Why all the hate for SUV’s/4x4 vehicles?

[FluffyRabbitSocks]

Why do so many people on mumsnet hate SUV and 4 wheel drive vehicles? I don’t think it’s a correct reflection of the UK publics preference because you see so many of this type of vehicle on the roads and in car parks these days. I couldn’t get myself so worked up about what car a person chooses to buy and drive and really don’t think a hybrid Toyota Rav 4 or Honda CRV is any worse for the environment than a diesel MPV like a Vauxhall Zafira.

I'm thinking of urban residential roads rather tractor country. At least the ones where I am, if cars double-park and one of them is an SUV then it reduces the roads to single-file with people taking turns to get past them.

I have a people carrier and it's narrower than the SUV I have on order (Kia Niro EV)

I wish I had a 4 by 4 when someone crashed into me on the school run and not a tiny shitty little fiesta. That’s the thing now, when everyone else is driving a monster it makes you particularly vulnerable driving your economical little vehicle.

I’m still baffled at a CRV being described as a chav car. It’s more a grandad car round here.

I love them. Keeps you safe if you end up in a car crash.

I have one. Its a a complete pain when visiting more urban areas, especially Victorian roads not designed for the current volume of cars. My brother has a lot easier time in his little city car. He lives in London, I live in a Yorkshire village.

However... he can't pull a trailer of camping equipment or put a 3 man Canadian canoe on his roof. Or drive on anything apart a cleared road... no mud, ice or snow.

We have very different uses for our cars!!

To be fair, I live at the bottom of an unmade road, a few years ago I had four children at home
I have horses, dogs and buy sacks of animal feed regularly. I often have to drive through mud and floods.

I have a Citroën c3! I'd love a 4 x4 but can't afford one.

No idea what that Kia is but if you’re that concerned about road size, why did you order one?

I'm not concerned, I've just observed.

I don't have the problem with the cars themselves, just that they're often (in my experience) driven by someone who just can't handle a car that size. They're driving so they're spilling over into the next lane, parking across two spaces in car parks, parking covering the whole pavement, can't execute a maneuver if their life depended on it.

Sure the cars fit in the lanes but the number of times I've had someone in an SUV honking at ME to be the one reversing when there is a passing area close behind them and yelling I'll have to reverse because they can't and how I'm making them late for x,y,z!

I have nothing wrong with someone owning one if they're capable of driving it.

Exactly this 👏 👌 😄😄😄

I bloody hate them.

Rural 'tractor country' roads are a lot more narrow than urban roads

I'd bloody love a crv 😅 I think they are really nice.

But that post isn't true?

1. they use too much fuel so are not good from an environment perspective
2. they are too big for most parking spaces and many roads, making driving difficult for everyone
3. they are often used a status symbol and driven by arrogant tossers
4. they are often driven poorly due to their size, and frequently straddle 2 parking spaces
5. their size and weight makes them more dangerous to smaller cars in collisions

Basically to me they scream "look at me, I have shit loads of money and I don't give a damn about the environment as long as me and my own are fine. I'll park across 2 spaces and take up excessive space on narrow roads but I don't give a shit."

I know most people will disagree with me because MN loves Chelsea tractors, and people will bang on about their 6 kids and multiple dogs and their situation that requires a huge car etc etc, but you asked for opinions and this is mine. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere or have a farm, you don't need a whopping 4x4.

They’re quite big inside! One of the grandparents at DCs school has one and they’ve lots of space.

In reference to @KittyTitty above, technically you're correct but your focus is completely wrong: You are driving a big heavy tank of a vehicle; the onus is therefore on you to cause no harm.

I find them intimidating. I’m sure it’s not always the case, but from experiences on the road I assume the drivers are aggressive. I see it a bit like people who go around with a big dog to look intimidating to others. I don’t say this to offend you or anyone, OP, I’m sure you’re all very nice but thought I’d give you my honest feelings. The environmental considerations are in there for me too but less than the big scary tank feels.

I think that’s the point OP, you live in a rural area on an incline where you need that type of vehicle. The reason people complain and call them Chelsea tractors is that in urban areas, with narrow roads and limited parking an SUV is not needed as the only incline you’ll be going up is the kerb 😂

Living near to 2 schools I can confirm this.
Most people that seem to turn up in them can't drive or park for shit, and get gobby if you ask them to please not park over your drive.

Tbh, I can't imagine Jason Statham driving a Yaris and not a Hummer 🧢👍

Your area sounds awful.

And exactly this, too 💯

And having a big car, you're more likely to kill someone in a small car if you crash into them. But that doesn't matter I suppose. Life for small car drivers was much safer before every other car was massive.

Because quite often their drivers think they own the road. Not always, granted

Most people that own them have no need for a massive twat vehicle like that. Just get a normal car.