"The challenge the auto makers have is to match the usability and family friendly nature of the SUV in an alternative. People are buying SUV's because of the human and cargo hauling capacity, notbecuase they are sporty and have 4 wheel drive."
It's called a minivan.
It doesn't take much morphing to turn a minivan (by looks) into a SUV. Reading this thread, one of the arguments people have used against SUVs are that they're larger and higher than cars...well, so are minivans. Other than gas mileage, how much different from minivans are SUVs?
I just don't see why SUVs are villified, when in practicality, it's not a huge, evolutionary leap from a minivan. Maybe people buy SUVs...drum roll, please...just because they like them.
"It's called a minivan."
But a minivan is so practical. A minivan makes so much sense, and fits the purpose so well... it's just downright uncool!!!!
My own guesstimate is 90% of the SUV owners buy them purely for the status/cool factor. I had a neighbor with 4 boys. They bought an Expedition. Huge vehicle. I asked why that instead of a cheaper, more functional minivan. He said he wouldn't be caught dead driving a minivan.
So, until Fity Cent rolls up in his own pimped out minivan with 20" rims, hydrulics, and ground effects, sheeple will continue to clamor for SUVs.
It's a free country, it's your constitutionally given right to be a stupid as you wish.