Sometimes not.
Can you help me better understand why women want a SUV over a sedan?
- Thread starter GON
- Start date
Sometimes not.
Never wanted to own an SUV, but my wife insisted. Would prefer an estate/station wagon! I think a perceived greater sense of security is the main reason for having an SUV. Rationale reason's given are being higher reduces blinding oncoming headlights and one can see better when higher up. Additionally, more space for carrying stuff and ease of loading/unloading groceries.
Having an old school "small is beautiful" mentality I find SUVs unwieldy, NOT fun to drive, have a greater risk of roll-over (physics - higher center of gravity), and use more gas to haul all that metal around, usually with only one occupant. Parking an SUV is also more of a challenge. I know I am in the minority, and many will disagree with some of my statements, so be kind!
Having an old school "small is beautiful" mentality I find SUVs unwieldy, NOT fun to drive, have a greater risk of roll-over (physics - higher center of gravity), and use more gas to haul all that metal around, usually with only one occupant. Parking an SUV is also more of a challenge. I know I am in the minority, and many will disagree with some of my statements, so be kind!
There have been accidents in my area where a short woman driving an SUV has pushed a small car or a cyclist out into opposing traffic because they could not see them over the hoodline.
I suppose this is something that technology could overcome, as long as the buyers make the correct choice when buying. (*rolleyes emoji)
Women gonna be women. I want it, practical considerations be .
I suppose this is something that technology could overcome, as long as the buyers make the correct choice when buying. (*rolleyes emoji)
Women gonna be women. I want it, practical considerations be .
if i could find one for the right price, i would love a manual accord coupe or something similar. i drive an suv and you basically have to slow to walking speed to take a corner. also some SUVs have worse visibility than many cars (im looking at you, dodge journey) so when looking at SUVs look for one where you sit higher relative to the hood and can easily see out the back window.
I think we have to make a delineation between CUVs and SUVs. CUVs can get good gas millage. Her preference was a CUV.
If this leaves you scratching your head, wait until you get to the part about the color(s) that she won't have. You might be able to find her the perfect vehicle, but if it is the wrong color, forget it! Because of this, years ago I gave-up on helping women to find/buy a used vehicle.
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Not in my experience.
Her response was she does not want a sedan, and would take a worse shape little SUV, like a Toyota RAV4.
True-but a RAV4 is a CUV. Unibody vehicle. It can be rated between as high as 25 city and 37 mpg highway. Hardly not in the same SUV territory as a Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition, etc. "SUV" is perhaps misused to describe what she wants.
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edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
I really have an issue with this.
Most people equate size with safety.
1. We are, in this case, mostly talking vehicles that share platforms with sedans. They are built on the same platform as Corolla, Camry etc.
2. Added height, weight etc., dramatically impairs the performance of the vehicle. I want a vehicle that will NOT end up or, due to performance, has a higher chance of not ending up in the crash. I want a vehicle with good maneuverability, brakes etc.
I use my BMW as DD. It is agile, has excellent brakes, suspension etc. Both Tiguan and especially Atlas, regardless of electronics etc. cannot match BMW in this.
3. 74% of ALL sold hotel beds in North America during ski season are in Colorado. That is a huge number of tourists. What do they do? Rent the biggest SUV in Denver or Colorado Springs airports, and think that is the safest option. They are most likely sight in the ditch or in a crash with another vehicle.
So, it is a trend, and false perception of safety.
From taking ski trips to Tahoe, often the only available vehicle with 4wd or awd at the rental counter at SMF or RNO is a midsize or large SUV. I'd take a smaller vehicle with AWD 10 times out of 10 if it were available.
Mini Cooper verses Suburban-yea perception. SURE. My perception is that in a mini Cooper you will be toast. Am I wrong here?
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Maybe. However, I do not want to be in an accident. And Mini Cooper is MUCH better at avoiding one.
Sure, someone can run red light etc. But, my friend absolutely obliterated F250 with BMW 325 E46 when F250 ran a red light.
Mass is one thing. How it is assembled is another. I am not sure I would like to be in Suburban either.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
They cater to what customers want, plus, rental companies are the focus of GM, Ford etc.
However, going downhill, where most problems occur, is much better in Camry than in Escalade.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
True. But, Mini Cooper has better stopping distance, handles better, and will avoid accidents that the Suburban won't.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
My wife prefers the better view down the road. She also feels safer. I get it 100%.
Yes, but the person behind the wheel must have the driving skill to be able to utilize these capabilities. Sadly, most drivers do not.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
It is not only that. Big SUV has abysmal stopping distances, sometimes 40-50ft longer. It is not even avoiding, but simple braking or handling performance.
Also, just bcs. Someone will obliterate a vehicle that is half of its weight, doe not mean they will get out OK.
