What is an SUV? What is its advantage over a crossover?
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What car can be called an SUV
Definition of an SUV: What does the abbreviation SUV stand for?
- The abbreviation SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle.
- SUVs tend to be tall, spacious and versatile.
- The SUV has evolved over time from a military all-terrain vehicle to one of the most popular vehicle categories available on the market.
- Not all SUVs are all-wheel drive.
- There are different tires for SUVs for off-road and for road purposes.
In short, SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. As the name suggests, this category of vehicles has enough space for all your sporting and utility needs.
The increased ground clearance, high roof, and often large rear end provide plenty of room for passengers, luggage, pets, work tools, and to tow or carry those who might need it. And remember, you don't need to be thrown off by the word "sport" - in an SUV, you don't have to be the kind of person who constantly goes outside to use an SUV! On the other hand, the utilitarian aspect will suit most drivers as it means it has enough space for daily activities.
Let's take a look at how the SUV has evolved over time, what different types of SUVs there are, and most importantly, which tires will best suit your needs.
Willy's Overland Jeep: one of the first SUVs
How the SUV developed
One of the original uses of commercial vehicles dates back to World War II, when an all-terrain military vehicle was required to transport troops. This car needed to be durable, have plenty of space, and be able to handle rough and unforgivable surfaces.
Since then, the SUV has evolved significantly. Expanding rapidly from five decades to the 1990s, the car has become more affordable and has since become the primary choice of consumers on many continents.
Today we are spoiled for choice. Drivers now have a choice of unique vehicles to suit their lifestyle, from efficient electric and hybrid SUVs to crossovers. There are many possibilities! But remember, whatever car you have, it's important to have the right tires. 
Jeep Cherokee: classic SUV
What are SUVs?
Depending on where you live in the world, you will come across a huge variety of SUVs in different sizes and with different features. The trend towards SUVs is largely due to the convenience of their design. They have a high roof and seemingly endless head, leg and storage space. In addition, the rooflines of most SUVs do not slope towards the trunk like sedans and station wagons, improving visibility and making more efficient use of space.
While the shape and design of commercial vehicles are inspired by their off-road heritage, they are not necessarily all-wheel drive vehicles. While some commercial vehicles are all-wheel drive (sometimes referred to as four-wheel drive, 4WD or 4x4), most are all-wheel drive (AWD) and some are even two-wheeled and not suitable for driving at all.
How to choose tires for SUVs?
The main thing to know when choosing tires is whether the SUV will be used for off-road or on-road purposes. If your SUV or SUV (SUV) will drive primarily on asphalt and can only be used on gravel roads, chances are you can use tires similar to sedans or station wagons, even if your vehicle is all-wheel drive. If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive and you know you will be using it off-road, there are several factors to consider, including season and load index. Find out which off-road vehicles are capable of overcoming off-road.
What is an SUV and what is its advantage over a crossover?
SUV is an abbreviation for Sport Utility Vehicle, which is a vehicle that combines the features of an SUV and a passenger car with high off-road capabilities. This is a more comfortable and civilized analogue of an SUV, reminiscent of its body shape, high ground clearance and wheels, and usually large sizes.
The vast majority of SUVs are equipped with all-wheel drive , and often also with additional solutions borrowed from SUVs, for example, a differential lock.
While similar to typical SUVs, SUVs provide comfort and convenience comparable to conventional passenger cars. Mainly due to the development suspension designs , which looks more like cars than SUVs. They perform well on asphalt and when driving at higher speeds. This is also related to design based on a monocoque body , and not, like most SUVs, on a frame, or with extensive use of road tires. Simply put, an SUV combines the practicality, comfort and safety of a passenger car with some of the advantages of an SUV.
The versatility of off-road vehicles shows itself in a variety of environments. This is a car that will drive well along the highway, and then leave the paved path and overcome the snowdrift or forest road. Decent off-road performance is the biggest difference between SUVs and crossovers derived from them . These are similar in appearance to SUVs, but in terms of off-road properties they are not much different from a conventional hatchback or station wagon with a raised suspension.
Among other features that distinguish the representatives of these two types, one can also indicate the size of the vehicle - SUVs are associated with higher segments of the market - as mid-range or luxury models. Crossovers, by contrast, are more often in the B (urban) or C (compact) segment, making them a common sight in crowded agglomerations.
The most popular SUVs in terms of size are in the D (middle class) and E (upper class) segments. Among the representatives of this type, belonging to the D segment, there are models such as: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Seat Tarraco, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Edge, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Volvo XC60. In the upper class, this will be the Volvo XC90 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Each of the models listed here combines the advantages of a typical passenger car with the features of an SUV. Everyone can be equipped with all-wheel drive, which is mandatory for an SUV, which does not mean that every SUV should have such a solution. It's more about accessibility.
Greater versatility than is the case with a classic sedan or station wagon has its drawbacks, such as slightly higher fuel consumption, or lower performance due to the weight and dimensions of the body. SUVs are also typically more expensive than comparable typical passenger cars. However, their versatility and availability overwhelm them and that is why they are so popular. They are so practical that they almost completely ousted minivans from the market.
