they might be the 'most important points' but for most users it is not important at all.

[@a_single_white_female]

What percentage of SUV owners do you think take their vehicles offroad. I'm guessing 2-3%. My Golf has seen more offroad action than most SUVs.

[@jasonclarke7422]

Most of the people that own SUVs would not have the skills to drive off road.

[@netiturtle]

I would argue against the boot and interior space arguments. SUV's are usually wider, that's the only real advantage, if you're a ++ size. But it comes with disadvantage in exterior size and I find width being more constraining than length, when parking. The extra headroom is wasted, a Golf has enough headroom for a tall person. SUV boot size might be also comparable to a wagon, when measured in Liters, but it is less usable in real world, people never cram the boot full up to the roof. Usually only the below-cover space is used, leaving wagon with a large advantage

[@kiljaeden7663]

My friend has a Qashqai and I swear my i30 has more interior space. Even my boot is more practical. He said it helps his short wife see more of the road - she's crashed it twice. On the last one she wrecked a tyre - I can replace all four of my tyres for the cost of his replacing one. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@carloduroni5629]

Right. Also, many say that the higher from the ground boot makes loading easier. I dare to object. Higher boot means you have lift your heavy loads higher to put them into the car. My backache wouldn't be happy. Today I have a very satisfying Skoda Octavia SW but I remember when I used to have a Renault Kangoo and loading was just a matter of rolling things into it (I was able to load a washing machine by just placing two wood boards.)

[@xIcarus227]

@@carloduroni5629 this lol, I aswell heard the argument how a higher boot is easier to load. It makes no sense, it's literally the opposite.

[@davidholden2658]

Exactly, estates are better as it's easier to load longer items in them. Also, if you fit a roof box they're a lot easier to access on an estate than an SUV.

[@rbirdi900]

@@davidholden2658 And no side step ....!

[@alangravy27]

My SUV is going in a few weeks to be replaced with an estate from the same manufacturer. The estate is 6 k cheaper, 10 mpg better, bigger boot 0.7 quicker to sixty and way better to drive. The big issue is that because SUVs are in such high demand the residuals for the estate are much worse so the payments are close.

[@gssf.gr29]

But you'll save on running costs all round, not just on fuel economy, generally speaking.

[@jamesmitchell5104]

Best car reviewer. Ever. So compelling and insightful. Had this same debate before I bought my own E class estate several years ago. Estates are on the decline and SUVs are the popular choice. Why do people continue to buy SUVs when they are compromised? Peer presssure - a good motivator.

[@cadenguyen463]

alot of people don't like the stretched look of a wagon...my wife thinks they look like hursts

[@electrickayn5619]

The Estates look terrible its not peer pressure theyre just ugly af.

[@phoenixmorphix]

I half agree with this. I used to want a Mini Cooper, but my friends thought it looked ugly. I decided I wanted a Buick or Mazda instead.

[@baronvonjo1929]

People really find them ugly sadly.

[@gssf.gr29]

@@baronvonjo1929 True, but that should not be the main consideration. They're generally actually not these days, I think it's more about not looking as sporty as a saloon or SUV. I'd guess that most people who buy an estate do so because they need the space; most people who buy an SUV do so because they want the perceived prestige. Think of the capabilities of a Range Rover (offroad etc.), how many buyers actually need or ever even use that? One thing I would say in their favour is a lot of people probably buy them because they believe they're safer in the event of an accident.

[@ricospider]

Brilliant video Rory. Absolutely essential to educate buyers SUV's are inherently flawed. I have one myself, so I'm as guilty as the next man, but it's going next year to be replaced by a hatch/estate EV.

[@ecurb10]

Great video, and great topic of discusion. I've never seen the point of SUVs. Living in Australia we have this misconception we're all bush-bashing campers, ready to take the family onto rough dirt roads and sandy beaches every weekend. Some of us definitely are and yes NEED a propper four wheel drive.....but only occasionally. The vast, vast majority of SUVs here however never leave the bitumen. They're dearer, cost more to run, and aren't as comfortable....so, why have one?

[@rjpm92]

Not going to lie I was definitely expecting you to find there to be less of a difference between SUV's and Estates. I'm actually surprised at how great the difference is. I did some maths using the Merc GLE/E Class figures. Over 30,000 miles (3 years of average ownership) the SUV will produce 12,553kg MORE CO2 than the estate. Or, to put it another way, the SUV would need to tow 200 fully grown trees behind it in order to offset the extra CO2 it creates over the estate 🤯

[@henrytang2203]

The Earth only has a circumference of 25,000 miles. Surely 3 circumnavigations by a jet uses more fuel than the difference between a car and suv circumnavigating once.

[@rjpm92]

@@henrytang2203 Thanks for your question, I was comparing CO2 figures, not fuel figures. Just for clarity: The circumference of the earth is 42,075km. The GLE produces 26g/km of CO2 more than the Estate. That, over 30,000 miles (48,280.32km), equates to 1,255,288.32g of CO2 or 12,552.8832Kg. A Boeing 747-400 produces 92Kg of CO2 per hour when cruising meaning it could run for 136.44 hours. At its cruising speed of 910km/h that means it can traverse 124,164.388km. Dividing that by the circumference of the earth gives a value of 2.95 circumnavigations. Please let me know if I've ballsed up on something obvious. I've triple checked but it's been a long time since my maths classes!

