[RayChuang88]

Alas, SUVs--because they are such big vehicles--are also fuel guzzlers (unless we start seeing more diesel-powered ones!). As such, the days of the large SUV are coming to an end.

It's more likely that in the next 4-5 years we'll be see a lot more in the USA vehicles that Europeans describe as multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Two models in this category are already on sale in the USA:

Kia Rondo

Mazda5

There are persistent rumors that Honda is looking at bringing over the next-generation version of the Honda Stream or FR-V to the USA market within a few years.

[Myrddin]

The wheel diameters and ground clearance are inadequate on both of those vehicles. Freezing to death in a vehicle trapped in snow is a poor tradeoff for saving a little money on what you really should have purchased. It's easy to snag a vehicle like that in a "high centered" condition. Nothing short of a tow truck will pull you out.

[Myrddin]

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrd (4x4)

[mamelukesabre]

An off road version of the mazda 5 would be perfect.

[EyeGuy]

“As such, the days of the large SUV are coming to an end.”

####

Maybe. Maybe not.

If so, Americans who desire the benefits of full-size, safe, powerful vehicles, will just have to buy large, full-cab pick-ups.

[B Knotts]

Doubtful. Americans like more room in their cars. And, for instance, one of those would never work for me, because they have insufficient ground clearance to get up my driveway.

I have a Ford pickup and an old Mercedes 300D. The Mercedes has a decent amount of ground clearance for a sedan.

[Varda]

America is simply not like Europe. We have kids, carry stuff and drive hundreds of miles at a time. Those cars might be attractive to retirees, though.