Why us Brits can’t get enough of SUVs

Consumer writer Siobhan Doyle unpacks the reasons behind the soaring appeal of SUVs in the UK and how they’ve transformed the nation’s driving landscape.

It’s a crisp Saturday morning, and the supermarket car park looks more like an SUV showroom. A sea of chunky silhouettes – some sleek and electric, others towering and petrol-powered – fills nearly every space. And nestled between the Pumas and the Qashqais lies a compact hatchback that looks like it rolled into a party by accident.

Indeed, no matter where you turn, the mighty SUV is impossible to avoid. And even the cars you think aren’t SUVs often are: they’re rebranded “crossovers” or “coupe SUVs” designed to blend in while standing tall.

But their popularity isn’t one of fiction. SUVs now dominate forecourts and online searches, with interest rising by nearly 20% between September 2024 and September 2025, according to our latest Carwow data. They also far outpace the modest growth seen in hatchbacks (4.7%) and saloons (7.5%).

Manufacturers have taken notice, too. Over the same period, new SUV models appeared at a faster rate than any other body type, with a 16% increase in variants listed on Carwow. It’s clear that the SUV isn’t just having a moment – it’s reshaping the UK car market altogether.

But what’s driving this obsession? Is it practicality, prestige, or something deeper about how we see ourselves behind the wheel? Let’s take a closer look.

Remember, you can buy a brand new SUV right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

But first, what is an SUV?

SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle. It refers to a broad range of cars that ride a little higher from the ground and look tougher than your average hatchback.

Originally an Americanism, an SUV was described as a tough and utilitarian vehicle, but the meaning of the term has evolved and broadened over time – it’s now used to describe everything from small crossovers to big 4x4s.

You can learn more about what an SUV is, the pros and cons of an SUV, and the different types, in our complete guide on ‘What is an SUV?’.

The SUV boom: why are they so popular?

If you were to tell someone living a few decades ago that SUVs would be the car of choice for a majority of drivers, they’d laugh in your face. Back in 2014, ‘superminis’ such as the Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo were the talk of the town, accounting for around 35.7% of the market, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Fast forward to 2024, and the supermini supremacy has ended, and SUVs now make up 32.6% of car sales.

But why have they become so popular in the UK? It’s easy to see why people are drawn to them. Sitting higher up gives a better view of the road and a reassuring sense of safety. The solid build of these cars also makes drivers feel more protected. With so many SUVs on the road, smaller cars can feel like the runt of the litter – which just makes something bigger even more appealing.

Comfort and style are big factors too, especially in more premium models. Families appreciate the roomy interiors, and many people like the blend of practicality and style. SUVs also carry a sense of adventure: making you wonder if you could go off the beaten track, even if it’s most used for school runs or road trips.

I’ve personally driven my fair share of SUVs over the years and have found them to be incredibly comfortable, with a much better view of the road. Plus, as someone with a dodgy knee, I really appreciate how much easier it is to get in and out of an SUV compared to a hatchback, and takes a lot of stress off my joints.

Car manufacturers have certainly helped drive the trend. SUVs are highly profitable to manufacturers, as they often sell for more than smaller cars but don’t cost that much extra to make. That means plenty of marketing money goes into promoting them, helping cement SUVs as the UK’s favourite car type.

Ford is a great example of a car company that recognised changes in consumer buying behaviour. They saw that its SUVs were becoming more profitable and in higher demand, so it decided to discontinue its well-known Fiesta hatchback in July 2023 to focus on producing more of its small SUV, the Puma. This has seen a huge popularity on Carwow – it saw a 1,700% rise in configurations and 540% more dealer enquiries, post-electric car grant news.

The medium-sized hatchback, the Mondeo, was discontinued in early 2022 as buyers shifted to SUVs and crossovers. Ford also plans to discontinue its larger hatchback, the Focus, in November 2025, potentially to make way for a more rugged electric crossover expected in 2027.

But there’s pushback on SUVs

While the SUV boom has been great news for carmakers and popular with drivers, it’s now starting to face pushback from policymakers.

Most recently in Wales, Cardiff’s council approved plans to charge higher parking fees for heavier vehicles – starting with those over 2,400kg – to encourage drivers to think twice before choosing big SUVs.

The idea is simple: larger cars take up more space and cause more road wear. Campaigners also argue that SUVs make city air and streets less safe. The council insists this isn’t a ban, just a gentle nudge towards smaller, cleaner options.

It’s part of a wider shift already seen in London, where the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges drivers based on how polluting their cars are. There are growing calls for the capital to go further, with higher parking fees or taxes for SUVs, as councils look for ways to free up kerb space and cut emissions. The success of the ULEZ in changing driver habits suggests SUV-specific charges could be the next logical step.

