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Is an SUV a car?
So my friend and I almost came to blows arguing about whether an SUV is a car or not—they said yes, I said no. So we thought Jerry could help us settle this once and for all—are SUVs considered cars?
Jason Tushinski · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re true diplomats here at Jerry, so we’re pleased to say—you’re both kinda right. As we’re sure you know, SUV stands for sport utility vehicle. These vehicles are essentially hybrids of road-faring passenger cars and off-road vehicles. So the answer is…both?
Of course, not all SUVs are sporty, nor are they all utilitarian in nature. But they’re vehicles! Here are some points that may help you and your friend settle your differences—or muddy the waters even more.
- Fuel ratings: Some smaller SUVs, such as Toyota C-HR, are classified as cars to determine their fuel ratings, but Toyota still lists the C-HR as an SUV on its website. Most SUVs are classified in the U.S. as light trucks in order to benefit from more relaxed fuel efficiency standards.
- Crossovers: These typically have sloping curves that more resemble cars than SUVs. Crossovers are often built on a unibody car platform (rather than a truck platform), even if they still act and feel like an SUV. The Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek are good examples of this.
- SUV sizes: Some subcompact SUVs like the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota C-HR are classified as SUVs, but they look like cars. But full-size SUVs such as the BMW X7 have the heft and sportiness of an SUV, with the stylings of a car.
Is the SUV a car? Yes. And no. Technically speaking, an SUV can be classified as either a light truck, truck, or a car, depending on fuel efficiency standards, size, or simply the whims of a car company’s marketing department. Something to come to blows over? We here at Jerry think not!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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