Experience the outstanding safety, capability and reliability offered by Subaru.
Subaru’s self-charging hybrid SUVs – Forester e-BOXER and Crosstrek. You can expect the same superior safety, go-anywhere capability and rugged reliability that Subaru SUVs are renowned for – with the added benefits of battery-based power. And all without the need to plug in to recharge.
All Subaru self-charging hybrids feature:
Discover the perfect blend of estate car practicality, comfort and refinement in vehicles that are built to handle everything that busy family life can throw at them. Whether you’re counting off miles on the motorway or making tracks for your weekend getaway, Subaru’s estate cars offer outstanding safety, space and performance.
All Subaru estate cars feature:
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SUV means ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’. It’s a popular four-wheel drive car known for its ability to confidently tackle off-road terrain. It sits high off the ground, it has a large, boxy look and a truck-like structure that makes it sturdy and heavy.
An SUV has very noticeable characteristics. We’ve listed them below:
The thing that makes an SUV unique is the way in which it’s built. The body is joined onto a truck-like chassis, meaning two separate pieces are constructed and then bought together. This makes the SUV heavier and capable of hauling and tackling many terrains.
Compared to a regular car, an SUV is larger in size. Though SUVs do come in small, medium and large versions, even the smallest SUV will be bigger than a car. They also tend to be boxier, but you will find a range of other silhouettes too.
Whether you need to transport goods or require lots of space to pack for your adventures, SUVs are perfect as they have a lot of internal space. This includes the boot too! Families that like to explore and those who live in rural areas truly benefit from owning an SUV.
SUVs can handle any terrain with ease. For those who live in rural areas or like to take trips out into the wilderness, an SUV provides the confidence to undertake these adventures thanks to the four-wheel drive. Keep in mind: Although most SUVs do come with four-wheel drive, some crossovers do not.
SUV drivers are able to get a clear view of the road because an SUV sits higher off the ground.
Though many SUVs are 4x4s, this isn’t the case for all of them. A four-wheel drive means that the engine provides power to all four wheels. Traditionally, SUVs were used for hauling and off-road activities, meaning a four-wheel drive was a necessity. With SUVs becoming popular even in cities and amongst those with large families, two-wheel drive versions are available today as well.
Now you know what an SUV means, here are a few advantages to keep in mind.
“We see more and more people opting for an SUV. The large interiors, bigger boots and height are attractive. Compared to regular cars, like a hatchback, they’re practical for transporting pretty much anything, reliable, and easy to get in and out of.”
Subaru Outback posts the highest overall score (88.8%) of all cars assessed by Euro NCAP. With features like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and Cabin-protecting Layout, people love driving SUVs knowing that they’re safe in any weather. Enhanced safety features are standard at Subaru.
Find out more about safety at Subaru here.
Most SUVs are designed as off-road vehicles. Though they are perfectly suited to city roads, their true capabilities lie in dealing with different terrains and adverse weather. Their built is designed for off-road adventures, while the smart technology makes sure you have the best experience. At Subaru, we have Active Torque Vectoring which enhances handling in any conditions.
SUVs with four-wheel drive and strong engines are perfect for towing. This is especially useful for those who live in the countryside, but also for families who love taking the caravan out for a family holiday.
Like with any car, there are some slight disadvantages to owning an SUV which may make them impractical for some people. Our experts suggest considering the following before purchasing an SUV:
As SUVs are heavier because of their truck chassis, this can make them less economical. Some SUVs are boxy which makes them less aerodynamic. This can increase the use of fuel. Suspension and brakes might also take more of a hit compared to a hatchback because heavier cars require more stopping power. It is possible that they will need replacing slightly more frequently.
Because SUVs tend to guzzle more petrol than regular cars, this can mean that they produce more CO2 emissions. This could depend on the size of your SUV, with large SUVs producing more emissions than small SUVs. Some SUVs now use hybrid technology, like the All-New Subaru Forester. This SUV doesn’t solely rely on fuel or charging – it’s a self-charging hybrid that gives you full adventuring ability with the added benefit of battery-based power.
We’re proud to offer a range of SUVs at Subaru – all of which come with enhanced safety features as standard. See our options below:
Enjoy the benefits of a traditional SUV, now with an electric motor to support the 2.0L petrol engine. With the Subaru Forester, you’ll get full adventuring ability with the added benefit of battery-based power. All this is without any need to plug in to recharge because it is self-charging.
Whatever the weather or terrain, this reliable, sturdy vehicle is cool, calm, and collected for any challenge ahead.
The Subaru Solterra has the capacity and room for any adventure. This fully electric, permanent all-wheel drive SUV is renowned for its all-weather, all-terrain technology that’s ready to take you to exciting new places.
Be prepared to effortlessly tackle any terrain in any weather, with precise control on every corner.
SUV Type | Explanation |
Crossover | Also known as a CUV, a crossover is a blend between an SUV and a car. They’re comfortable to drive on a road but many have off-road capabilities. |
Mini SUV | These are the smallest of the SUV family. They boast the look of an SUV but in a fun and playful way that’s easy to manoeuvre. |
Compact SUV | Not as small as the mini SUV, the compact SUV is still easier to manoeuvre and park. |
Mid-size SUV | Many mid-size SUVs have all-wheel drive and a huge storage space. Some of these might be crossovers, however, and might not have all-wheel drive. |
Full-size SUVs | Full-size SUVs are the largest in size and have all the off-road capabilities, along with the ability to drive on a road. They’re the most forgiving with internal space and are perfect for transporting belongings, and towing! |
There is a stark difference between an SUV and the usual car. This is true for the way they look – with SUVs being much larger and normal cars being smaller and closer to the ground. Regular cars and SUVs also differ in performance. Many cars cannot drive off-road, whereas an SUV is designed to do that with ease.
We hope we’ve answered the question ‘What does SUV stand for’ and that you found useful the advantages and disadvantages of owning an SUV. Make sure to see our guide on the benefits of hybrid vehicles next.
