Why SUVs are becoming so popular

SUVs come in all shapes and sizes and at almost every price point.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and feel bold and different, then no, do not buy an SUV, because almost everyone in Australia does this.

Big, hulking LandCruisers, Patrols and Pajeros with hairy arms broke the trend, but now it's midsize SUVs like Hyundai's new Tucson or the segment-leading Mazda CX-5 that take it to new, not-quite-so heights.

The midsize SUV segment is currently the second largest in the Australian industry, with sales up 13% this year to reach 140,000 units in 2015.

Like it or not, SUVs and crossovers are quickly becoming the most popular body styles in and out of town.

But why are these ATVs, many of which have two-wheel drive, so popular? As we've said, it's not tempting to venture off the beaten path to places not accessible without all-wheel drive. As any couch critic will happily tell you, the farthest distance most SUVs go is in a gravel parking lot.

And while they will probably argue that SUVs should fly into the wild blue, the general consensus is pretty much the opposite. As twisted as it may seem, SUVs can actually be a smart choice for use on the open road and even downtown.

So why would you?

For the most part, this applies to space. Short of buying a van or van, there's no better way to cram everything you own and love into one vehicle. Automotive writers usually refer to this by the vague name "packaging"; basically, it's something you can fit into the space you have.

And SUVs do it best; the high roof, low floor, and station wagon shape give SUVs relatively limitless headroom, legroom, and storage space.

The roofline of SUVs doesn't taper or drop down to the road at the rear, unlike sedans and station wagons, so headroom for rear-seat passengers doesn't suffer (unless you want a BMW X6 for some reason).

This setup does wonders for getting in and out of the car, especially for people who aren't as flexible as they used to be. Higher ground clearance, taller doors and shorter sills mean drivers and passengers don't have to lean and lean over like they do in sedans and hatchbacks, meaning less effort, less pain and more dignity.

The "command fit" and excellent all-round visibility are also in high demand, especially among the non-beard growing population.

SUVs are the swiss army knife of cars.

The higher ride height also helps in and out of town by providing some isolation from potholes, curbs and road slabs. Longer suspension travel softens the impact and spares the bodywork.

SUVs are the swiss army knife of cars; you can drive them on good roads, bad roads, or no roads, and they will take it all in stride.

The popularity of SUVs is actually helping to make them a better buy as more manufacturers snatch a slice of an increasingly meaty pie. This means more competition and, as a result, better prices. It also means that automakers are venturing into new niches in this segment, so you should be able to find something very close to what you need.

If you want the same thing in a station wagon, the choice is actually pretty sparse; only 16 manufacturers offer new station wagons for sale in Australia, and only three offer a seven-seat variant. Twenty manufacturers offer seven-seat SUVs, but only 12 sell seven-seat vans. Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota will even sell you eight-seater SUVs.

Like it or not; for utility alone, an SUV quickly becomes your only recourse.

Why don't I buy an SUV?

Let's face it, the anti-SUV movement has lost, and the big road pigs are here to stay.

Today, for the most part, other drivers won't mind what you drive. This is partly due to the fact that most of them are already in SUVs.

The one-size-fits-all approach of the old big SUVs has been replaced by an almost bespoke market; if you want an SUV or crossover, there are plenty of size and spec options trimmed to fit just about any budget you have.

The usual flaws still apply, but in every case, you'll find manufacturers go out of their way to round off the last of those jagged edges.

Fuel economy has always been the Achilles' heel of SUVs due to their weight and aerodynamics. Today, the gap between behemoths and sleek sedans is narrowing.

By sanding and reshaping small parts here and there, SUVs can glide through the air with unparalleled ease, like a shipping container with a nose cone.

Of course, they will never be able to compete with small cars, and more consumption also means more pollution, but with global emissions targets tightening, car manufacturers are using every tool at their disposal to find themselves in limbo.

SUVs' sheer size means they're susceptible to crosswinds, and the higher center of gravity and all that mass means they'll always lose the competition with a conventional car when it comes to handling, control, and stability.

It's easy to get used to the way SUVs work and drive them accordingly.

The bigger they get, the more prone they are to rollover, because most of the SUV's weight is at a higher height than a regular passenger model.

The high bank point also makes evasive maneuvers difficult, but with the advent of stability control, new SUVs can handle emergencies with unexpected grace. You'll never mistake it for a regular sedan or hatchback, but in everyday driving it's easy to get used to the way SUVs work and drive accordingly.

This is also applicable in off-road conditions. Often reviled for their off-road pretensions, SUVs can actually thrive with a little preparation and driving within the capabilities of a conventional car.

And that's what modern SUVs do - picking features from hatches, sedans, station wagons and SUVs to create a car that's not good at anything (other than you'll never ask them to do), but good enough at all of them.

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