You mean thee fascination that has been going on for years?
Since most Americans (and perhaps people in general) don’t care about driving dynamics, it’s presumably the convenience and perceived safety of the elevated seat height (I think there was at least one study that indicated perception of speed decreases w/ ride height) and the convenience of a hatchback body style.
But most Americans wouldn’t be caught dead in a “cheap hatch” (all Teslas excepted, I guess), so you need to jack up the ride height and VOILA! Instant sales success.
For 99% of my day to day use, the extra space in an suv (including elevated load floor height, shoulder room, etc) is vastly more useful than sporty driving dynamics.
For me, it’s not about sporty. Good body control feels safer to me, and, IMHO, you don’t have to be going very fast to appreciate that. Our VW Golf and Ford Fusion have plenty of shoulder room for both of us (we’re 5’11" and 6’3"), and the stuff I carry on a daily basis fits fine in my back seat.
I think SUVs make a lot of sense for a family or someone who hauls a lot of stuff regularly. For me (driving alone usually w/ minimal cargo), it doesn’t make too much sense.
Minivans aren’t that “mini” anymore. I actually felt kind of bad for the posters in another thread who mentioned needing a 360 camera for their minivan and was teased for it. Minivans are actually huge nowadays. I can understand the need for a 360 camera or parking sensors. Also, all the glass and the low beltline (which aid visibility) leave me feeling… vulnerable.
I think something w/ the form of a Ford C-Max would work well for many people, but…
Before getting a Pacifica three years ago, the wife test drove a bunch of three-row SUVs. She did not like any of them. They were either under powered or the third row felt cramped. The Pacifica is a huge minivan, but she loves driving it.
FWIW, the Pacifica she got (Touring L trim) does not have a 360 degree camera. It does have rear parking sensors. My wife is a pretty good driver, hence she does not need the latest tech. It does has blind spot sensors, though.
I had read on thetruthaboutcars.com that BMW dealers have complained about having on wagon to compete w/ the A4 Allroad. I would be very happy w/ any type 3-series wagon b/c it’s the perfect exterior size, IMHO.
A lot of interesting posts these past few weeks. I am always “surprised” by the negative equity ones. Maybe too many folks are trying to keep up with the Joneses.