[@henrytang2203]

I'm not worried about your maths. I think the 90kg co2 / hr figure is wrong. Hard to find reliable data, though. Edit: try searching for "Calculating The Carbon Dioxide Emissions Of Flights" Give you lots of solid data. Don't forget to multiply by no. of passengers.

[@rjpm92]

@@henrytang2203 Ah thank you, I think that's why it's surprisingly low then. I wasn't aware that it was calculated and published per passenger! 🤦🏻‍♂️ I'll amend it now.

[@TVadicto100]

@@rjpm92 check your math.

[@AlexTenThousand]

I've always thought that SUVs looked like impractical, bulky hot hatch - essentially the opposite of what I love about hot hatches. I've always preferred Estates/SWs as "big" cars, given that the extended boot combined with the folding seats allows you to carry pretty much anything you want, or MPVs/minivans like the Fiat Multipla and the Renault Espace for carrying large groups, most of the family trips of my youth were done on a 1999 Chrysler Voyager back when the company was the property of Mercedes and they imported some of the American vehicles to Europe, and it was a fantastically practical car, able to carry up to 9 people with the weird folding seats in the boot. My aunt drives an Opel Mokka (or Vauxhall Mokka to our British fellows in the audience) and it's bloody awful to drive and ride in - I am a tall guy, but the seats of that car are minuscule compared to the ones in my family's Fiat Tipo Estate.

[@onelyone6976]

I agree, people who are now looking for practical cars, go for a big fuel hungry SUV, when a much better choice for them would have been an MPV or minivan, they’re much more space efficient, less ride height, which increases efficiency and comfort, lastly they’re also safer for other road users.

[@smiddlehurst1]

Two things I feel I should say here. 1) Thanks to crossovers becoming so commonplace my grandmother could get in and out of one almost up until the day she died at 100 years old. With the mobility she had in her 90's this would have been almost impossible in a traditional hatchback. Same for my dad who, until his passing a few weeks ago, found it vastly easier to be in their C-HR than my Civic. A hell of a lot of people do genuinely benefit from those designs and that shouldn't be discounted. 2) Rather than blaming SUV's how about we look at the ridiculous rush to ever more powerful machines? Rewind to the 90's and an M3 made 300ish HP and did 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Now a mid spec Merc or Bimmer isn't far off that and... why? Our roads are congested, most journeys are point a to b basic transport and the vast majority of drivers won't ever go looking for that sort of speed making it all overkill. Regardless of body style how much greener could cars be if we dialled performance back a touch in favour of economy? Oh and one small comment on electric cars: we're still waiting for the tech to mature. It's getting there remarkably quickly but probably needs one more generation to make small cars with decent range / charge speed a practical reality. Right now most EV's are still very much luxury goods so they target that end of the market, that'll correct itself soon enough.

[@CycoWarriorx]

Well said and great points!

[@niyi8991]

All well thought out, cogent points Stephen !

[@janakipejov3667]

Yep, even younger people have bad backs, hips, knees etc. I dislike having to crouch getting into a car

[@johnkeepin7527]

It’s true that many people prefer cars with higher seat positions, due to mobility issues with their joints. Another factor at present is deteriorating road quality - potholes e.g. , which tend to be troublesome with tight ground clearance.

[@Dimeocide]

I think the reason as to why cars have more and more BHP with every iteration is for 2 reasons. 1) the technological improvements made, meaning that it's relatively easier to get more power out of an engine because so much money and effort has been invested in improving it. Secondly, and most importantly, because people are consumers and as such want an easy thing to see the difference. If your current car has 200BHP then you won't find it as impressive if the new version has the exact same amount. It doesn't give the incentive to pay for the upgrade because it doesn't seem like it is one. Whereas if your new car has 250 BHP, well it must be better because it's a higher number and that's how it works right... This is the same for most products, I think the clearest example is smartphones, every year a new phone comes out with the exact same stuff just "more and better" and "the best ever!!!" Until next year where that has "even more and even better and even bester" we're cattle and companies know how to play us to make as much money as possible!

[@paulbroderick8438]

Give me the old school four door saloon and estate wagon every time. Practicality has become a dirty word amongst the feel good mob! Carry on sergeant major, carry on!!

[@GarryMcGovern]

One major, major point missing from this article, and that is the huge increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities with SUV's over standard cars. Pedestrian fatalities are actually RISING, and according to latest report from the IIHS in the USA (please do your own research on this, there are LOADS of similar articles with similar results - this was just the top one from a quick Google search!), a pedestrian is 20% more likely to be killed when hit between 20-39mph by an SUV over a car, and nearly 100% more likely to be killed by an SUV over a car at speeds over 40mph (SUV - 100% fatalities, Car - 54% fatalities). Even more worrisome, is the increasing rate of injuries and fatalities to children, due to the higher SUV not being able to see kids walking behind (or in front!) when moving...... usually from an actual school where all these kids happen to be! I doubt many SUV owners will care about this though...... so long as they're safe, nothing else really matters.

