Why are some estate vehicles listed below?
In the UK, some SUVs get classed as estate cars because the lines between the two can be a bit unclear. Here's why this happens:
- Similar Design: Many smaller SUVs or crossovers share a lot of design features with estate cars, like a longer roofline and spacious boot. This makes them look and function similarly to estates, so they sometimes get grouped together.
- Driving Feel: Estate cars are known for their comfortable, car-like driving experience, which some SUVs—especially crossovers—also offer. When an SUV prioritises comfort and has a lower ride height, it starts to resemble an estate more than a traditional SUV.
- Marketing Choices: In the UK, manufacturers sometimes position SUVs as estates to attract buyers who want the practical space of an estate but prefer the look of an SUV. It's a bit of a marketing tactic to appeal to a broader range of customers.
- Regulation and Tax: Vehicle classifications can also be influenced by UK tax bands or emissions rules. SUVs that are closer to the ground with estate-like features might be classified as estates because it can make them more attractive from a tax perspective.
- Space and Practicality: Estate cars are all about offering plenty of interior space, especially in the boot. If an SUV offers similar or better space and practicality, it might get classed as an estate because it serves the same purpose.
So, in the UK, it's often down to a mix of design, how they drive, and the practical features they offer, making some SUVs fit nicely into the estate car category.