The Rise of the SUV in the UK | 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 BMW iX3 and Volvo range, we are seeing more SUVs on our roads. At GB Vehicle Leasing, we are constantly seeing a sharp rise in SUV lease enquiries.

With a wide range of SUVs to choose from, there is a car to suit almost every budget. If you are not sure whether an SUV is the right car for you, read on to find out more.

What is an SUV?

SUV is a short form for 'sport utility vehicle'. Usually, an SUV is a strong car with off-road traits and four-wheel drive. This is why adventure fans and emergency rescue teams like it. Good examples include the Kia Sportage, and Jeep Compass. An SUV is also known for a large body size, plenty of boot space, and a higher driving position. SUVs are split into large, midsize, small, and compact groups. Over time, makers have also built performance versions of SUV models for extra power. The Range Rover Sport SVR, which can go from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, is a good example of a performance SUV.

The History of SUVs

The story of SUVs goes back more than a century. SUVs were not always the family cars we see on the roads today. Their roots are in military and off-road use. In fact, the SUV idea can be traced back to the early 20th century, when rugged all-terrain vehicles were built for military use. The Willys-Overland Jeep, launched in the 1940s during World War II, is often seen as the first mass-made SUV.

In the 1950s and 1960s, car makers began to build SUVs for the public. One of the best known early SUVs was the International Harvester Scout, launched in 1961. It had four-wheel drive and off-road ability, and it helped shape later SUV design. The 1970s then saw the rise of full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Bronco, which were larger and more family friendly.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a big rise in the SUV market, with models like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee becoming very popular. These vehicles offered a mix of off-road ability and on-road comfort, meeting a growing need for flexible transport. As the 2000s began, SUVs kept changing, which led to even more popularity. Today, SUVs come in many shapes and sizes and are a major force in the car market.

Is a Crossover an SUV?

The simple answer is no. A crossover gives you the right mix of SUV style and the usefulness of a smaller car. So, a crossover is more of a blend of hatchback and SUV. According to carsalesbase.com, in 2021, European sales of compact crossovers were up 7% from the year before. GB Vehicle Leasing has both personal lease and business lease deals on a wide range of crossovers, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and Ford Puma. Even though a crossover and an SUV share similar looks, an SUV is usually tougher and better off-road than a crossover. It is worth thinking about your needs and how you plan to use the car when you choose between a crossover and an SUV.

Is an SUV a 4x4?

An SUV and a 4x4 do share some similarities, such as their off-road ability and range, so these terms are often used in the same way. However, an SUV is made for daily driving and offers high comfort. A 4x4 focuses on four-wheel drive, so all four wheels get power and can handle rough or slippery roads better. Some SUVs come with four-wheel drive as standard, but not all. Some are two-wheel drive instead.

What is the best SUV to lease?

If you are asking what are the best SUVs to lease, the answer depends on your needs and how you drive. Still, top SUVs are usually roomy, useful, and flexible. If you want a compact model, the award-winning Volvo XC40 is a strong pick. The Volvo XC40 is Volvo's smallest SUV and an alternative to both the Audi Q4 e-Tron and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The 163hp T3 engines are popular and come with automatic or manual gearboxes. If you want a fully electric SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is also worth a look. It emits 0g/km and has an electric range of more than 200 miles.

If you need a bigger SUV, the award-winning Skoda Kodiaq is a large SUV and a great fit for large families. It offers lots of cabin storage and class-leading boot space. The optional third row of seats is a real plus if you need a seven-seater. We think this Skoda model is well designed, mixing usefulness with comfort for every trip. Size-wise, the Kodiaq is 4,697mm long, 1,681mm tall and 1,882mm wide, so it is both longer and taller than its key rival, the Peugeot 5008.

Another popular SUV is the Hyundai Kona Electric. It is one of the more capable SUVs on the market, and this small SUV sits below its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson. The Kona also comes with many safety features, and its sleek, athletic look will appeal to many drivers. On the road, this Hyundai offers a smooth and comfortable ride. Plus, the Hyundai Kona's fuel economy of 47.1mpg makes it a good choice if you want a fuel-efficient SUV.

Are SUVs cheap cars to run?

Large SUVs can make some people think they use a lot of fuel. But that does not have to be true, because more makers now offer efficient SUVs. For example, you could look at the Ford Kuga 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid. This hybrid can return over 200mpg in WLTP tests, and in 'EV Now' mode it can travel up to 39 miles on electric power alone. A fuel-only figure of around 40mpg is realistic, especially if you do a lot of motorway driving. As a family SUV, the Ford Kuga offers good value, plus a sporty look and strong performance.

If you want a petrol SUV, the Skoda Kamiq could be the right car for you. Launched in 2019, the Skoda Kamiq is Skoda's compact SUV and offers good value and a comfortable ride. Both the 95bhp and 110bhp versions of the 1.0-litre petrol engine can return around 50mpg. A good alternative to the Nissan Juke, this Skoda has five seats and lots of room inside. The boot space in the Skoda Kamiq is 400 litres, which is solid for the compact SUV market.

Reasons to lease an SUV

1. First, SUVs give you a higher driving position than cars like an estate. That means a better view of the road, and some drivers feel safer because of it.

2. An SUV can also be a good pick for dog owners. These cars usually have a large boot, so there is plenty of room for dogs to travel in comfort. In particular, GB Vehicle Leasing thinks the Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Kodiaq are ideal cars for dog owners. Both SUVs are roomy and flexible, with huge boot space.

3. An SUV lease is also a popular family-car choice. The roomy cabin and large boot give enough space for the whole family and for luggage too. With comfortable seats, they can help you enjoy a smooth ride, even on long trips.

4. To keep up with demand, makers are often adding new SUV models to their ranges. These new SUVs come with modern tech and safety features that appeal to many lease customers.

5. SUVs are also useful in winter, when road conditions are often poor. Winter tyres on an SUV can be a smart extra. Many SUVs also have strong off-road ability. That makes them a good choice if you enjoy an outdoor 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.