What Is an SUV?

I recently posted a video about my dislike of SUVs. I had a lot of comments to that video about what an SUV actually is, so I decided to make this video about the definition of what an SUV actually is. I hope this helps clear some things up.
What’s your definition of an SUV?
I look forward to your comments.
Thanks for watching!
#ETCG1Video #SUV
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[@nicholasclark4079]

I think that the definition has changed. They used to be the big body on frame trucks like the explorer/expedition/suburban. Then "crossovers" came along and for me SUV just became the ubiquitous term for them.

[@Oblithian]

This is the way it should be.

[@Oblithian]

You missed CUV (city utility vehicle)-> (compact utility vehicle)... I don't know, poorly defined classifications are pointless in my mind.

[@JRM-VSR]

@@Oblithian Here, "CUV" is literally "Crossover Utility Vehicle". One category.

[@zaremol2779]

The "SUVs" are even classified as Wagons sometimes, they literally got their start by taking a station wagon, raising the roof and calling it a day.

[@N1withaskillet]

At this point 'SUV' seems to be more of a marketing brand than a specific class of vehicle. The sales power of marketing a vehicle as a 'SUV' is more important than what a SUV actually is.

[@thewizzard3150]

@E It was never anything more Than a marketing gimic.

[@jamesu]

My old definition used to require a transfer case with 4Low. Otherwise I considered it a van or a wagon.

[@Anthony-wx8qr]

Today is actually my birthday when I watched this. Thank you, you made me smile. Love your channels

[@runrun8239]

Then: A type of service vehicle which is suitable for many different people to complete different tasks. Now: A type of oversized car designed by manufacturers to grab as much money as they could within and out of vehicle's warranty coverage.

[@Oblithian]

yep

[@michaelallen2501]

I dig an SUV. I can't stand crossovers. We killed 2 awesome car segments to make 1 that isn't as good as either of the 2 it replaced. The Station Wagon and the Minivan.

[@billfrete8487]

When i hear crossover, I think of subaru. I still class the pilot as a SUV. idk why.

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Nice to meet you as well!

[@RageousMode]

Good video and thanks for making it to clarify. Not sure if you made it in response to my comment on your last video about hating SUVs but you summarized everything and accurately stated the difference between SUVs and CUVs.

[@Flinix]

The body on frame is a good separator for what classifies an SUV in my mind. Many SUVs come with the option for 2wd vs 4wd and many crossovers have the option for 2wd vs awd, so I've never considered the drivetrain so much as a factor

[@JeffWinter1]

Element would be a CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) in Canada as would the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4s. Agree with your definition of SUVs.

[@aussiebloke609]

I've also heard vehicles of that ilk described as an SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle), as they don't really have the load/tow capacity to be considered utility.

[@krissjacobsen9434]

Finally an ETCG1 video on my actual birthday :D

[@SteveCole73]

I too learned to drive on an old Suburban. Was awesome. Could fit a ton of people on it.

[@MrDanielharry1988]

Perfect explanation on what a SUV is and the many disadvantages and advantages they have.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric finally got a birthday message from you really appreciate it I am from South Africa

[@maingun07]

SUVs or crossovers are what replaced the wagon in the market. Folks wanted something that could seat four or more and could also have cargo space but didn't have the stigma of a soccer mom vehicle like minivans and wagons. It was marketing more than practicality. That being said, I live rural with lots of muddy snowy roads, own 9 street legal vehicles, and have never owned an SUV. Thought about it a couple of times, but there's not much that an SUV (however you want to define it) could do that one of my cars or trucks couldn't do better. To each their own I suppose.

[@maingun07]

The auto manufacturers painted themselves into a corner. Through aggressive marketing, they've sold the public on SUVs and completely off of more economical vehicles in spite of fuel economy and emission standards continuing to increase every year. Now they've had to make their SUVs smaller and lighter, hence the "crossover" vehicles, which any of us that's been around for a while can see is just a short dressed up 4-door minivan, one that has even less utility than previous wagons, minivans, or true SUVs.