The surge in SUVs on UK roads is driving the pushback, especially in cities, where their larger size, higher weight and emissions raise safety and environmental concerns. Cities in Europe, such as Paris and Lyon, have already seen a drop in SUV numbers after introducing similar measures. So, could the UK follow suit?

But not everyone agrees with this view. Many drivers say they buy SUVs because they feel safer, offer more space, and suit family life – and they don’t like being punished for those choices. Politically, it’s a tricky balance: councils are trying to meet climate and safety goals, but SUVs have become part of everyday motoring culture. So do expect debate around fairness, cost of living and personal freedom, even as local authorities argue the fees are about cleaner air and safer streets.

Although Cardiff’s plan is slow by design, a surcharge rather than a ban, it sends a clear message. If other cities follow, the debate will shift from “should we charge more?” to “how do we balance personal choice with streets that work better for everyone?”

The market continues to charge ahead

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The story about SUVs in the UK isn’t about size anymore: it’s about smarts. As electric and hybrid tech takes centre stage, 2025’s SUV market is shifting toward cleaner and more efficient models that still deliver the space and comfort drivers love.

Walk into any dealership right now and you’ll spot the trend instantly. Ford’s new electric Explorer and Puma Gen-E headline a refreshed line-up that’s all about family-friendly electric cars. Toyota is rolling out compact electric crossovers designed specifically for European cities, while newcomers such as Jaecoo – a Chinese brand backed by Stellantis who own the likes of Vauxhall – are shaking things up with aggressively priced electric SUVs that challenge established players on value.

These new launches aren’t just about fresh sheet metal; they’re redefining how carmakers think. Many brands are now SUV-first, building a clear ladder from small city crossovers to large family models. They’re trimming down their petrol ranges and funnelling investment into EVs that meet the UK’s tightening emissions standards, and qualify for cleaner-car incentives.

The gamechanger in this space? Tesla’s Model Y. It showed that an SUV could be practical, have serious range, and still be fun to drive – all in one package. Its huge success flipped buyer expectations almost overnight, pushed other brands to step up, and sped up the move toward electric SUVs at every price point.

So, what’s next? Expect the next generation of SUVs to shrink and smarten up. The focus is moving toward compact, lighter crossovers that fit neatly into British cities without compromising on space or range.

Car designers are doubling down on sustainability too, with smaller batteries, recycled materials and local production to reduce each car’s carbon footprint. Inside, flexible seating and modular layouts are replacing the dashboard gadget overload of early EVs.

The road ahead

SUVs are hard to miss across the UK. What was once a niche for off-road adventures has become a go-to car for families, commuters, and status seekers alike. That boom is shaking up the car market and nudging transport policy in tricky directions, from congestion to emissions.

The big question now is can our love affair with SUVs fit with the UK’s net-zero goals? They’re both a symbol of convenience and status, and a real challenge for policymakers – stylish, practical… and hard to ignore when it comes to tackling climate change.

Ultimately, the UK’s SUV boom isn’t fading; it’s just getting smarter. The question for buyers isn’t “how big is it?” anymore… it’s “how clean, clever and future-ready can my SUV be?”

Myths vs reality: SUVs aren’t all the same

SUVs often get a bad rap, but the truth is more nuanced. Size, powertrain, and purpose vary hugely across the category, and lumping them all together can be misleading. Here’s a quick guide to separating myth from reality:

Myth	Reality
All SUVs are large fuel-guzzlers.	Many SUVs are compact crossovers or hybrids. Efficiency depends more on size and powertrain than the SUV badge itself. For instance, a small hybrid SUV can emit less CO₂ than a standard estate.
SUVs are built for off-road adventures.	Most UK SUVs are built on standard car platforms without four-wheel drive, borrowing only the taller stance and rugged look. They’re mainly designed for the school run, not the Scottish Highlands.
The SUV label is enough to judge climate impact.	Policy and public perception often blur hatchbacks, crossovers, and off-roaders together. The biggest environmental impact comes from larger, heavy models, not the category as a whole.

Iain Reid, head of editorial at Carwow, said: “The term ‘SUV’ itself covers a huge range of vehicles from compact hybrids and small electric family cars through to large 4x4s. It’s a diverse category with very different environmental credentials, yet all too often grouped together under the same label of ‘oversized and highly polluting vehicles.’

“A Toyota Yaris Cross, for example, is a dinky SUV just 4.2m long and weighing around 1.3 tonnes smaller and lighter than some traditional saloons such as a Mercedes S-Class, which can weigh up to 2.7 tonnes. It’s a good reminder that not all SUVs are created equal, and that any local council policies aimed at reducing congestion and emissions should reflect that diversity.”

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