SUVs are everywhere on our roads. That much in fact, that in 2023, 60% of new car registrations fell into the SUV category (Transport & Environment).
Whether you’re on the school run, heading to work, or going on a road trip, it’s pretty hard to ignore the lure of an SUV.
This comes as no surprise; SUVs are great all-rounders, offering a high driving position, a spacious interior, and a commanding road presence.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. SUVs also come with their drawbacks, and at a time when they seem to be booming in popularity, is it time to throw a bit of variety into the mix?
So, is an SUV the right choice for you? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of SUVs and look at the alternative options to help you decide.
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle - a type of car designed to offer a more practical vehicle with a higher driving position and versatile performance.
Originally built for off-road adventures, modern SUVs have evolved into everyday family cars, combining the space of an estate car with the comfort of a saloon.
SUVs typically have more upright bodies, higher ground clearance, and the option of four-wheel drive, making them suitable for different terrains and adverse weather conditions.
The appeal of SUVs lies in their flexibility. Whether you need more boot space, a car for long-distance travel, or something that feels safe on the road, an SUV ticks all the boxes.
Over the last decade, SUVs have surged in popularity. No longer restricted to rural drivers or affluent families, they are well and truly the car of the people.
Anytime you check a list of the most popular cars of the year, there’s a very strong chance that SUVs will occupy the top three spots.
According to the SMMT, the most popular car in 2025 (up to February) has been the Kia Sportage, closely followed by the Nissan Qashqai. In fact, eight of the top ten are SUVs!
So, why are SUVs so appealing?
- Higher driving position - You get a commanding view of the road, which makes SUVs feel safer and easier to drive.
- Spacious interiors - More legroom and boot space make them great for families and long-distance drivers.
- Versatility - SUVs can handle a range of terrains, from city commutes to rough countryside roads.
- Perceived safety - Bigger cars make many drivers feel more secure. A lot of SUVs also come with loads of advanced driver assistance systems.
- Status and style - SUVs look modern, rugged, and premium. They’re the definition of a modern car.
There’s no denying that SUVs are fantastic cars; they’re great all-rounders that are suited to a whole range of drivers. But why exactly did over one million drivers opt for an SUV in 2023 (Transport & Environment)?
- More space and practicality - SUVs are known for their spacious interiors. When compared to a hatchback or saloon, they provide more legroom, headroom, and boot space. This makes them perfect for families needing extra room, drivers regularly transporting bulky items, and pet owners.
- Higher driving position - SUVs come with a higher ground clearance than a lot of other cars. Combine this with a raised seating position, and you will get much-improved road visibility. This makes it easier to spot hazards and can boost driver confidence.
- Safety and road presence - Similar to the point above, a consequence of their size is that SUVs are sturdy things, which gives them an edge in crash protection. Modern SUVs (like a lot of other cars) also come with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Off-road ability - If you live in a rural setting, you can’t go wrong with an SUV. With a lot of models coming with all-wheel drive, they’re the perfect cars to tackle ice roads, muddy tracks, and countryside terrain.
- Towing capabilities - Thanks to higher towing limits, SUVs are perfect if you need to tow a caravan, boat, or trailer. I mean, how often do you see a caravan being towed by a hatchback? Play it safe and get an SUV.
Although I’ve explained how SUVs are the ultimate vehicle, they have a few downsides. Here’s what you should consider:
- Higher running costs - SUVs come with larger and more powerful engines than their counterparts, and this generally means higher fuel consumption. Even with hybrid and electric options available, SUVs tend to be less efficient than smaller cars.
- More expensive - The more car, the more money it will cost. SUVs cost more than smaller cars, such as hatchbacks and superminis. Alongside the initial price, you’ll also need to consider higher insurance, more expensive servicing, and increased road tax (for petrol and diesel).
- Bigger and harder to park - This is something a lot of people forget. Yes, the size of an SUV is an advantage, but it’s a bit of an issue when trying to park. They are wider and longer than most cars, making it difficult to park and manoeuvre in urban areas.
- Overkill for some drivers - Do you need a car that big? Think about it. If you live in an urban area or regularly commute into the city, a smaller car could be a cheaper and more convenient option.
- Environmental impact - A consequence of their larger engines is that SUVs emit more harmful emissions, making them less eco-friendly. If you want to avoid this, go for an electric or hybrid SUV.
If an SUV isn’t right for you, there are plenty of options on the market.
- Estate cars - Estate cars are very spacious and practical without the size of an SUV. They sit lower to the ground and are perfect for urban families. Oh, and they also look brilliant.
- Hatchbacks - If you drive in a city, a hatchback is the car you should go for. They’re compact, come with efficient powertrains, and are very easy to drive. You also don’t sacrifice much on practicality, with modern hatchbacks offering decent boot space.
- Crossovers - Crossovers are a mix between a hatchback and an SUV, offering the best of both worlds. You get a higher driving position without excessive size and a smaller and more efficient engine, making them perfect for families who want a practical and affordable car.
Ultimately, it’s completely up to you to decide whether you need an SUV or not.
An SUV is right for you if:
- You need extra space for family, luggage, or pets
- You want a higher driving position and better road visibility
- You live in a rural area and need all-wheel drive
- You regularly tow a heavy load
However, you might not need one if:
- You live and drive in a city
- You want to reduce running costs
- You don’t need any extra space
Remember, SUVs offer space and practicality, making them ideal for families and those who need a versatile car.
But they aren’t for everyone, and there are cheaper, more efficient alternatives on the market, like hatchbacks, estates, and crossovers.
Think about your driving habits, budget, and space needs before rushing into a decision.
Still wondering if an SUV is the right choice for you? Whether you need extra space, a higher driving position, or all-weather capability, SUVs offer plenty of benefits.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK’s largest leasing brokers, offering a fantastic range of SUV leasing deals to suit every lifestyle and budget.
For more information, check out our latest leasing deals or drop us a call at 0345 811 9595.
