Is the best SUV an matter of load or lifestyle?


Car buyers seem interested in 4x4 cars for the their load capabilities and or the lifestyle they portray.


Load capability can be interior space or load towing. SUVs and especially Crossovers are getting lighter. However, the maximum towing weight for a medium size SUV can be around 2,000 kg where it might only be 1,500 in the equivalent hatchback or MPV.


Typical maximum load space for the same types of vehicle might be 1,000 litres for a hatchback, 1,500 litres for a SUV and 1,750 litres for an MPV.


The idea is SUVs and MPV cars are designed to be big family vehicles in a sensible overall size. A medium size vehicle being about 4.6m. A Q7 is 5m long.


The SUV style seems to be preferred for its truck like looks and the mistaken impression they're somehow safer.


Having said that some SUVs now have softer or sweeping lines, probably to avoid the attention of the anti Chelsea Tractor brigade, whilst MPVs are taking on stronger lines. Soon it will be impossible to tell the difference. The Qashqai and 3008 seem to be mix of hatchback, MPV and SUV. The Citroen C-Crosser can look like a SUV or MPV. The Infiniti EX load space would only qualify it as a hatchback but it appears to be an estate or SUV. Bearing them in mind, how would you classify the ASX, Sportage and ix35 when you make a car comparison?


Regards
Ralph