SUVs (I really dislike that name) are nothing more than taller station wagons with AWD. Back in the 60s, most families had a station wagon, and they had the same “Soccer Mom”, bland driving stigma most SUVs have today. Then the mini van came along. Before long, SUVs came along. Initially, they were different, with most having 4wd. This is where the “Sport” came in! They were SPORT utility vehicles on truck frames, designed to go anywhere (roads or not), and carry all your friends and sports gear Required for an “active life style”. It wasn’t long before these great utility vehicles were discovered by people with families, that appreciated the utility/practicality, but didn’t like the truck like ride. So they put them on car frames, improved the ride, added seats, removed gear storage, and took out the “sport” part. So, today we have vehicles on car frames that can vary 8 people. Just like 60s station wagons, without the stigma. The only difference is that you CAN get AWD, but the sport element is still gone, for the most part. Personally, I LIKE station wagons, and I’m really glad they’re starting to make a comeback! Too bad it’s at the expense of sedans. We already mostly lost coupes.

Ebb and flow. What once was, will be again, and all that.