[@gav10001]

They're not looking where they're walking thanks to their 'smart' devices dominating their field of view; and that applies to both the pedestrians and the drivers! Statistics will say whatever 'they' want them too: bit like 'vaccines' are safe!

[@GarryMcGovern]

@@gav10001 You're not really that bright, are you? Why don't you read my post again: how does the distraction of the pedestrian have anything to do with their survival rate, depending on whether they've been hit by a car or an SUV? Facts are facts my friend - a bit like 'vaccines are safe'.

[@gav10001]

@@GarryMcGovernWell I'm bright enough to not resort to ad hominem (look it up) comments when someone makes a valid point that wasn't at odds with your original point; just added to the discourse. And I am certainly not 'your friend'.

[@aacmove]

I'm not sure the US can be included in this comparison. 1 petrol is so much cheaper than in Europe, meaning they can buy bigger cars. 2 Roads are also bigger. And 3 in some states people don't even walk (not sure where they are getting hit). A Range Rover taking up two lanes in Norfolk is not the same as one driving along the huge byways in the US. And, in some parts of the UK, the speed limit is 20mph which is rather a waste of a 6.6l V8.

[@RC-bx5jo]

polution put aside, as a car enthusiast they objectively makes no sense: interior is not actually bigger than a wagon, they handle worse, range is bad, dyna;ically they are shit VS a sports wagon> Want an X3? get a 3 series wagon. etc.

[@jackrobinson3392]

I think the view down the road more than makes up for the interior space.

[@punnboat9817]

Such an SUV hater... which is why I completely agree with you! Joking aside, there are some advantages that SUV user told me but never mentioned in any media. First is ride height. Apart from added visibility, it makes it easier for you to get in or out. Because you don't have to duck down like a saloon. It also easier to get up as your butt is already at the standing height. And if you are an elder person with crappy knees, that is understandable an a massive advantage. Secondly, if you in a third world country with humid climate like I do. Road, even in a middle of a city, can be flooded quite often. Like every monsoon season. So SUV is quite helpful there. It can traverse water while maintaining creature comfort. So, with some Top Gear logic, if you are not in your 60 or poor, don't buy an SUV. And before you asked, I don't drive SUV. I prefered my saloon become submerged over driving SUV home.

[@VcrThunder]

@@jackrobinson3392 get a lorry. view is fantastic

[@punnboat9817]

@@VcrThunder Get a siege tower. Even better than a lorry.

[@JJ-iy8dx]

@@punnboat9817 Get a skyscraper. Even better than a siege tower

[@mikadavies660]

Rory nails it again! Managing to support both sides whilst raising the questions that need to be raised.

[@tgb-vf4es]

I live in an area with shit roads, bad winters, and regular spring floods. During bad weather (which amounts to maybe 3 months per year -- if you add up icy roads, mud roads, snow, and floods) there's often no good way to drive without an SUV. Some venture in cars, but they often get damaged. This spring in particular the floods were bad, and many cars had engine damage after going through water. So here, most people have SUVs because that's just the sensible thing to do. I'm increasingly planning on getting a non-SUV and keeping my SUV just for those periods with bad conditions only. SUVs are pretty bad on gas mileage and it just feels unnecessary doing my groceries in a large car. They're also not particularly comfortable on longer journeys.

[@rayjennings3637]

As you get older, crossovers and mid-range SUVs make more sense because of the raised seat height which makes getting in and out easier. I would love a Peugeot 508 but having tried it, although it was 'okay' for me at 73, for my wife at 75 it was just too low. The result being that it will be either a 3008 or an electric 2008.

[@christopherdownesdownes3038]

Heya what about considering the Rivian R 1 S cheers

[@rayjennings3637]

@Nunya Business I am quite fit but at 75, one's joints aren't as supple as they used to be. In any case, perhaps you might consider that regardless of degree of fitness, there are some afflictions that can affect one whether one likes it or not. May I ask your age, please?

[@rayjennings3637]

@@christopherdownesdownes3038 Tis a fine looking car, no doubt about it but at the Sterling equivalent of >$72k, it's way out of my price range.

[@gssf.gr29]

@Nunya Business Seriously? No, in fact that's a ridiculous comment. Not everybody lives near their family and that family probably live extremely busy lifestyles themselves. If you're going to have a pop at somebody why not pick on all those who drive half a mile to the shops or to collect their kids from school, not those who may find it more difficult to get around. Besides, if you do have that problem why would you NOT want to buy something that makes life easier? Having family around you isn't going to make it any easier to get in and out of your car.

[@gssf.gr29]

@@rayjennings3637 Mental age around 6 I would say.

[@casperpedersen1690]

If you are interested in the history of SUVs the book High and Mighty is an eye opening read

[@arshan6760]

Thanks I'll read it

[@koendeleersnijder]

Briefly checked it on goodreads. Looks too old to still be entirely relevant/accurate? Still not a fan of SUV's though. Volvo v70 and Skoda Superb on the driveway. Estate all the way babyyy

[@neilberry1886]

Rory, I think you have taken the lead in Automotive journalism. Your perspective on topics are usually spot on, it's nice to watch automotive content that is more than just flash and fluff. CHEERS

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

You should put this on the One Show, get the message a bit more widely spread. Me, never had an SUV, I've got a 3 series hybrid, I don't need anything else.

