Types of Suvs
The popularity of the sport utility vehicle has exploded in the past decade as automakers' range of offerings have expanded from the mid- and full-size SUVs to mini, compact and crossover versions. In all, there are seven versions of traditional truck-based SUVS or models similar to the passenger car for buyers to choose.
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Background
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The SUV can trace its roots to the World War II-era military Jeep with extremely short wheelbase and rugged construction for off-road use. The civilian Jeep and later the Hummer continued these lines of SUVs. Although many SUVs today are capable of off-road use, few leave the highway, according to truckchamp.com.
Mini SUV
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Mini SUVs were the first true off-road vehicles typified by the short Jeep Wrangler. Today, the mini SUV measures only 162 inches long. Today's Fiat Sedici, which is a cross between a true SUV and a minivan with a 98.4-inch wheelbase, reflects current mini SUV standards. The older Suzuki Samurai with a 79.9-inch wheelbase also is a mini SUV, according to Consumer Guide.
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Compact
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The compact SUV is slightly larger than the mini by about 10 inches in length and first hit the market in the late 1980s with the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and Ford Bronco II. Compacts are built similar to cars with unibody construction. The Toyota RAV4 with a 100.8-inch wheelbase and the Mitsubishi Outlander are compacts, according to Consumer Guide.
Mid-Size SUV
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The mid-size versions, such as the Ford Explorer with a 113.7-inch wheelbase, are popular for spacious interiors and truck-like quality. Most mid-size SUVs come with a standard V-6 or optional V-8 engine. The granddaddy of the modern mid-size SUV is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to Edmunds.com.
Crossover
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The crossover, also known as the CUV, has emerged as an alternative to the SUV. The crossover has shed any pretense of being an off-road truck-based SUV and embraced all the characteristics of a passenger car with the exception of exterior styling. The crossover allows buyers to possess all the comforts of a car, but have a vehicle similar in looks to an off-road vehicle. Examples include the compact Audi Q5 and Ford Escape, the mid-size Honda Pilot, full-size GMC Acadia and the minivan-inspired Dodge Journey, according to U.S. News.
Luxury SUV
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Luxury SUVs are full-size vehicles with an approximate wheelbase of 116 inches and measuring over 200 inches long. These behemoths feature a full range of luxury appointments from leather seats to navigation and onboard entertainment systems. Germany's Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV with a 121.1-inch wheelbase represents one of the best in its class, while the slightly smaller, but no less imposing, Cadillac Escalade is the North American version, according to Consumer Search.
Off-Road
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Lost in the hubbub of the plethora of today's SUV choices is the fact that the vehicle was once a true off-roader. The Jeep CJ, later the Jeep Wrangler, the International Scout and the original Ford Bronco featured short wheelbases, high ground clearance and four-wheel-drive to navigate rough terrain. Qualifying for that niche today is the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra and any of the Land Rover series, according to jeep-history.com.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wisconsin Historical Society/flickr.com; mrbill/flickr.com; The Toad/flickr.com