[@mitchellwright549]

I agree with you. It is funny to see that people never use them as intended. I do drive an SUV 93 4runner 4x4 5 speed manual. I also live in Belize with many many dirt roads as the mane roads and lot of rain and mud. I had a RAV4 2wheel drive and it didn't hold up as well so I got something with a stronger suspension for the bad roads. Thanks for the video

[@joeacfalle2380]

I joke to family and friends that owns a “Crossover”, by calling it a “Station wagon” on Steroids. 🤣

[@michaelallen2501]

It's a station wagon on disability, not steroids, since it is less capable than a station wagon.

[@HiroNguy]

It's a station wagon on estrogen!

[@Joe_Dirt82]

Station wagon with Diabeetus. *Wilferd brimley intensifies* I had a station wagon on steroids. 96 Buick with cast iron LT1. Had a kid in a tahoe ask "whats in that thing?!" after i left him at a stop light.

[@simonatkinson6389]

I've seen the term 'SUV' used for everything including a 4WD station wagon, those small chunky looking city cars, to those full on 'Off Road' 4WD rock crawling monsters. It's a vague word for a vehicle that you cannot accurately define as one type. Eric's Fairmont is a CAR, The Odyssey is a MINIVAN!

[@goonable2]

Totally agree with your definitions on SUV / CUV / Crossovers. And I also agree that too many people (i.e. Americans) buy more vehicle than they need or will ever use, and that applies to not only SUVs but other segments as well such as sports car.

[@Oblithian]

That was my thought also, but then, there are some 'sports cars' (sporty cars) that function just fine in the everyday life. Just like those tiny datsun trucks back in the day. Comparable fuel economy, more than 2 seats, enough space for groceries or camping... I think in AUS, the UTE is to the truck as the CUV is to the SUV.

[@Lray4x4]

True SUVs are based on a RWD platform and use a part time transfer case with a 4x4 low option, but they don't neccesarily have to be body on frame construction. The Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ of the 90s don't have body on frame construction but they are still true SUVs becasus they have a RWD based platform, 4x4 low range and solid axles in the front and rear. Anything on a FWD based platform with the engine mounted sideways isn't a true SUV.

[@lifewater989]

I agree. These little things with 4 cylinder engines are not traditional SUVs. They’re cars that sit higher. Pretty much a car/station wagon/hatchback. And they’re everywhere. They’re throwaway machines for going to work and getting groceries.

[@averyalexander2303]

From my experience, I think a lot of people buy SUV's/crossovers because they feel like they are so much safer they can drive like morons without endangering themselves.

[@jaypoole8056]

Not to mention rides better on crappy roads full of potholes. Also it sucks driving a sedan at night where hibeam headlights are blasting you at eye level from all the other motorists in SUVs and trucks.

[@raybyrnes3516]

I used to daily my lifted Durango with 33" mud tires. I would take it off road all the time, that heavy thing went everywhere. It had posi and a part time/full time 4wd transfer case and a torquey 318 V8. Not the best on fuel, but I never worried about the snow here in Pittsburgh or getting stuck in the woods

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

I'll say what I said last week: to me, an SUV is basically a station wagon with either 4wd or awd. Didnt know the Suburban came as a 2wd only, though. And thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@Oblithian]

Most suvs sold with both options. Here they're not particularly useful with just 2wd. At thet point it feels like a bit of a poser "this is a Jeep, it doesn't have 4wd?? That's like, what a jeep is!".

[@captaincalamari5068]

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot EXL and I love it. Not gonna lie it can be spendy sometimes but it fills all of my family's niches. We go camping a lot here in Oregon so the AWD helps on the back roads. Not only that I also tow around my boat with it, it fits my needs perfectly.

[@Oblithian]

Does the AWD actually help on backroads or does it just give you confidence on them. When I used to work at enterprise (in the summer) I would always hear, "I will be driving into the mountains, so I need an SUV". They'd get a ford escape or jeep liberty. Some might have awd, most didn't. But in their minds, one in the same. But they weren't even driving dirt roads. Just from Calgary to Banff. They would not have seen any difference unless the front wheels lose traction during acceleration (because you can't tow with their rentals). But it's what they wanted, and your performance was based on sales. (Which is why other employees lied and said things like "going to banff? you'll need an SUV" as well.).

