I can't see anything sporty or utilitarian about them.
Huge on the outside, tiny on the inside (opposite of the Tardis)
Still haven't figured out how they manage to waste that much space.
Close-to-the-floor seating once one climbs in.
High liftover.
Product of bigger d&*k thinking.
A friend had one of the original Rav4.
Absolutely absurd vehicle. Short, four door barely carried a set of golf clubs.
Bumps and popouts on the floor so you couldn't put your feet flat anywhere to gain that all-important ground clearance.
I could never understand why he had so much trouble parking it in a parking lot. Granted, his driving was clueless. He drove like he was 90 when he was 50 years old, but then I drove it. Turning circle was unbelievably large. I've driven 5-ton trucks that had a smaller turning radius. Outrageously not maneuverable, and that's before considering the short wheelbase. Couldn't get out of it's own way, either handling or power. But it made up for it with lousy fuel economy.
And then it got bigger on the outside, but not on the inside. They made it longer, but put the spare inside to eat up any room it may have gained.
Another friend had a blazer. Seats may have been 2" off the floor in the rear. What a POS.
Well, my opinion, anyway. Obviously, my opinions run contrary to the sales figures. That does not change their relative value. Huge behemoths that folks will think will save them in a crash because they're big. And 4wd. Roads are littered with SUVs off the side of roads after snows around here. 4wd doesn't help turning or braking, don't cha know?
SUVs are not the thinking persons' vehicle.
But if you want to look like everyone else, it's you you!
Please don't ask me what I really think...