Would you consider this car an SUV?

[CupboardHinge]

I'm look to buy my first electric car. I want one a few years old, good reliable brand, with a decent boot. I've previously had estate cars because they are so practical and have big boots, but electric estate cars seem to be very rare.

The standard EV these days seems to be SUV shape, but I'm not really a big fan of SUVs as they just seem excessive, too wide, too tall etc - and I don't want people to judge me for having one.

But I've come across the Kia E-Nero which is an older model and fits most of my criteria. It's definitely slightly bigger than a "normal" car, but not hugely so. I've attached a random internet pic - would you class this car as an SUV?

I really don't want to be part of the SUV club, but I feel like I've got no choice if I want an decent electric car with a good size boot.

I think the suv shape accommodates easily the batteries needed for EVs. But there are plenty of non-suv EVs. We have an e208 - but that wouldn’t have the boot space the OP wants.

It is a compact SUV.

I brought a 72 plate Kia Niro PHEV about 10 months ago, having has a VW Passat Estate for 14 years.

I am very happy with the Niro, and the PHEV works very well for me in terms of my usual usage and range.
TBH if I had to replace it now I would go full electric, which really surprised me as there was no way I'd have considered full EV previously.

The PHEV boot size is pretty small, the battery is under the boot and the engine under the bonnet. I think the full EV battery is under the bonnet so would have a slightly bigger (deeper) boot.
I'm okay with the boot size (no longer have kids & sports equipment etc), although occasionally I miss the enormous boot space on the Passat.

The Kia Nero is significantly smaller than any estate car I've had. Only a fingers length longer than a hatchback. Far too small for what we would need.

Granted I base my need on how many gardening bags I can fit in the boot!

That doesn’t look like an SUV to me

Who cares if it’s an SUV (it isn’t). I have an MG4 and my next car is definitely going to be an SUV and I don’t give a shit what people think about that

Do you honesty believe anyone else gives a shit what car you drive? Especially when it's something like that.

It’s quite an average car that you wouldn’t particularly notice

I looks much like a hatchback that was ambitiously marketed as an SUV. It doesn’t look like it has much ground clearance at all or a large boot space, or a particularly elevated driving position based on the woman standing next to it unless she is exceptionally tall and 6’5”. And I don’t think these are 4x4s? So not sure how it would really resemble an SUV as none of these characteristics appear to be present.

Why does it matter what they call it? It’s just a car. Either it fits with what you need/ want and your price range, or it doesn’t.

Thanks for all the comments, I care what other people think because I also think the same as them. I don't really like big SUVs taking up all the space in roads and car parks, crushing the road under their enormous weight, being a greater danger to pedestrians etc etc - the list goes on.

I judge people who buy big SUVs, but it looks like in the current market, if you want an EV you really don't have much choice - which is annoying. Although I understand there are SUVs and SUVs, and this KIA is not like some of the monsters out there.

I do wonder if people buy SUVs because the manufacturers think that is what people want and so that is all that is available or if people would genuinely buy other types of car if they were made.

I think I'll just have to swallow my embarrassment and join the SUV crowd - at least I won't stand out!!

if you want an EV you really don't have much choice
There is choice, the choice is limited by the fact that people want space for x, y anx z. Hence why it's on a market in such mumbers.
If the thought of having SUV (which really this doesn't even look like) get the ev estate. There are options, vauxhal and Peugeot are even budget friendly. Or get MPV. Berlingo has ev version. Rather than hand wringe about slightly oversized hatchback that kia is.