Web Insight 136xxx: do you have an SUV?

An SUV is a powerful vehicle, often equipped with four-wheel drive, that can be driven over rough ground. SUV is an abbreviation for sport utility vehicle. The actual term did not come into wide popular usage until the late 1980s. Prior to then, related vehicles were marketed as four-wheel drives, station wagons, and such.

How popular are SUVs in the United States? In our transportation study we asked Americans aged 14 and above who have a car available at their permanent residence what sort of car(s) they have.

Overall, 35% said they have an SUV. SUVs are popular among all categories of people. Among the biggest distinguishing factors of those who do and do not have an SUV are children in the household, income, and area of residence.

Forty-one percent of those who have children in their household have an SUV, compared with only 31% of those without children.

Forty-six percent of those with a household income of $75,000 or more report having an SUV, compared with only 31% of those with a household income of less than $75,000.

Thirty-nine percent of those who live in the suburbs or a rural area say that they have an SUV, compared with only 29% of those living in an urban area.

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March 16, 2020