[@captaincalamari5068]

@@Oblithian It does help, but some people take it too far because they think they are invincible when they have 4x4 or AWD. I think the biggest help from my vehicle is the VTM-Lock. I've gotten stuck in mud and snow and have been able to get out because of it. I mean you should try to take easier routes on the road unless you can't. The best experience of the AWD for me is when I'm towing and need some extra traction. I feel like it does fine in light off road situations, not rock climbing and mudd riding.

[@peterfernandezjr5914]

I find anything with a hatch,even a small vehicle, so useful compared to a sedan or coupe, lately I have had a few times when my tiny Yaris hatch was just not up to the task at hand.

[@10lauset]

Cheers

[@courterclassics5479]

I gotta say, i realized why i hate elements, its the plastic fenders! Ive seen some with same color fenders and they look way better that way IMO

[@CrazyPetez]

After thinking about your question all day, I have changed my thoughts about the subject. Eric, you are 100% correct that SUV was first applied to body on frame vehicles. Then the unibody vehicles came on the scene, and were referred to as CUVs, or crossovers. In my opinion the history of SUV & CUV has been blurred by time, and careless common usage. So at this point, it doesn’t seem to matter what they are called. The sales brochure for my 2019 Edge ST states, “Class is Midsize Utilities, non diesel, based on Ford segmentation.” So as I said earlier today, Much ado about……nothing. 😀

[@superdrizzle7342]

You do have a clean element, I need to get mine that clean. I have a V6 Grand Cherokee, a V8 Range Rover and an Element. I only tow on the Jeep. Wife drive the Rabge, Elements for fun. All 3 use different style tires for different reasons. Now do trucks, thats a racket. I read some bad things about the 5.4 Ford and a few other engines that sell for a premium.

[@hojo70]

There 3 classes of SUVs: mini, mid, and full

[@JayTdub13]

SUV body on frame in my mind. My favorites are the 4Runner and the Land Cruiser.

[@CRAPO2011]

Those have the best resale ,crazy expensive

[@JayTdub13]

@@CRAPO2011 yeah, I got my 4Runner a few years ago for 20K used and I’m fairly certain in today’s market I could sell it for the same amount or more with 50K more miles. LC are too expensive for me. Maybe someday I can get an older used one.

[@CRAPO2011]

@@JayTdub13 LC are tough as nails

[@moolamoonboy648]

I've never heard you talk about or work on the First Generation CRV. Despite its weird little problems and the rust many people are still driving this crossover car almost 25 years later.

[@brandtharen]

The way I split up modern road vehicles is on the following ways: a triplet of car, van, truck. Car subdivides into sedan (exactly 4 doors), coupe (exactly 2 door), hatch (3 or 5 door, where the last door is a hinged rear hatch that is primarily slanted away from 90 degrees), station wagon (3 or 5 door, where the last door is a hinged rear hatch that is primarily 90s vertically. Van subdivides into minivan and commercial van. Truck subdivides into pickup truck (has an open bed behind the passenger compartment) and SUV (same as a car hatchback or station wagon, but with added ground clearance). I make my distinction on body shape and ground clearance not construction technique or exact capabilities. So for me El Camino is a truck, a Datsun truck is a truck, Ridgeline is a truck, CR-V Element and Pilot are SUVs, Accord 4 door is a sedan, current Civic hatch is a hatchback, Accord 2 door is a coupe.

[@seanguy9720]

According to the Virginia DMV I’m the late 2000s, my moms Tahoe was considered a “station wagon”. They also considered my 1997 Accord Coupe a “sports car” simply for having 2 doors. Now, they do consider the Tahoe an SUV and the Accord is now a “Sedan/Coupe”. In my eyes, SUV = Body on Frame. Crossover: = Unibody. Vague terms but they are correct most of the time.

[@rmay.1583]

I would own a truck before an SUV

[@red-winged_blackbird]

I'm genuinely curious. Why a truck?

[@meanman6992]

I own a car, a van and a truck, SUV’s are stupid.

