A sport utility vehicle combines a tall body, high ground clearance, and a spacious interior. Most never leave pavement. That does not matter. Buyers want the commanding view, the cargo space, and the all-weather confidence that the shape suggests.

The SUV grew out of the station wagon and the truck-based utility vehicle. The Jeep Wagoneer in 1963 and the Range Rover in 1970 showed that a four-wheel-drive box could be civilized. The 1990s brought car-based crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which traded off-road capability for fuel economy and comfort. That formula now dominates the market.

SUV versus crossover

• Traditional SUV: truck frame, body-on-frame, heavy towing.
• Crossover: car platform, unibody, lighter and more efficient.
• Both offer high seating and flexible cargo space.
• Ground clearance varies widely; most crossovers stay under 8 inches.

The SUV's popularity has reshaped the auto industry. Sedans and minivans have lost sales to crossovers. Electric SUVs are now a major product category. The high hood line that gives drivers confidence also creates blind spots for pedestrians, especially children. Regulators in Europe and the US are beginning to study that trade-off.