Why are SUVs so popular?

Over recent years, there has been a surge in demand for SUVs in the UK. From the Hyundai Tucson to the premium Land Rover Range Rover, we are seeing more SUVs on our roads. At GB Vehicle Leasing, we have also noticed a sharp rise in the number of lease enquiries we receive on SUVs. With a wide range of SUVs to choose from, there’s a car to suit almost every budget. If you’re unsure whether or not an SUV is the kind of car for you, then read on to find out.

What is an SUV?

SUV is an abbreviation for 'sport utility vehicle'. Typically, an SUV is a powerful vehicle with off-road vehicle features and available four-wheel drive. This makes them particularly popular amongst adventure enthusiasts and are often used by emergency rescue services. Key examples include the Kia Sportage, Audi Q5, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. An SUV is also characterised by a large body size, ample boot space and a higher driving position. SUVs are grouped into sub-segments which are large, midsize, small and compact. Over the years, manufacturers have developed performance variants of SUV models for added power. The Range Rover Sport SVR, which goes from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, is a key example of a performance SUV.

The History of SUVs

The history of SUVs is a fascinating journey that has evolved over the past century. SUVs were not always the ubiquitous family vehicles we see on the roads today; their origins are rooted in military and off-road utility. In fact, the concept of the SUV can be traced back to the early 20th century when rugged, all-terrain vehicles were developed for military use. The Willys-Overland Jeep, introduced in the 1940s during World War II, is often considered the first mass-produced SUV.

In the 1950s and 1960s, automakers began to produce SUVs for the civilian market. One of the most iconic early SUVs was the International Harvester Scout, introduced in 1961. It featured four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities, setting the stage for future SUV designs. The 1970s then saw the rise of the full-sized SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Bronco, which were larger and more family-oriented.

The 1980s and 1990s marked the expansion of the SUV market, with models like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee becoming incredibly popular. These vehicles offered a blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort, catering to a growing demand for versatile transportation. As the new millennium arrived, SUVs continued to evolve which led to even greater popularity. Today, SUVs come in various shapes and sizes, making them a dominant force in the automotive industry.

Is a Crossover an SUV?

The simple answer is no. A crossover offers the perfect blend between popular SUV elements and the practicality of a smaller car. Therefore, a crossover is considered more a mix between a Hatchback and an SUV. According to carsalesbase.com, in 2021, European sales of compact crossovers were up 7% from the previous year. GB Vehicle Leasing have both personal lease and business lease deals available on a wide range of crossovers, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and Ford Puma. Although a crossover and SUV have similar style features, an SUV tends to be more rugged and is better off road than a crossover. It's definitely worth considering your lifestyle and purpose for driving the car when deciding between a crossover or SUV. 

What's the difference between an SUV and a 4x4?

An SUV and a 4x4 do share some similarities, such as their off-road capability and versatility, so these terms are often used interchangeably. However, an SUV is made for everyday driving and offers high levels of comfort. Whereas, a 4x4 focuses on four-wheel drive so all four wheels are powered and therefore can handle uneven or slippery surfaces better. Some SUVs do come with four-wheel drive as standard, but not always as they can be a two-wheel drive vehicle instead.

What is the best SUV to lease?

This question isn't straightforward to answer as your ideal SUV can depend largely on your lifestyle and purpose for driving the car. However, top SUVs are considered spacious, practical and versatile. If you're looking for a compact SUV, then the award winning Volvo XC40 is a great option. The Volvo XC40 is Volvo's smallest SUV and an alternative to both the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. In particular, the Volvo XC40 163hp T3 engines prove popular and are available as either automatic or manual. Although, if you’d prefer a fully electric SUV, consider the Volvo’s XC40 Recharge Pure Electric which emits 0g/km and has an electric range of over 200 miles.

Alternatively, if you require a bigger SUV, then the award-winning Skoda Kodiaq is a large SUV, perfect for large families. This SUV comes with plenty of interior storage and class-leading boot space. Also, the optional third row of seats in the Skoda Kodiaq is a real bonus if you require a seven-seater. We think this Skoda model is beautifully designed, combining practicality with the ultimate comfort for all your journeys. Size wise, the Kodiaq is 4,697mm long, 1,681mm tall and 1,882mm wide, meaning it’s both longer and higher in height than key rival, the Peugeot 5008.

Another popular SUV is the fantastic Hyundai Kona. As perhaps one of the most capable SUVs on the market, this small SUV is sized below its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle also comes with a range of great safety features and the sleek, athletic look of the Kona is guaranteed to appeal to a range of drivers. As for the overall driving experience, this Hyundai car offers an excellent drive due to its smooth drive and comfortable seating. Plus, the Hyundai Kona’s fuel economy rating of 47.1mpg makes it a great fuel-efficient SUV.

Are SUVs cheap cars to run?

Due to the large size of SUVs, some people presume they offer poor fuel economy. However, this doesn't have to be the case, as more manufacturers have now introduced economical SUVs. For example, you might consider the Ford Kuga 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid as an economical SUV. This hybrid model has a combined WLTP fuel economy of over 200mpg and in 'EV Now' mode it's capable of up to 39 miles electric-only range. A fuel-only figure of around 40mpg is realistic, especially if you do lots of motorway driving. As a family SUV, the Ford Kuga offers good value for money, as well as a sporty exterior design and excellent performance overall.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer a petrol SUV, then the Skoda Kamiq could be your ideal car. Launched in 2019, the Skoda Kamiq is Skoda’s compact SUV which offers value for money and a comfortable ride. Both the 95 and 110bhp versions of the 1.0-litre petrol engine can return a combined fuel economy figure of around 50mpg. An alternative to the Nissan Juke, this Skoda has five seats and plenty of space inside. Specifically, the boot space in the Skoda Kamiq is 400 litres which proves decent in the compact SUV market.

Reasons to lease an SUV

1.Firstly, SUVs offer you a higher driving position than alternatives such as an estate car. This means drivers have better visibility of the road, which makes some feel safer.

2.An SUV can be a good option for dog owners. Typically, these cars have a large boot, meaning plenty of space for dogs to enjoy a comfortable journey in the car. In particular, GB Vehicle Leasing think the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Skoda kodiaq are ideal lease cars for dog owners. Both of these SUVs are versatile and spacious, including whopping boot space capacity.

3.An SUV lease is also a popular choice as a family car. Again, the spacious interior and large boot space means they have enough space for all the family, as well as adequate storage for your luggage. Along with comfortable seating, this enables you to enjoy a comfortable ride, even on long journeys. 

4.To keep up with the demand, manufacturers are regularly adding new SUV models to their car ranges. These new SUVs are trendy with the latest technologies and safety features which will appeals to many lease customers. 

5. SUVs are very good for during winter when typically, the road conditions are not the best. Winter tyres on an SUV can be an excellent addition. Also, a large number of SUVs have fantastic off-road capabilities. This will especially appeal if you enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle.

So, does an SUV sound like the ideal lease car for you? If it does, please contact us on 0161 667 5338 to speak to one of our knowledgeable leasing consultants and see how GB Vehicle Leasing can assist you further. We have highly competitive rates on a wide range of SUVs so get your free, no obligation quote today! Also, why not take a look at GB Vehicle Leasing’s picks for the most fuel-efficient SUVs. By selecting a fuel efficient vehicle, drivers could reduce their motoring expenses by a considerable amount each year.