[@krazyd0nut404]

@@meanman6992 why? It’s a middle ground Vehicle, it’s meeting expectations of 95% of what the consumer wants. A jack of all trades vehicle. I don’t like suv myself, but it’s not hard to see why it’s popular.

[@619guy202]

I’d smoke meth before owning a truck

[@Tom-P]

The XJ Cherokees were unibody and were never considered a "cross over." Wranglers TJ and YJ are considered SUV's. I seriously think you are digging yourself into a bigger hole.

[@1001Guitarplayer]

I mean as with anything there are exceptions to any rule. As he stated, the Element has almost no real ability to tow, though the Pilot (which he considers and suv and is unibody) as well as any of the vehicles you mentioned have much higher towing capacities. At the end of the day what he considers and suv and what you consider an suv can indeed be different and that’s okay.

[@nopenottalib4366]

On the flipside, the Ford Crown Vic has body on a frame design throughout it's entire lifespan, and it's not an SUV. As @Doug McCullough says, there are always going to be exceptions.

[@710pappy]

I would agree I owned and used to full extent a 2500 two wheel drive with LSD 1995 suburban- loved it I also had a 1985 K5 Blazer which was to date my favorite vehicle I ever owned again used to full extent I own a 2013 CRV great vehicle- not an SUV , a tall car with a hatch

[@ETCG1]

You have great taste in vehicles.

[@Henry_Jones]

The Jeep Cherokee that came out in the 80s was unibody and an suv! The amc eagle was always a car with 4wd. No "crossovers" till the 95 Rav4 cuz it was based on an existing CAR platform. That is the definition of a crossover, at least in my mind.

[@corpsepenis]

I agree that SUV should be a body on frame "truck" type vehicle, unfortunately the manufacturers don't seem to agree and are making all the current SUVs a watered-down unibody vehicle.

[@iamsuperbleeder]

What's your feelings on smaller full frame SUV's? Like a Toyota 4Runner or S10 Blazer?

[@davidwright1653]

A huge factor you didn't talk about on this video, but you lightly touched on last week, CAFE standards. Americans love their big cars, and your not going to haul a family of four or five people across the country in a small economy car. So the auto manufacturers to skirt around government regulations and satisfy their market demand use SUV, Crossover, and MUV's instead of passenger car and trucks to help calculate a better CAFE number. Anytime the government comes up with a regulation, businesses always find a way around them.

[@1938thunder]

I Have An 99 Chevy Blazer, I've Brought 4 New Not Used Tires At $100 A Piece At EBay and Changed The Fuel Injector To A New Modern One, Saving Some 💰Money At The ⛽Station, It Had Mechanical Poppet Injection, Runs Great.

[@jjmarz1001]

All cars used to be body on frame, so that shouldn't be THE criteria for defining what an SUV is?

[@ETCG1]

That was a very long time ago.

[@dadtype2339]

I'm 948th thumbs up! I agree, Element is in the light cross over dept in my book, my Dodge 78 Ramcharger is in the SUV category, my Buick Enclave, hmmm it's got an SUV idea but with a Van feeling, it's probably and SUV too although it's not 4wd like the Ramcharger is which by the way is the 318 4x4 all the time. (Thinks about driving the Ramcharger, remembering Dad, the old days....) What was I talking about? Love the video, I agree with ya. Thanks EC!!!

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I have the 2021 Pilot, fuel milage 28 to 31 mpg depending on right foot ,can go as low as 24 mpg. I believe it shares the same unibody as the Honda Van and Ridgline. It is the largest vehicle Honda offers and can tow up to 5500 lbs. I ve owned it for almost a year and have no complaints.

[@cosborne06]

Hey Eric I’m looking for a new car and thinking about a CR-V, what’s your opinion on them?

[@sociopathmercenary]

Yeeeeesssss! It is finally my birthday!!!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@ChristineLV]

Thanks for this explanation. What do you think of the Rav4? I was thinking of downsizing from a Silverado and it was recommended to me. I'm not sure that is enough of a "useful" vehicle to my mind. I don't haul, but I do like the usefulness of a full size pickup.

