Fuel economy laws. SUVs are able to be shittier than cars, so companies make more SUVs, because it’s easier to pass the various tests.
Then on the cultural side, once there were a certain number of SUVs on the road it became difficult for people in normal cars to see what was going on. Everyone talked about wanting to be up higher when they drive, to see what’s going on ahead of them. The net result is now no one can see anything. People also view big as safe. Most people don’t want to risk getting in an accident with a Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a Smart car… the Wagoneer is fucking huge. There is also a status aspect to it. Most small cars are budget cars.
There was also a huge hatchback stigma, and minivan stigma in the US. So when people wanted more space, the SUV was there to give them extra space without being a loser in a hatchback or soccer mom in a minivan. (these were the stigmas, not my belief, I have driven hatchbacks for years and I think most SUV owners who think they need the space would do just fine with a hatchback or minivan).
Fuel economy laws. SUVs are able to be shittier than cars, so companies make more SUVs, because it’s easier to pass the various tests.
Then on the cultural side, once there were a certain number of SUVs on the road it became difficult for people in normal cars to see what was going on. Everyone talked about wanting to be up higher when they drive, to see what’s going on ahead of them. The net result is now no one can see anything. People also view big as safe. Most people don’t want to risk getting in an accident with a Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a Smart car… the Wagoneer is fucking huge. There is also a status aspect to it. Most small cars are budget cars.
There was also a huge hatchback stigma, and minivan stigma in the US. So when people wanted more space, the SUV was there to give them extra space without being a loser in a hatchback or soccer mom in a minivan. (these were the stigmas, not my belief, I have driven hatchbacks for years and I think most SUV owners who think they need the space would do just fine with a hatchback or minivan).