To not understand the appeal of 4x4s

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I live in a suburb with flat roads yet a huge percentage of cars driving about the area are 4x4s. Genuinely interested to know why people who live in areas like that drive cars like that. The negatives I can see are: more expensive, worse for the environment, much more likely to kill a pedestrian if you hit them (recent incident in Germany where a 4x4 killed 4 pedestrians), much more likely to kill driver/passengers in other cars in a collision, not actually safer for driver of 4x4 as more likely to roll in a collision, reduces visibility for other road users, takes up more space in bay parking spaces...and I'm sure there are lots more. I completely understand that they are necessary for certain people - if they live in a rural area or have lots of dogs for example - but that definitely isn't the case for most people in my areas. Just wondering, I suppose, what the positives are that outweigh all those negatives?

And the environmental thing isn’t just about the fuel and emissions, it is the sheer amount of resources needed to build the things.

Have you seen what it takes to build a tiny electric car?!

I had a delightful experience while crossing a zebra crossing (in a town) when 37 weeks pregnant. Cradling my enormous bump, I waddled across as fast as I could while the driver of a Range Rover waiting at the crossing revved his engine repeatedly and allowed the vehicle to creep gradually further towards me. As I reached the other side he took off with a screech of brakes.

Of course some 4x4 drivers are lovely but this seemed a good place to mention my experience.

We have lived in the city, now we live rural and have had a 4X4 whole time. Its what DP likes and suits our needs. The one we have now is the best one, so comfy yet tows like a dream.

We like the space, the dog fits, he is actually bigger than me on weight. When we travel to do a big shop in city, we need space to bring it home.
We tow things, boat, caravan or trailer so it needs the grunt, the power

3 reasons here;
Much better visibility of road and surrounds so I feel as though safer (even for others as I have good view of everything). I also have large screen for back of car that automatically activates in reverse so I have good view behind car and sensors that sound alarm if any movement behind or to sides of car within certain distance that would capture things like child running out (it once saved a dog that suddenly ran out behind car). Also has a cross alert that detects cars moving behind you if you are going to reverse, handy in shopping centres when backing out. Also has anti-collision that is meant to suddenly stops you if a pedestrian walks out in front of you. Not sure, haven’t tested it but twice it has detected movement it thought was a pedestrian in front and automatically braked, wasn’t pedestrian once was weird boom gate movement it thought was pedestrian, never happened with other boom gates. Also meant to have anti-collusion to stop me rear ending other cars while driving. My DH non-4x4/SUV has none of this so I would argue my car safer for others as well as myself.

The other thing is comfort. When buying one the crucial thing for me is height/bum test. I don’t get the ones you need to use the step to climb into as too high for my comfort. I get ones where driver seat can be adjusted to exactly my bum height so I don’t have to bend down, or climb up, to put my bum on the seat. I put my bum on at exact bum height and just swing my legs in. DH has standard sedan. I can’t get in and if I ever have to (driver or passenger) I make noises of a dying horse while getting in and noises of a dying cow while getting out - what I imagine it would sound like anyway. Too old and health issues to be doing that.

Finally room. Lots of room. Not cramped in as driver or passengers. Don’t feel like everyone is on top of each other in a full car but a good amount of personal space and general comfort.

I don't understand why people have them when I go up to my sister in laws in Surrey, however as another dweller in the back and beyond (rural devon) my husband and I are considering buying one as we have just moved further away from towns and not even in a village so if we get the snow like we did 18 months ago we would be trapped.

We need a big car for ds's wheelchair but don't have a 4 by 4. The car we have is fine for height for fastening him in. For inclement weather unless you live very rurally, winter tyres are fine.

We have a 4x4. I suppose our reasons are selfish, but I’m not sure what other reasons people choose their cars for other than general convenience and meeting their fanily needs?

We are a very tall family and need the headroom a 4x4 provides. I like a big boot space - great for chucking in bikes and shopping and suitcases etc. I also like being high up when I drive - I don’t think I could ever drive a low sports car, for instance.

Environmentally, I suppose any car use isn’t great. We’ve gone two cars to one car last year, though, and use the car a lot less than we used to. I don’t see how a 4x4 is any worse than other cars? Mine isn’t a gas guzzler. It’s actually very efficient.

the Londoners who need the extra seats for collecting extra kids on playdates.

4x4s don't have any extra seats - they have five just like any other car.

our kids who have to breath all the fumes and it's us who have to navigate around them because many don't seem to see us.