[@rabidsminions2079]

SUV Sports Utility Vehicle. Its an excuse to charge more for a slightly different vehicle. Here in Australia the cheapest Mazda 3 hatch GT 2.5 Auto here cost $39328, and the cheapest Mazda CX-5 GT 2.5 Auto $49,990.

[@silasmarner7586]

I have an SUV. It's based loosely upon a Ford F150. It's a Ford E150 and it tows just fine. VANNING!!! It's a way of life!

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

And then you have to wonder why all these automakers are making SUVs and CUVs more van like.. even the latest gen Sienna looks like a highlander

[@craigwiess1656]

If you want to spend the $$$ an E-series can be converted to 4wd

[@barryf5479]

I always thought of the International Harvester Scout or Travelall as one of the first SUVs although we didn't call them SUVs then. They were "four wheel drives".

[@wildbill23c]

They were called carry all's and still are according to vehicle registrations....my jeep is a carry all as well as my 88 Bronco 2. My 08 Explorer is a carry all as well according to the DMV. No such thing as a crossover or SUV in registration terms at the DMV. Its a car, van, pickup, or carry all.

[@attpureownpk]

for me the aspect of a "light SUV" is anything with 4 doors and a hatch or barn doors with a stock towing capacity. anything with 4 doors extended seating and storage is a regular SUV. and anything that doesn't include towing is considered a hatch back. (as it is none standard) the whole crossover thing is more of a marketing gimmick. (IMO)

[@red-winged_blackbird]

I agree on the use of the word crossover as a marketing tool.

[@ironwill04]

Hey Eric, Love the channels! Long time watcher. That being said, I think it is very funny that you said that is my definition of an Suv and you mentioned several different things. I like your videos including this one, however I’m the opposite. I love SUVs, I have owned them for a long time. I also think it is worth mentioning that the Crossover would not be a category without the SUV. The crossover category came from the idea that people don’t use SUVs for what they are designed for. I often say that the suv class has been destroyed. I use those features of the classic suv. Further, there are many different classes of suv. I love suv but I like the small to mid suv. Don’t care for the big v8s. I actually owned an Isuzu rodeo. It was awesome, except for some one out the thermostat under the intake manifold. What were they thinking? By your definition Jeep cherokees would be crossovers. They use unibody with 6 cylinder. Finally from my opinion I think suv are easier to work on from a space standpoint

[@cheesemons]

To me an SUV is anything that has a larger wheel compared to a regular sedan. That includes the Honda HRV too. The tyres on those, man they are expensive! 82USD for the CRV and 30USD on my sedan. I live in Malaysia so prices of tyres might seem weird to some of you.

[@tbyoda9475]

that about average for a low end honda cr-v tire in the US, you can easily get over $150 Us a tire.

[@courterclassics5479]

Also really want an Excursion someday with the 7.3, those things are tanks and very unique

[@wildbill23c]

Just buy an F250 or F350 and put a camper shell on it, same exact thing, just cheaper typically as you aren't paying for the Excursion logos.

[@Oblithian]

great question. However, like many things, once they become more self-defined the term starts losing purpose.

[@wiimaster2847]

Hi Eric. Not exactly related to the video but I was curious as to what your thoughts are on the news that Acura is bringing back the Integra next year.

[@krissjacobsen9434]

In Norway we usually call crossovers for small SUV. We even have two-seater SUVs. In my opinion a SUV is a hatchback-ish vehicle (small or large) with high ground clearance and often 4x4, although the last one is not neccesary. If we strickly follow ETCG's definition, I don't think there are any SUVs manufactured outside of the US. IMO cars like Hyundai Kona, VW Tiguan, Ford Escape/Kuga and Mustang Mach-E are all SUVs. Maybe not full-size american suvs, but still SUVs. But I think this will always differ throughout the world. I mean, a car that is concidered large i Europe might be concidered compact in the US. A liftback in europe might be concidered a sedan in the US. And so forth. Other than that, I completely agree about it being too many SUVs being used just like regular cars.

