SUV

An SUV, or sport utility vehicle, is a vehicle designed for passenger comfort and cargo versatility, often with higher ground clearance and the ability to handle varied road conditions. SUVs may be built on a light-truck platform (body-on-frame) or a car-based unibody chassis; the latter is commonly called a crossover SUV. Many SUVs offer four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and can tow trailers.

The modern SUV emerged from mid-20th century utility vehicles, with popular examples in the 1960s–1990s such as the Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco, and Chevrolet Suburban. In the 1990s and early 2000s, unibody crossovers gained popularity, delivering car-like handling, improved fuel economy, and spacious interiors, leading to the current large and diverse SUV market.

SUVs are typically classified by size: compact, midsize, and full-size, with some markets using three-row configurations to seat seven or eight. They may feature rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, have substantial towing capacity, and offer optional off-road equipment. Hybrid and plug-in electric versions are increasingly common.

In usage, SUVs are favored for family transport, outdoor recreation, and mixed on- and off-road driving. They face criticism for higher purchase costs, greater fuel consumption, and higher rollover risk relative to smaller cars. Environmental and safety standards, as well as fuel economy mandates, continue to shape SUV design and market trends.