About SUVs
SUVs, or sports utility vehicles, come in compact, midsize, and full-size varieties. Typical hallmarks of SUVs include elevated ride height and seating for five or more passengers, and often four- or all-wheel drive. The category covers everything from Honda CR-Vs to first-generation AM General Hummers. The 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall was arguably the first SUV, making Chevy’s Suburban the longest-running production SUV. The first modern-style SUV is generally considered to be the 1984 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Ford Bronco Raptor
Types Of SUVs
SUVs can be divided into two main types, car-based and truck-based. Car-based SUVs, commonly referred to as “crossovers,” have a unibody construction, in which the frame and body are bonded into one piece. They have a fully independent suspension and all-wheel drive with better fuel efficiency, but generally are not designed for challenging off-road conditions and usually don’t have high towing capacities. Examples include the Ford Escape, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Nissan Murano.
Truck-based SUVs are built on truck chassis with a body-on-frame construction. They offer four-wheel drive and towing capacities comparable to full-sized trucks. These SUVs have greater cargo space and are rugged enough for off-road terrain. They tend to have a solid rear axle and a bumpier ride, though some are built with an independent rear suspension. Once the main type, these SUVs are becoming less common as the market increasingly shifts toward crossovers. Examples of truck-based SUVs include the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and the Mercedes G-Class.
Continual Innovation
Manufacturers have made great strides in recent years in increasing SUVs’ fuel efficiency and reducing their carbon emissions, and have introduced a number of hybrid-electric and battery-electric models. Newer SUVs are also equipped with safety features such as side airbags for improved driver and passenger protection, electronic stability control to maintain vehicle traction and steering control, backup cameras, and visual and audible hazard alerts.
Find The Right SUV
You’ll find a large selection of new and used SUVs from leading manufacturers such as BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Land Rover, Toyota, and others for sale at TruckPaper.com.
Get Financing
Rent/Lease