[@dsquare1986]

I would say that I agree with your definition of an SUV. The term crossover gets thrown around a lot in the sphere. At work I refer to them all as SUVs. I have had customers correct me that they own a crossover. If I feel the customer understands the difference, I will use the term crossover where applicable. At the DMV, we classify them all as a class M - Multipurpose. Interestingly, the true SUVs as we call them, get titled/registered with the body style of "Truck". I have had to explain why to one Jeep Wrangler owner.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

If you go through a car wash in NYC your Element is considered an SUV and are charged as such. I know as I have an 04 Element. Maybe I should show this video to them when I am going to pay.😜

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@Shutbyotch tell me about it

[@keithharper1470]

I have a 06 Pilot and when I get my car washed the basic package only cost me $7. The guys at LMC Lube & Wash in the Bronx classified the Pilot as a crossover because of the height and length.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@@keithharper1470 which LMC? Is it the night special or during the day time?

[@keithharper1470]

@@HotRod-wv4vm LMC on grand concourse in the daytime

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@@keithharper1470 is this the one near the corner if 138 just before the underpass? If you make a right the Deegan is right there? I know there used to be a car wash near Cardinal Hayes HS on the concourse but I think that one closed. I live in East Harlem and the car wash by me 109 Street and 1st Avenue is super expensive. Full service for my Element is $23

[@strawhousefred2192]

My Matrix is considered a CUV I believe, but my Toyota owners manual actually refers to it as a Corolla Wagon. Not cool to say in America.

[@Andrew-ps9kq]

@etcg1 you mentioned the integra, what's your opinion on Honda bringing them back?

[@wasabitoburrion4409]

I have a CRV and a Pilot which are CUV’s. Now a Jeep Wrangler and the old CJ’s, even though they’re body and don’t share their chassis with any other Ute, would those be considered in the SUV or Fun Utility Vehicle category?

[@stevec5935]

I think I’m a little more confused than I was before… I think of SUVs as a bodystyle, not necessarily whether it’s body on frame or unibody. The Pilot may be based on the Odyssey, but it’s pretty dang big, regardless of what you label it. I dislike SUVs because of the fuel consumption, but I can’t say that I’d never have a use for one. Pickup trucks are usually gas guzzlers, too, and how many people drive them without using them as a truck?

[@timzzz9963]

I bought the crv for more cargO space and the 4wd. I only regret the 4wd purchase because you cant lock it on and i still got stuck in the snow.

[@MrTexasDan]

The original Jeep Cherokee is widely considered to be the first modern SUV, followed by newer Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. They are all uni-body. I have a 2018 Grand Cherokee, and trust me on this ... it cannot be confused with a crossover or sedan.

[@LinearElasticity]

I came here because it’s my birthday today and so Eric would wish me a happy birthday. I was not disappointed. I don’t like suvs, so see you next time!

[@brianaustin1328]

It's like seeing an ad for a used Jeep Wrangler that reads: "160,000 miles... never been off road."

[@michaelblacktree]

That was my understanding, as well. A true SUV is built on a truck chassis. A lot of them have been replaced by unibody vehicles, but people keep using the terminology out of habit. That raises a question: When the market moves on, should the associated terminology be retired as well? Or does terminology evolve with the changing conditions?

[@foellerd]

Well said, exactly. By Erics definition a Jeep Grand Cherokee is just a car. Lol! 🤦‍♂️ Imagine if that was true.

[@machintelligence]

I guess by your definition the first "crossover" would be the Willys Utility Wagon in 1949. Relatively compact 4 WD station wagon with a six cylinder engine (still body on frame, though.)

[@jamesanderson83]

Yup.

[@dosman01302]

I concider the new outback and Forrester suvs, and the element. The suburban, expiditon, are full size suvs. I have a 5.0 mountaineer, mid size suv. Suv is many different automobiles.

[@zmoorer]

Just curious how we should classify a vehicle like the 2000 Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. Both of those are unibody (Crossover) but have drivetrain (solid axles, transfer case, transmission) similar to the 2000 Wrangler (SUV), especially the Cherokee. Same with the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. That Pathfinder was unibody (Crossover) but has essentially the same drivetrain as the 2000 Xterra which is body on frame (SUV): same front independent suspension, transfer case, rear solid axle and transmission. Eric, I love that you made a video based on many of our comments to your last video.