[@alwynmcmath]

What a superb article, I’ve always felt this to be the case and always pity the fools who swallow the status BS and marketing nonsense. I’d love to see you extend this argument further and include less premium comparisons and to look at the perceived but false safety aspect. Expertly and humbly presented as well. Nice job.

[@cvnis957]

Inertia, Newton’s first law of motion is the issue. When you compare a modern vehicle (I'm talking modern something with a modern safety cage not a 1990 sardine can vs something modern) winning physics is going to be with the larger vehicle, mass is more likely to win. As stated in the video, the GLE is 2280kg or 5000lbs. Take a 2021 Hyundai Sonata, that's 1500kg or 3300lbs. There are so many force calculators online you can go and plug in vehicle details and see for yourself.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

You pity Rory then, he's one of the fools you describe. Except he's clearly not a fool, is he? That's the trouble with high horse statements like that.

[@mikew742]

Why are you even watching a motoring channel, go glue yourself to a pavement somewhere

[@gssf.gr29]

@@allosaurusfragilis7782 Trouble with the internet is everybody who has a different opinion than your own is a fool. Unfortunately those idiots who think so are too dumb to realise they're only making a fool of themselves.

[@philip771]

Very interesting comparison, thank you sir! Though I bet if you compared SUVs with the most popular choice 10+ years ago, that was likely a family hatch rather than an estate and the environmental gap would be much bigger. How many of us really need the boot space of an SUV or estate? Some, sure, but most of us would be fine with a good hatchback.

[@ZDY66666]

I'd argue otherwise. If you look at outdoor data, tourism, etc etc. Data growth supports that our lifestyles have ALSO changed compared to 10+ years ago. We are doing things that make us go "hmm...I kinda need an SUV for that don't I? Even if it's once or few times a season/ year, I want the flexibility to be enabled to do that thing"

[@baronvonjo1929]

Lots of hatches have really small back seats compared to crossovers and also lots of crossovers have many features in back for passengers like vents, storage, shades, etc Most compacts don't have those features. The best mix would be a hatch, lifted up decently for easier access to people who are physically struggling, and also for the random BS life throws at you when you need the ground clearance. Also it would need to be a bit bigger than a compact to have good space for all passengers.

[@philip771]

@@baronvonjo1929 You make some good points there and I really like crossovers. We had two Qashqai's and they were great. My problem is with the large, heavy SUVs that drink fuel and spend most of their time on the school run.

[@ivarmarkusson382]

i had a quashqai as well. and found it to be way to small. tiny boot space. not enough back seat space either. but it works for allot of people though.

[@philmasebo4882]

Rory this is a first time I have listen to your review. Fantastic honest content and delivery. I like the way you say what it is I am definitely a fa of yours

[@BohdanTrotsenko]

And, speaking of environment, having a nationwide support for electric cars supporting vehicle-to-grid is 30-70x more important than mere electric cars. Thanks for the video.

[@maratbabayan9332]

The perfect car for me is an off-road estate like Audi A4 allroad, Volvo V60 Cross Country or Skoda Octavia Scout.

[@tashingadekune9141]

Here in Africa it’s SUV territory so we are very happy with SUVs . Love them to bits

[@jameshedges3857]

Completly agree. But alot of these SUV's are awful off road and are sometimes even front wheel drive. A proper range rover/ford ranger/Toyota land cruiser are brilliant. But an X5 or a GLE would be no better off road than a normal car.

[@mylandvibes7314]

Bingo.. the issue is really subjective to where you reside in the world

[@Elijah-cy9do]

@@jameshedges3857 GLEs and X5s with their clever AWD system and air suspension are actually decent off road, you should check them out but of course they're not as good as Range Rovers and Land cruisers

[@melchorvincentagot1002]

It's Africa where there are many unpaved roads so SUVs that have great off road capability make all the sense in the world.

[@ofentsejay]

@@melchorvincentagot1002 in south africa we have tar roads, and still some suvs are very popular here. Style is subjective, its weird how many ppl on here pretend they make choices based on climate change issues

[@salninethousand2496]

I bought an Audi SQ5. Decent passenger space. Decent cargo space. Decent ground clearance (I drive gravel roads and snow on the regular). Decent performance. Decent MPG. To get all that otherwise = I'm buying two cars.

[@Chipchap-xu6pk]

Biggest advantage of SUVs is that they make normal cars look fantastic. The rest of us appreciate your sacrifice, even if we do now need rear sunblinds to block your antisocially high headlights in our rear view mirrors.

[@1991julez]

Since leaving top gear, I like you more and more Rory

[@simonprytherch7786]

Another excellent video. I’m glad you are out of the shadow of Top Gear, you always outshone Chris Evans and Matt Leblanc anyway , true journalism real reviews !

[@gourami7]

Honestly as a cyclist and motorist there are plenty of lousy SUV drivers. We have just gone from a Tucson to an X2 as we can't really justify the size and wanted something more agile. Not sure how many people really need big SUVs to ferry a few kids around.

