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.

Because the drivers are generally self-important twats, not all of course, there are some who do actually need such a car because of where they live or what they do, but I should think they are in a minority. While driving you just know that the SUV driver is not going to give way, is going to drive 6 inches behind you, etc, just as you know a certain type of car is driven by a teenage boy twat.

Also they don't seem to make much sense from a 'more space' point of view, unless you can stack your stuff up vertically. Estate cars were much more sensible if you needed space, but of course they don't have the height/assumed superiority advantage that SUVs have. As for jealousy, not in a million years!

I hate them for all of the reasons outlined here, and because anecdotally all of the people I know who have them are massive twats who are too stupid to figure out what else to spend their money on. My uncle gets a new one every couple of years, and barely leaves the city where he lives. Why does he need one? Only to show everyone else how much money he has and to throw his weight around on the road like he’s Billy Bigbollocks.

So I'm not the only one who drives behind them screaming "FFS YOURE DRIVING SOMETHING THAT CAN GO OFF ROAD AARRRGGGHHHH" when they inch over speed bumps.

Also they don't seem to make much sense from a 'more space' point of view, unless you can stack your stuff up vertically. Estate cars were much more sensible if you needed space, but of course they don't have the height/assumed superiority advantage that SUVs have. As for jealousy, not in a million years!
My friend got one on the grounds of space, but once a baby came along she said the car was a nightmare.
The space wasn't practically usable and the boot was no better than another friend's. Both of them found that once you put the pram base in, the carry cot/seat part had to go in the back seat. They said that even though they lived rurally, they'd not get one again for family living.

Because they are massive and in crowded narrow london streets where I live, dangerous as often the people driving them have no idea how to drive such a large vehicle.

They take up huge resources to manufacture and tons of energy to make them move around. All that for mrs what her face to drive little Jonny the 500 yards to school. Bless him.

And yes, that happens round here a lot.

They are a menace and unnecessary in a city.

I could afford two if I wanted them.

But I don’t like how high up drivers are (they can’t see me) and how when a child is hit by an SUV they’re 8 times more likely to die.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022437522000810?via%3Dihub

The only off-road action most of them get is mounting the kerb as can't otherwise negotiate a corner.

I can afford one they really aren't that expensive SUVs every car manufacturer produces them from budget to premium . I'm unfortunately going to have to purchase one because the road visibility is getting worse because everyone has a massive car. I can't turn right because I can't see past the bloody things.

Because whether you are behind me or coming up in front of me at night, you blind me.

They clog up pavements because they're too large to be parked on the pavement and you're more likely to kill someone driving one. So it's like carrying a big sign that says 'Hello, I'm a cunt & don't care about other people'.

Oh and another sign saying 'I'm a shit driver who is too scared to drive a proper car'

Apart from that, they're ticketyboo.

Well this is what's so mental. Any gains from lower emissions from electric cars and more efficient petrol engines have been outweighed by everyone moving to this WankPanzers.

Car manufacturers sell this dream of off-road freedom, fleeing the bad guys, rugged individuality, but it's just going to end in nose-to-tail traffic jams to Waitrose.

I find it hilarious that people are saying having a 4x4 means you have shit tons of money and think you're better than everyone else - you do know there's such a thing as a second/third/fourth hand car market don't you?

I have an enormous 4x4, and I assure you I can reverse park that thing (on its own, and with a trailer hitched up) through the eye of a needle, first time, without getting in anyone's way or taking up people's precious time - so the "Chelsea tractor with school mums who can't drive" doesn't necessarily hold weight either.

I have one because I work with animals, regularly off road, and need to tow heavy weights. Yes I do the school run in it, but only because I'm usually on the way to or from work! Yes they're not the most environmentally friendly, but that's what I pay an absolute fuckton of road tax for 🤷‍♀️ why can't everyone just live and let live?

And no-one daring to walk or cycle as they'll be taken out by someone 'exercising their freedom' and 'protecting their family'.

They block the view for others and its nit needed. Vans do too but at least they have a purpose.

The stopping distances are often worse too. Though to be fair not looked up the newer versions.

Bloody love mine. I've had a 4x4 of some description since 2010 (2 x LR, 1 x Mitsubishi and 1 x Mercedes) and don't plan to change that anytime soon. Higher seating position, more headroom. Although it doesn't apply to all SUV models, mine have all had massive boots too. I do live rurally (isolated, on a farm) but even when I didn't I still had one. My current car isn't massively economical but it is ULEZ compliant. It's also not too slow. Suits me.

To be slightly fairer. Sometimes, they are necessary. Farmers, parent carers. Probably a few other cases. But that's about 0.1% of the users. The rest are just selfish wankers.

And don't get me started on shiny pick up trucks.

It's not the car it's the drivers.

Love my Range Rover. We will leave out in the sticks so is a most have.

If you live in the city and not the country why do you need one? Honestly the amount of mothers on the school run I see who can't drive the bloody things never mind park a large car.

Why does it have to be about need? I don't need one. I just like them.

Yep night driving is becoming so much more dangerous, I live semi rurally because these cars are so high up I'm getting dazzled much more often even wearing yellow tinted lenses. I can't turn right because someone will be in a massive suv I have no choice but to join the wankpanzers ☹️. I have driven my small car for 6 years always been happy with it but the amount of massive cars is just increasing and increasing.

Not once they're double parked and you're trying to get past a bus.

@theycallmestacie

I don't know, I thought that most decent people have some desire not to actively make the world a shittier place?