[@DanielPace92]

The Jeep Cherokee XJ is not a crossover, never has been. It's always been considered an SUV.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

OK, by that definition, we barely have any SUVs over here in Germany. Although there are way too many BMW X5s, VW Touaregs, Porsche Panameras, Audi Q3s, Q5s and Q7s on our roads, as well as too many other things that are just too high to use in normal traffic. When I'm driving in my "normal high" car, I can barely do any anticipatory driving because I just can't see more than the car in front of me, which is a situation I don't like (I mainly drive in the city, on other roads it wouldn't matter as much). But now it's not only panel vans, it's things that are called SUVs, even what you would call a "micro SUV" like an Opel Mokka or Dacia Duster. To me, it feels like an arms race on the road, and if I wanted to take part in it, I would have to get the biggest of them all, a Ford Excursion (which are also barely available, or only with the highly problematic Triton V8 or V10 engines). Plus, I probably would encounter many places where I wouldn't fit and all. I think I'd need a truck license for it anyways. Although, mine still goes up to 7.5 tons GVW, but this part of it is only valid until 2030, then it'll be downgraded to 3.5 tons, which clearly would be not enough for a beast like that. Anyways, I can totally understand your despise of SUVs, although mine is out of completely different reasons.

[@celeron55]

From an European standpoint, where we basically don't have body-on-frame anything except commercial vehicles, SUV is basically a minivan with a bit more towing and offroad capability and cooler styling, with the expense of less interior space.

[@seeya205]

My SUV can hold way more stuff than a mini van, just less passengers.

[@SkywalkerTibor]

No. European SUV's are generally estates/station wagons with somewhat lifted suspension and higher roofline.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

So what about the jeep grand Cherokee ? It's not on a truck chassis or full size.

[@discerningmind]

OK, I'll change my dialog- I hate anything that looks like an SUV. The main reason is that they've eliminated full-size cars that were comfortable and easy to drive. And they've eliminated any kind of styling and art too. What I see on the roads now mostly look like military vehicles. Not attractive, not involving much in the way of art, and with heavy two-hands required steering.

[@patrickcarrillo714]

Those 70s Suburbans are amazing especially with the big blocks If you want to get into drag racing on a budget nothing better You can race them you can live in them

[@DustinB855]

Only suvs I like are body on frame true suvs. Not lifted cars

[@1001Guitarplayer]

I have an F150 and an Expedition for the wife. Both the same frame, engine and transmission. That’s what I would consider your classic full sized SUV. It gets weird with the way they do things these days, is the new Blazer a crossover? Not really. Is it the beefy, boxy, body on frame powerhouse of old? Not really either. But that’s going away.

[@vivalesvegas]

Where would you class things like the S10 Blazer? I’d have said that it’s an SUV as it’s a body on frame “station wagon” (essentially) based on a truck. I happen to currently have two of them. The first one I bought to be able to tow my boat after my Frontier blew its second engine, less than a year after buying it 😐 that’s another story though.

[@CRAPO2011]

In the suburbs i still ocassionally see an expedition that only sees supermarket duty

[@kennethstephens8046]

What would you consider a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a 2nd gen or later Nissan Pathfinder? The jeeps are unibody but they have v8s and solid axles front and rear with dedicated transfer case’s for gen 1 and 2. Pathfinder also has a v8 in gen 3 with third row seating. But again, unibody?

[@ETCG1]

To me, SUV is full frame.

[@rngwrm]

does that make the ridgeline a crossover?

[@automatic_jp7498]

With the SUV market becoming so large, I like to look at SUVs like every other car in a way. "Compact", "fullsize", etc. I consider the pilot a compact SUV and things like the CR-V a crossover/subcompact. I tend to look at wheelbase/towing capacity.

[@Oblithian]

This is what it is now. SUV=tall vehicle. But if every company stopped selling cars they just become the car. Like kei-cars. If the HRV is an SUV, a 30s ford delux would also be.

[@automatic_jp7498]

@@Oblithian I think the HR-V is too small to be an SUV. I view it more like an MUV as Eric described. Most people could give a shit and classify anything on 4 wheels a car lol unless it has a bed then it's a truck

[@hobe5143]

You know the newer Durango are unibody same with the explorer but they can tow a lot, the tires are heavy, and the grand Cherokee has a hell cat motor option. Are these really not considered suvs?