[@lordraiden5398]

I bought a 2009 Forester instead of a truck. I can fit a ton of stuff in it. It was a happy accident when I found out that just about everything that fits under s STI fits under a Forester. So now after sway bars, coilovers and wider wheels I have a SUV that handles like a sports car.

[@fettlemaster]

Not touching on depreciation on estates vs SUV. As long as the demand is there SUVs have far stronger residuals. Another factor is for families especially with babies it is easier to load them into taller cars. We have our first on the way and the Cayenne vs RS6 debate is raging. I had an RS6 before and loved it, wife thinks estates are like hearses.

[@schooloftonyhumphries2647]

We don’t even get many estate/wagon models in the US. That we don’t get a CHOICE is BS!!

[@philtucker1224]

SUVs are generally easier to get in and out of, particularly for us older folk.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

This is one of the few genuinely reasonable justifications for buying an SUV. Of course, basically anyone who doesn't drive a Nissan Leaf can't really judge someone whose reasoning is "because I want one" either, but I'd say old folk are allowed a little respite from the mocking that other SUV drivers (rightly) get! ☺

[@newby2224]

You missed a major point....most people now lease these cars....so price difference isn't that critical....You are still one of the best youtube presenters...keep up the good work

[@GlenCarne]

It's that high driving position that we love!

[@tahseenrahman2922]

SUVs makes sense in India. Here we have patches of bad roads. Especially on longer drives where the road is unknown, it’s more comforting to be in an SUV rather than car with lower ground clearance and damaging it. I get the point of having a car in developed countries such UK and US. But not every country is the same.

[@johnblaze8774]

I have two children, aged 1 and 4. One of my friends has two children as well who are similar ages. I drive a Ford Fiesta and so far have not needed a bigger car. Yes, there are times when we have done a big shop and the stroller and child bike (they both fit in the boot, testament to the practicality of what is classed as a micro car) take up all of the boot space the shopping has to go in the footwell of the passenger seat (where my son sits). But even that's rear as what we'll usually do is remove the bike from the boot and both the shopping and stroller can fit fine. With that said, this friend got a Tiguan and pays over £500 a month to lease it. He's constantly trying to get me to buy a bigger car, sending me offers etc. I think he does so because he's sees me driving an 8 year old car which comfortably fits my wife and two kids and I don't have to pay anything a month for it. Don't get me wrong, I would love a bigger and fancier car but it's entirely a luxury yet people think it's a much needed thing as soon as they have a child.

[@whosdondada]

Not worth it

[@brucekennedy5274]

Right there with you mate. SUVs have been shoved down everyone’s throats in the last 15-20 years as the quintessential family car. It’s like an arms-race - an obligation to get one to keep the kiddies safe from… every other flipping SUV on the road!

[@baronvonjo1929]

I really struggled to fit into the back seat of my friends Fiesta of that generation. I was only 130lbs and 5'8 at the time. The hatchback Fiesta look so good to me but it's very impractical in the time I spent with it and all of the friends hated riding in it. But good on you for making it work.

[@johnblaze8774]

@@baronvonjo1929 Depends on the circumstances. I'm 6'4 and other 200lbs. On the rare occasion I am sitting in the back, I'm more than comfortable because I'm sitting behind my 4 year old son. I also don't drive around other adults, they mostly have their own cars.

[@Lance54689]

Eventually you touched on the issue. People feel safer when they are sitting higher, and I can see their point. In a parking lot with a F-150 on one side and a SUV on the other side, I literally can't back out safely even with a backup camera, preferably I have my passenger standing behind directing me. I think it started with seeing better by sitting higher, then it became sitting higher just to feel normal around a bunch of tall vehicles.

[@Propain4eva]

The lift kits on trucks are pretty handy tho. I can see a little under them in my bmw and back out safely 😎

[@Lance54689]

@@Propain4eva I'm now trying to envision a VW Atlas with a lift kit.

[@strezification]

Suzuki Vitara owner here. Higher driving position for better view around you, easier in and out of the vehicle for people with bad back like me, better for driving on bad roads and bad parkings with curbs in Eastern Europe where i live,AWD to take you out of the city in the mountains on the weekends where i go...There are people like myself that are in need of an SUV, it's not all negative especially if you've seen the benefits

[@iam_mr_emmanuel]

I think SUVs make sense in countries with dirt or bad roads because of the high ride or better clearance from the ground

[@real-eyes-realise-real-lies]

Totally agree with this... we looked at a GLE... my mrs wanted the GLE. I wanted the CLS. We got the CLS as its better equiped for less, better to drive, faster and in my opinion better looking 👌🏽

[@silviannistor]

Well good choice! But for how long you had to sleep on the couch after the purchase?

