SUV is the abbreviation for a Sports Utility Vehicle. What is an SUV? An SUV is a vehicle which can carry passengers (often more than 4), tow things, and has on road and a bit of off road capability (sometimes good off road ability). Although most SUVs have some off-road capability, this is often a secondary role and they often do not have the ability to switch between 2WD, 4WD high gearing and 4WD low gearing, unlike the serious heavy duty four wheel drive vehicles.

Most SUVs are capable of performing some light offroading duties relatively well, for example, driving corrugated gravel roads and crossing flat farm paddocks. The remainder can tackle harder four wheel driving tasks, like crossing streams and heading up forestry tracks with ease. However, the really tough stuff would best be left to the serious 4 wheel drive machine.

Most mid-size and full-size SUVs have three rows of seats with a cargo area directly behind the last row of seats. Often an SUV is a blown up version of a station wagon, making it a very desirable vehicle for those who need lots of space, some grunt and a bit of off- road capability for those family weekends away with the boat.

SUVs make a great alternative to the smaller road going motor car and the dedicated four wheel drive machine. They are usually very comfortable, spacious, handle nicely and ride well on the road.

SUVs are easily spotted with their big station wagon looks, higher ground clearance and their overall quintessential boxy exterior design.We hope that helps answer the question ‘What is What is a SUV?’!

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