@W0rriedMum New 4x4s doubtless emit less fumes than the thousands of old banger "normal sized" cars that I see on the road in London. And as a pp pointed out, you can get electric 4x4s now anyway.

I am surprised I don't see more 4x4 where I live. The potholes here could probably do some damage even on a tank😳

I have to say, I think there is a bit of reverse snobbery involved here. Do 4x4 haters also dislike people carriers? Or is just the fact 4x4s are big and actually stylish? .

but we're facing a climate crisis, so arguably people should feel accountable for their choices.

oh woops, missed that memo when dp bought his car
our top considerations
had to be a true 4x4
safety, air bags, all the lane things, speed control stuff, reversing camera
price, is it reasonable for what we get
what can it tow, its power range
had to be diesal, cheaper to run overall
tech inclusions, usb, connectivity stuff, heated seats

environment played no part in our choice as that would mean getting a car that is useless to our wants and needs, no matter where we live
We wont feel bad about that

I really don’t understand this obsession people seem to have with SUVs and 4x4s.

In all my years of driving, they have made no difference to my visibility on the road. They are simply slightly taller cars and if this impedes your ability to drive then I suggest the issue is with you.

They are popular because they mostly represent good value and space compared to equivalent saloon or hatchback cars.

Many are as good or better on emissions than equivalent saloon or hatchback cars. How is a 2 ltr Quashqui any better or worse on this than a 2ltr Mondeo?

They are about as long and as weird as equivalent saloon and hatchbacks.

The people taking issue with these vehicles are talking utter nonsense.

It annoys me when people make statements like "people who buy 4x4s don't care about the environment".

For all you know, they might have a 4x4 but never fly abroad or have any kids (my aunt and uncle). While people driving normal-sized cars might take several long-haul flights a year and have several children - so overall their carbon footprint is far higher.

4x4s don't have any extra seats - they have five just like any other car.

Ours is a 7 seater, we just keep the extra 2 folded down as the dog uses the boot

Not this again ? Different people have different needs and we all have the right to buy whatever car we like.
Why make an issue of it ? So you don't like SUV's ?
I'm sorry they offend you so much.

“ but we're facing a climate crisis, so arguably people should feel accountable for their choices.”

People should feel accountable? To you? They aren’t.

This is the second time this week I am seeing the exact same thread 🙄. People will buy what they want if they have the money . Could make the same complaint about smokers who put other people's health at risk as well as their own .
No I don't have an SUV but it's only because I can't afford it

High driving position.
Good for winter condits - I’ve lived in north facing roads in south side where they are very last to become ice or snow free etc.
Good if you have to drive on unpaved roads/ tracks (I do)
Often good for rugged loads etc

Despite all of the above I have never chosen to buy one. Have had old jeeos in the family but my own cars have never been 4x4 despite some pretty good reasons to choose. Have always preferred to drive something small and lighter and better looking ! (Usually Italian).

@Grimbles exactly!,

I would best OP means SUVs in general. As discussed on the last thread, hardly any of these are actually 4x4.

It’s called choice. Made for all sorts of reasons, most of which nothing to do with anyone else. Particularly those who have ill informed, judgemental opinions.

Life is all about choices, making the right ones, as an individual and for those you love.

London is packed with massive cars with a spec far in excess of the drivers’ needs or use

Considering you can't drive above 20 mph in many parts of London, ALL cars have a spec greater than needed. (Aircon, bluetooth, radio, electric seats are all non essential in a car too) And driving in London (or other congested areas) doesn't preclude you from driving elsewhere. Would it be more eco to have a leaf/smart car for town and city driving and another car for "other driving" ?

I like them for their practicality. And towing abilities, never thought about the safety of pedestrians.

I'm totally with you OP. Can't stand the posturing and entitled attitude of so many townie 4x4 drivers. I live in a small city with many narrow and congested streets, also cramped and limited parking spaces. I am grateful every day for my lovely little fiat 500 which fits into the tiniest of spaces and passes through the narrow streets where others can't. I really see no need for 4x4s in urban areas.

“ I really see no need for 4x4s in urban areas.”

People don’t only drive in urban or rural areas. Do you think people should have separate cars depending on where they are driving? Should there be massive car parks on the outskirts of towns for people to swap from their Kia Sportage to their Fiat 500s?

I have a 4x4 pick up, I have it because it has plenty of room for the cash and carry shop for my business. Also, because it's a commercial vehicle I pay a lower amount of tax on it. It's actually quite environmentally friendly as all new vehicles have to be. We also can get a lot of snow here.

Is that ok with you?