[@real-eyes-realise-real-lies]

@@silviannistor not a single night 😉😉 even on the rare occasion sne drives it, she likes it and i butter her up drunk saying 'you look so good babes behind the wheel' 🤣

[@shred-ed303]

It would be interesting to expand on the point Rory makes about cars being an emotional purchase. I agree with this as a car enthusiast, but I think a big chunk of the general population buy cars like they buy an appliance. For this reason, marketing must have done a hell of a job to convince these people that an SUV or any kind of jacked up hatchback is the car they should buy, even though they’re slower, more expensive, less economical, dynamically poorer to drive, and generally no more spacious inside. I don’t judge SUV fans who make emotional purchases at all, we’re all car fans for different reasons, but it seems the go to car style for your average motorist is now an SUV, and I can’t understand why this is the case, with the obvious few exceptions such as people with poor mobility.

[@m.ahussain4005]

I think the main reason people want an SUV is for the apperant safety you get driving them in case of collisions.

[@dsego84]

@@m.ahussain4005 it's not just apparent, a bigger car always wins out in a collision with a smaller vehicle. having better chances in a collision with other cars could be the main concern for many people I think. then there is the ride height, lots of older folks prefer it because it's easier to get into the car when you have bad back. higher ride also provides better road visibility. parking on curbs is easier due to better clearance, and it works better for bumpy roads. lots of younger people might be sold on the adventure lifestyle "do anything, go anywhere" aspect of it, even though a weekly trip to the mall is most adventure these cars usually see. they also look more rugged and chunkier, like they can take a beating.

[@m.ahussain4005]

@@dsego84 But a smaller also car can also be just as safe to drive in, I won't deny the Benefits for older drivers but you would have to admit that most SUVs bought aren't used for their intended purpose. As such their incredibly wasteful and take up a lot of space on the road making it harder for other drivers to drive and park.

[@dsego84]

​@@m.ahussain4005 > But a smaller also car can also be just as safe to drive in at this point it seems like an arms race, a small car is safe until a big suv plows into you. I agree with what you're saying about wastefulness and purpose.

[@packard5682]

@@m.ahussain4005 I am not so sure they are all that much safer, and you can watch those vehicle crashes videos right here on KZbin and see what I am referring to. I was actually surprised ay how many of those SUVs and even Crossovers just flip right over in situations that a car does not. And yes smaller vehicles can be more at risk in an accident, but people also die in SUV to SUV crashes as well. Any accident leaves you exposed to an injury no matter how supposedly safe the size of the vehicle is.

[@melcragg7814]

Rory is the best motoring journalist. He should have his own telly show.

[@gonnerz6541]

Matt from Carwow plays golf right

[@carbeastsm]

I will always drive an suv since i have a family of 5, i have a gle i have been in high speed accidents and it is like a tank, i got rear ended by a bmw M5 and i didn’t even feel the impact whereas the bmw driver got whiplashed

[@Dummatzen]

I personally loved the MPV format. I just changed from a VW Sharan to a KIA Sorento. I love the KIA but it is not as practical as the Sharan. Yes both are big but as big cars go Sharan is a more practical car. Main reason for the switch was that the KIA is a PHEV.

[@cocazade7703]

Unfortunately, a PHEV makes less sense the bigger the car is as an SUV is still gonna give you less range due to the weight and aero dynamics of it. Such as Rory mentions at 8:28.

[@tbg6070]

The emissions thing really spoke to me. If SUV's are truly setting back all efforts made by manufacturers to make cars more environmentally friendly (and we all know just how much has been done to help cars reach this stage), then there's no reason they should still be on the road.

[@mikojarvinen6273]

If roads are bad and you get snow every year. SUVs simply make a lot of sense. Here in Finland it’s often impossible to see if there’s any cars coming because snow blocks your view in junctions. SUVs also deal better with snowy conditions, snow piles up in wheel wells, parking can be impossible in a regular car because street parking is often filled with snow. Also the suspension is much more forgiving if you hit huge potholes and we also got plenty of dirt roads too.

[@rich7447]

People should drive what they want to, and can afford to, drive. Artificially inflating licensing and fuel costs to force compliance is something that everyone should be against. If they are willing to do that to drivers now they will be willing to do something similar to another group in the future. Eventually they will get around to something that you care about.

[@alexinowell4362]

That was one of the more insightful, efficient, and effective PSAs on estates v. SUV s that I've seen/heard. Thanks!

[@fabricioavil]

clear about price and fuel efficiency, but what about the comparison on safety (crash against a compact/sedan/utility/etc.) and space (passengers and storage), from what I see these are usually the main reasons people buy SUVs or one of them.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Plenty of crash tests available on KZbin. Short, generalised version of the results: in an SUV you're not really any safer, but you are putting everyone else more at risk. Rory covered space, estates have more. 7 seats is one of the few reasonable justifications for an SUV, but very, very few people really need 7 seats. I just don't get 1 thing- why are SUV drivers so desparate to justify them? Nothing wrong with "I just wanted one". Anyone who bought a 3 series could have bought a Leaf instead, but they wanted a BMW, it's no different. I didn't need a sports car either. However, defending the dodgy justification for SUVs won't stop me mocking anyone who drives them ☺

[@richardsimms251]

Very very thoughtful presentation. I drive a BIG Toyota Sequoia because I am obsessed with safety after seeing people killed and harmed in little car accidents. Do others think the same ? RS. Canada

[@zivkovicable]

SUV's roll over fear more easily than saloon cars, & their high centre of gravity make fatal head & neck injuries more likely for occupants. SUV drivers are likely to take more risks, given a false sense of security (that you seem to have picked up), & of course given their weight, collisions with other road users prove fatal more often than is the case with a saloon car.

