{"id":5197,"date":"2024-02-08T19:23:56","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T19:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5197"},"modified":"2026-04-06T12:30:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:30:56","slug":"why-are-suvs-so-popular","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/why-are-suvs-so-popular\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are SUVs So Popular? Why Do People Prefer SUVs?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to SMMT data, SUVs now account for over 30% of all new car registrations in the UK. They have surpassed the supermini family cars like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/ford-fiesta-vs-vauxhall-corsa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Corsa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. SUVs are becoming the default choice for families, commuters and fleet drivers. But is this popularity just a fashion trend, or is there a practical reason why are SUVs so popular in the UK?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways: Why are SUVs So Popular in the UK?<\/h2>\n<h2><!--StartFragment --><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>SUVs are now the UK\u2019s favourite cars,<\/strong> making up more than 30% of new registrations, overtaking small family cars like the Ford Fiesta.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Space and practicality,<\/strong>\u00a0from weekly shopping to camping gear, SUVs offer roomy boots and flexible seating.<\/li>\n<li>Modern SUVs come with advanced safety features like emergency braking and lane assist, and many score five stars in crash tests.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drivers love sitting higher up because its<\/strong> commanding driving position, which gives better visibility and more confidence on the road.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Easy to get in and out of with<\/strong> the \u201cH\u2011point\u201d seating height, SUVs are comfortable for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crossovers changed the game, with<\/strong> cars like the Nissan Qashqai giving you SUV looks without the high running costs of old\u2011school 4x4s.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Perfect for UK roads,<\/strong> which have higher ground clearance and softer suspension, making potholes, speed bumps, and country lanes easier to handle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electric SUVs are on the rise,<\/strong> with the UK moving away from petrol and diesel. EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 are shaping the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reasons Why SUVs Are So Popular<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This shift doesn\u2019t happen overnight. The manufacturers introduce <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-suv-uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top SUVs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the UK car market over the year. Now people have more options with affordable prices, like the Dacia Duster, than before. Besides this, there are more reasons that people are shifting towards SUVs in recent years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Practicality and Space<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most compelling reasons is practicality. While a saloon car might have a long boot, the opening is often narrow. But modern SUVs offer generous interior space, flexible seating and large boots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boot space is a major selling point. For example, the Land Rover Discovery has a massive 1,231 litres of boot space with the rear seats down. While even more affordable models like the Peugeot 5008 and Tesla Model Y offer over 850 litres.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are loading a flat-pack wardrobe, a large dog crate, or a week\u2019s worth of camping gear, the shape of an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-an-suv\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SUV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is simply more practical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Safety and Security<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety is the top priority for UK drivers. It is considered the safest segment for families on the road. Sitting in a larger, heavier vehicle makes drivers feel less vulnerable, especially on motorways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern SUVs are packed with active safety tech like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist. These features are in almost every mainstream SUV.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the UK\u2019s best-selling SUVs, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-car\/makes\/tesla\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tesla<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Model Y, Nissan Qashqai, and Mazda CX-60, have achieved five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. The Commanding Driving Position<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F10%2F5-Best-4X4-to-Purchase-in-2021.png&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"H-point sitting of SUVs\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you ask an SUV owner why they won\u2019t go back to a hatchback, this is usually their answer: &#8220;I just like being higher up.&#8221; This is often called the &#8220;Commanding Driving Position.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting higher up gives drivers a better view of the road ahead, making it easier to spot hazards, anticipate traffic, and feel more in control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychologically, it gives more confidence, which is like sitting on a horse, allowing you to see over other cars on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Ease of Access: The \u201cH-Point\u201d Advantage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an engineering term that makes a massive real-world difference. The &#8220;H-Point&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/H-point\">Hip Point<\/a>) is the height of your hips when sitting in the driver\u2019s seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher H-points mean you don\u2019t have to \u201cdrop down\u201d into the seat or \u201cclimb up\u201d awkwardly. Though the H-point often offers more legroom for both front and rear seats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In practical terms, an SUV is more accessible for a wide range of drivers and passengers, from young children to grandparents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. The \u201cCrossover\u201d Evolution<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ten years ago, buying an SUV meant buying a thirsty, tractor-like 4&#215;4. That changed with the arrival of the Crossover. Cars like the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Puma revolutionised the market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They offer the chunky looks and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-4x4\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high seating of a 4&#215;4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but underneath, they are built on the same mechanical platforms as a standard hatchback, like a Fiesta or Golf.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means you get the &#8220;SUV look&#8221; without the high running costs or difficult parking of a massive off-roader. They are not too big, not too small.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Coping with the UK Road Conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s be honest, the UK roads are a bit rough. There are potholes, aggressive speed bumps and country lanes prone to. SUVs naturally have higher ground clearance and longer suspension travel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They soak up bumps that would rattle a hatchback and glide over speed bumps with ease. And softer suspension setups absorb bumps and ruts, providing a smoother ride on poorly maintained roads.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Status, Style and Lifestyle<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond practicality, SUVs have become a symbol of status, style, and lifestyle aspiration. The SUV managed to rebrand the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-family-cars\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">family car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Manufacturers market these cars with images of surfboards on the roof and muddy boots in the back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparisons: SUVs vs Other Car Types<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand the SUV\u2019s appeal, it\u2019s helpful to compare it with other popular car types in the UK: hatchbacks, estates, and MPVs.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>SUV<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Hatchback<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boot Space<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large, flexible<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large, but lower<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving Position<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban Handling<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slightly less agile<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More nimble<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-Road \/ Rough Roads<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perceived Safety<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running Costs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate\u2013High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nissan Qashqai, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-car\/makes\/toyota\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toyota<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> RAV4<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ford Fiesta, VW Golf<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skoda Octavia Estate, Volvo V60<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are SUVs more expensive to run than hatchbacks?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, yes, but the gap is closing. Because SUVs are taller and heavier, they are less aerodynamic, which can increase fuel consumption (MPG) by 10-15% compared to a sleek hatchback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, modern hybrid SUVs have largely negated this issue, offering excellent fuel economy despite their size.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the most popular SUV in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically, the Nissan Qashqai has been the UK&#8217;s best-selling SUV, often topping the overall sales charts. Recently, the Ford Puma and the electric Tesla Model Y have also become bestsellers, dominating the registration figures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a crossover the same as an SUV?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technically, no, but people use the words interchangeably. An SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) traditionally refers to a rugged vehicle capable of off-roading, like a Land Rover Discovery. A crossover is a car that looks like an SUV but is built on a car chassis (like a Nissan Juke) and is designed strictly for road use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do families prefer SUVs?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Families love SUVs for the space, safety, and flexibility. You can fit child seats, buggies, and shopping and still have room to spare. Plus, the higher ride height makes it easier to get kids in and out without bending over.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are electric SUVs the future of UK car sales?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely. With the UK\u2019s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, electric SUVs are becoming more popular. Models like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer the space and style of an SUV with zero tailpipe emissions<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrapping Up: Why are SUVs So Popular in the UK?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SUVs have gone from off-roaders to the UK\u2019s most popular car segment. Because it offers a combined space, safety and versatility with a driving position that makes people feel confident and in control. Currently, electric SUVs are increasingly populating the roads, offering both affordability and value.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"all: initial !important;\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to SMMT data, SUVs now account for over 30% of all new car registrations in the UK. They have surpassed the supermini family cars like the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Corsa. SUVs are becoming the default choice for families, commuters and fleet drivers. But is this popularity just a fashion trend, or is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[979,976,977,978,406],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5197"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5197"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5197\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11633,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5197\/revisions\/11633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}