[@garyi8608]

The Element is cool looking.

[@Project_EG2]

If the pilot is more closely related to a crossover, what does that make the Ridgeline?

[@azndood]

Same classification that GM tried with the Avalanche/Escalade EXT, Sport Utility Truck (SUT)

[@ETCG1]

Useless. Kidding aside, the Ridgline is still based on the Odyssey platform same as the Pilot.

[@Jaggbrony]

A crossover with a bed in place of a traditional trunk?

[@sirnik84]

My camping car, household work horse, etc, is an 83 Toyota Tercel 4wd. I put a lumber rack on it and I can do more truck things with that little car the most trucks on the road today. I don't understand the need for everyone to have trucks and SUVs. My dad is a farmer who is also an engineer with a day job, hes got 2 trucks, an 88 F350 with a utility bed for day to day farm work, and an 08 F450 for towing backhoes. What does he drive to his day job? NOT A TRUCK, hes got a 92 Accord for that. Don't tell me that people can only afford 1 vehicle so they have to dive their trucks to work. That 92 accord was $800. These people I see in new trucks pay that much for 2 months payments. Probably pay that much in 3 months of gas bills. This is my dads second accord, the first one died 2 years ago and he went a whole year before deciding to get another accord. He said he paid for the accord in 1 months of gas bills. he regretted not having a cheap car for a year's worth of commuting. BTW, Eric, your videos have convinced me the Element is the spiritual successor to my Tercel. You use your Element similar to how I use the Tercel. I kind of want one after all your videos.

[@steve8803]

I have a CR-V. I consider it an SUV. The trunk door opens all the way up, there is a ton of utility space with the seats down, all wheel drive and significantly more ground clearance than a typical van, car or wagon. Great for the winters I endure in my area..

[@clonetrooper576]

I think its supposed to be a body on frame truck but without a bed it has a full body. One of the major drawbacks of SUVs, because they are based on trucks, trucks HAVE to be RWD biased, which means there is always a huge tunnel on the floor that reduces room for passengers and cargo, however cars like the Odyssey do not suffer from this. Which is why we ALWAYS have an Odyssey for trips and moving stuff. It eclipses even the biggest suv for space

[@samsquires2877]

Chevrolet Suburban is the longest running automotive nameplate in history.

[@PhillyDee215]

Cool😎didn't know the Chevy Suburban was possibly the 1st suv😏

[@jerrybot7321]

CRV. First gen. Super cool. Basically a lifted Civic. SUVs are basically vans.

[@DanielPace92]

Anyone who says a SUV has to be body on frame is forgetting the Jeep Cherokee XJ, that is 100% an SUV and it is a unibody vehicle. It was never and has never been considered a crossover. An SUV does not have to be body on frame.

[@pooopanda9677]

I saw your video with Hondapro Jason and l have to say even his Type R has enough space for many things and l would rather get the regular budget Civic Hatchback than a suv. Many people don't do the maintenance and take it to a shop so they don't understand how much harder it actually is working on a suv. Everything is bigger and heavier.

[@ToriL97]

I'd say that Tahoes and Suburbans aren't that gas guzzling considering they're more like trucks. It's gets 18-20mpg most of the time, and sometimes better because I take the freeway to work. I'd like to buy a 4runner because I don't need the seating of the Suburban, but I like having the room for car parts, and while it might be kinda close to capacity, I can also tow my Camaro.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Putting a definition on it makes for lots of weird anomalies. I have worked on Honda Elements a lot and wheel with my Subaru Outback. I would call both of those a CUV/Car UV. What makes them that? Unibody construction, smaller engines, independent front/rear suspension. So is the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk a CUV? It has all that. It has low range 4WD though. Is the Land Rover Defender a CUV? It has all that. Plus 4WD low range and locking rear differentials. I would consider those last two SUV's. The same as my 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Suburban. Why? I don't know. Like I said there is always anomalies out there.

[@oldnorthstatefishing3912]

If in 2wd form it is front wheel drive, it is a crossover.