[@MS-yy2dh]

What I find frustrating is that hardly any modern estate or SUV cars have rear seats that truly fold down flat and flush, as they always did in the past.

[@RobManser77]

That's interesting. I thought mine in my 5 series went flat, as did my 3 series. I'll check tonight, as I'll be folding them then!

[@puppetmaster3371]

Mine folds completely flat. honda pilot 2009

[@aeiouxs]

Love your honesty and thoughts Rory. I'd also love some Engineers to literally dissect an SUV and reveal its inner wasted space ~ I know weight and perhaps Drag coefficients are easier measurements, but what are the benefits of that higher ride height other than ingress/egress and easier load heights? And perhaps visibility-for-safety ~ which by the time everyone owns an SUV is negated!

[@thesherbet]

speaking of weight, why would you possibly need an electric motor to lower the back seats for you, thats gotta be a few kilos you can shave off instantly...

[@AW-zv2to]

it’s because they look good, no ones thinking like a scientist

[@dedygho4073]

@@thesherbet because car manufacturers can charge you extra for those features... and people want convenience or just lazy...

[@angusaylward7405]

I love these videos that look at more than just car reviews. SUVs are very popular and people like the higher driving position and ease of getting in and out, it’s not just about prestige in my opinion. I don’t have an SUV but I have considered one as my elderly relatives find it difficult to get in and out of my small estate car, a higher seat would be much easier for them. What I think should be looked at is the rise of more and more powerful cars/SUVs, we just don’t need several hundred horsepower, and it’s not good for economy or emissions

[@georgebraykov5571]

Exactly the point of SUV geting it wrong

[@a_single_white_female]

I still don't understand how climbing up into something is supposedly easier than sitting down.

[@ivarmarkusson382]

@@a_single_white_female somehow it is, my parents had to sell their skoda superb because they struggled getting in and out of it, they have no trouble getting in and out of high suv's

[@a_single_white_female]

@@ivarmarkusson382 I'm wearing a child's Halloween costume right now.

[@ivarmarkusson382]

@@a_single_white_female out of all the answers i could have suspected, this isn't one

[@HalalFoodTherapy]

One thing to consider is getting in and out. As a "tall" person, getting in an out of a saloon regularly did tire me out. In my GLE it's an ease. That's the same with the car seat stuff, so much easier due to the height

[@bigfatfannie]

If getting in and out of a car a few times a day wares you out, you seriously need to consider the state of your health

[@HalalFoodTherapy]

@@bigfatfannie I'm actually pretty fit. Hit the gym 6 times a week. I drive a lot so getting in and out isn't easy on a lower car. Facts

[@John64125]

I recently changed an X3 3.0d for a 330d touring and have to admit the 330d better in almost every way. I liked the X3 but the 330 is faster, more comfortable and much more economical. I got around 36/37 mpg in the X3 and the 330 will do 45/46. The difference is significant, more than I expected. The biggest difference is how it drives, lighter and lower centre of gravity makes the car so much easier and better to drive. I won’t buy another SUV for all of the points listed in the video. I also recognise that my next car will be electric so want to enjoy driving when I still can.

[@rhyswilliams7884]

I bought an A5 Cabriolet as my first car, and I have to say, unless you've got more than 2 kids, why would you need a bigger car? I'm an only child, and the only car my parents had my entire life was a 2nd gen BMW Mini (3-door). My favorite part of car ownership in London is I can drive on Westway, roof down, looking at everyone in SUV's and knowing I'm having more fun.

[@leomux2004]

SUVs only make sense for me when they're truly utilitarian, that means that they can go offroad and carry seven people or a lot of luggage. If they can't do this, they are utterly pointless, it makes more sense getting a regular hatchback/sedan or minivan instead.

[@thecraigmachine69]

It's so refreshing to see a video like this. I detest SUVs for what they represent in today's society, i.e. greed, over-consumption, little regards to your fellow man, etc. They are also more dangerous for other motorists, cyclist and pedestrians they inevitably collide with from time-to-time. Not only do they cause more pollution, but create more noise pollution in urban environments due to the weight baring down on wider tyres.

[@CapELarry]

Oh please. There are plenty of SUVs that are far more efficient than many cars. And if you’re trying to blame “noise pollution” on wide tires and heavy cars, you must hate electrics.

[@thecraigmachine69]

@@CapELarry well to counter that, there are more than plenty of other vehicles that are more efficient than SUVs (as demonstrated in the video). I like sensible sized electric cars such as the VW ID3, MG5, Skoda Citigo, etc. to just name a few. All of which have wheel/tyre sizes that don’t break the bank to replace when you hit a bad pothole down a narrow UK road.

[@rodgerreid2560]

I find them easier to get into and out off.. I have had one and about to get another because of lifestyle!!.. Keep up the great work Mr Reid..

[@brianiswrong]

Same here If they made a fiesta 4" higher I would buy one (the active is almost unnoticeable in a higher ride height of less than 1")

[@jameshedges3857]

@@brianiswrong they already do that. The puma is a fiesta that's been given the awful SUV/crossover. Sorry but I can't stand SUV's myself

[@joekavalauskas8767]

Exactly. People don’t want to feel like they’re getting in and out of a kayak to run errands and go to work.

[@tbs7438]

What about other factors that make SUVs desirable like being able handle snow, rain or flooding, and off-roading better? I feel more confident in an suv during a snow storm than a regular car.

[@davidwiles6042]

I just had to sell my 3-series Touring as I’m moving from the UK to mainland Europe, and I eventually went for an X1 as a replacement. I’m already really missing my 3-series a lot. Pretty sure my next car will be an electric estate, if manufacturers eventually start making them.

[@daniels2423]

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. My dream car at the moment.

[@ThaedDavid]

I was hoping you would talk more about the safety aspect in this video. It's one justification I have heard from SUV owners; that they are safer for the occupants. I'm interested to know first if all if they are actually safer, and second how that translates to the safety of the general public e.g. collisions with pedestrians. My guess would be that SUV's are less safe for people overall.

[@s4nder86]

They have a higher center of gravity, making them easier to flip over. I guess the mass helps though.

[@TheComputec]

Many tests have shown that stability at speed in most SUV's is an issue if the driver has to change direction rapidly. Sitting higher might give you a few more valuable seconds to pre-empt the danger and avoid the need to put yourself into that dangerous manouvre, so it's difficult to say. When it comes down to an actual collision though, there's no evidence that the occupants are any safer in a crash in an SUV...pedestrians and cyclists don't usually come off that good though :-(

[@soundseeker63]

The "safer for the occupants" argument is based entirely on the concept of "If I'm in something bigger/higher/heavier than everyone else, they will be crushed to a pulp and I will come out of it fine." And that is true.... IF and only if the other vehicle you crash into IS smaller than you. Crash into another SUV of similar size and weight then there is no advantage. SUVs are also significantly more dangerous for pedestrians and, as another poster has already said, worse at avoiding crashes due to their inherent instability and less agile handling. So on balance, to say SUVs are safer over all is a rather stupid. What they ARE good at is giving their drivers the IMPRESSION of safety, which invariable comes at the expense of everyone elses safety.

[@ThaedDavid]

@@soundseeker63 yes this was also my understanding. Just wish they had addressed this in the video.

[@truls4643]

@@soundseeker63 Well said!

[@Atombender]

"I am human too, bro!" Rory always keeping it real.

[@0xyg3n]

The catch is: individual transport is inherently compromised. Great video, however! Well done and more critical than much of what I've seen on KZbin!

[@eugenek777]

The biggest advantage of SUVs is that they ride good in the countries with poor road infrastructure as well as crossroad usage

[@guantou2520]

People like myself who never considered owning a large IC SUV due the one and only downside (extortionate running costs). Now are buying large electric SUV's which eliminate all the downside, and enjoy all the upside, safety, luxury, practicality, etc. We can now enjoy all the benefits of owning a large electric SUV for the upkeep of a small family hatchback. Makes perfect sense to me.

[@BillLaBrie]

I remember when a station wagon was the most uncool thing one could drive….

[@jaynelane7772]

I love suv’s because we have very bad roads and speed humps are everywhere you go and can carry more stuff in them.

[@johnl2613]

buy a pickup truck.

[@VcrThunder]

what can you carry in an suv that you cant carry in a wagon, and you do know you can get raised wagons right?

[@ImperrfectStranger]

Speaking of bad roads.... Heavy vehicles contribute significantly more to road surface degradation. That's why road taxes are often based on weight.

[@TarmanYoloSwag]

It's the SUVs destroying the roads.

[@Sebastian_Daniels]

I'm a saloon fanboy, although I do like SUVs like the Mercedes GLS, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X7 and X5.

[@yes8032]

Same

[@Combative-SOAlex]

The observations in the video are great, but let's not forget that an SUV is safer for front and side impact with lower vehicles. However, I run a sportly estate who is fun to drive and agile and allows me to react with a low risk of rollover.

[@459Tango]

Great article Rory. Ive had SUV's and estates. the deciding factor for me is the back seats. I have 3 kids and SUV's are the only option with 3 full size rear seats, I find most others have the middle seat passenger straddling a transmission tunnel

[@markwilson8465]

all valid points cant argue with but ... I'm 6' 7" tall and have just had a total knee replacement and my xc90 provides all the space and ease of access I need. Have spent a load of time this past month trying a load of cars hoping to mind something smaller/lower/more agile but I cant get into and out of anything easily or get a comfortable driving position while in there - there are no other options so what am I supposed to do?

[@undefed3282]

Bro I’m the same height with the same car 🤣

i don't know what you tested, but im 192cm/6'4" and i cant touch pedals and steering wheel in max position in my Opel Astra. When i sit there, i can sit behind myslef so i assume, it's enough space for almost everyone

[@driv3rde883]

Really like this approach on comparing cars. The next level would be to measure and check these numbers in real life, not just on paper (difference in the fuel consumption at the pump and also real weight of the cars) we know that even the WLTP figures not reflected the reality very accurately :)