Over the last decade or so, the popularity of SUVs has risen dramatically. In fact, they have become so popular that demand for sedans has decreased exponentially. We aren’t just talking about some very popular SUVs, like the 2021 Ford Explorer – all SUVs are taking over the streets. Even sedans that you used to see all over the place are quickly becoming a non-factor; the last year alone saw the demise of both the Ford Fusion and Chevy Impala. One has to ask why has the popularity of SUVs surged in such a short period of time. On the surface, SUVs do offer much more than your average sedan, but it runs much deeper than that. Much of what people like about SUVs is more than the neat features they offer or the powerful engines; their popularity can also be attributed to how people feel while driving one. Let’s take a look at the reasons why SUVs are so popular and why buying something like the 2021 Ford Explorer is a smart choice.
The Way You Feel Driving an SUV
As you already know, SUVs are heavier and taller than sedans, which offers several advantages. For one, sitting higher up gives drivers a much more commanding view of the road ahead, not to mention better views on either side of you as well as to the rear. This doesn’t just mean you have a better view of the sunset or of the beautiful trees when you are cruising down the highway; it means you can better see obstacles on the road. The bottom line is that you are safer when sitting up high. SUVs are also heavier than sedans, which makes them safer than sedans in the event of an accident.
Basically, you feel safer driving an SUV than a sedan for several reasons. One important reason is that SUVs rate rather well in safety. The 2021 Ford Explorer received a five-star rating in every NHTSA safety test except one, where it received four stars, which is quite exceptional. The list of safety features in the Ford Explorer is long, but a few safety features include a lane-keeping system, evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Those are just a few good reasons why people feel safer driving an SUV.
SUVs Better Suit Your Lifestyle
We aren’t trying to stereotype here, but people who lead active lifestyles are more likely to drive an SUV. Let’s break this down. You get up on Saturday morning, eat breakfast, shower, and load up for a day of mountain biking. If you own a sedan, you have to figure out a way to get two, three, or even more bikes up to the trail. This is not a problem if you own an SUV; there are plenty of ways to transport bicycles. And that is just the beginning; if you enjoy boating, SUVs have higher towing capacities than sedans. If you like to go camping, your SUV offers a lot more cargo space than a sedan.
There’s more; many of the outdoor activities you enjoy aren’t found on the well-traveled, well-lit, paved roads. In order to get to your secret fishing hole, you need to go through some pretty rough gravel roads and trails, even over rocks and through streams. There is no way to reach your favorite fishing spot in a sedan that offers little ground clearance. Your 2021 Ford Explorer offers the Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to choose between multiple drive modes based on road conditions and weather. This means you will soon be enjoying trout for dinner as your Ford enabled you to reach your fishing hole.
Whether you are going on a camping trip, out for a picnic, or out for an all-day fishing trip, you will be packing a lot of gear. If you are doing any of these activities and you own a sedan, you are not looking forward to trying to stuff everything in a small trunk. You can store some things in the back seat, but that means having to tell the kids they can’t come along and having to hire an expensive babysitter. With an SUV, that will never be necessary. The Explorer boasts over 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats, and over 47 cubic feet behind the second row of seating, and an amazing 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space when all rear seats are folded down. So go ahead and pack all the gear you need for your adventure and toss in the kitchen sink just because you have the room for it.
SUVs Are a Better Value
Most of us know a good deal when we see one, and buying an SUV is a better value than a sedan. Why would anybody get a sedan when they can buy an SUV for about the same price? An SUV is safer, will get you to destinations a sedan can’t, have higher towing capabilities, offer more leg and headroom, and the list goes on and on.
But we have yet more good news for those considering an SUV for their next vehicle; they are just as economical as a sedan. Sure, there are powerful engines available for SUVs that don’t get great gas mileage, such as the 400-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 available in the 2021 Explorer ST, but there are also many economical engine options. The base engine for the Explorer is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that offers an impressive 300 horsepower and still gets 24 MPG combined. If that isn’t enough, check out the Explorer Hybrid and its 27 MPG combined fuel economy.
We should also note that as the popularity of SUVs increases, the options and features increase as well. As a matter of fact, most luxury features and options that were previously only found in cars are now offered in most SUVs. The bottom line is that your SUV can be a luxury SUV with all of the comfort features and options found in expensive sedans.
It’s the Little Things
If you want to give your neighbors or coworkers something to talk about, park an SUV in your driveway or drive one to work. Many SUVs are quite stylish, and some even have a bold and aggressive look. Owning an SUV may not boost your social standings or get you that big raise you think you deserve, but you will definitely feel better driving one. Look, the era of sedans is coming to a close, and the age of SUVs is here.
If you are looking for an incredibly versatile SUV option that provides you with all the room you need for a family road trip, the features you desire for outdoor adventures, and the feeling that you have a vehicle you can count on, our choice is the 2021 Ford Explorer. This three-row SUV represents the automotive future, even offering a high-performance ST trim that can outrun sports cars and a Hybrid version that will save you money at the pump. The upward trend of SUVs is not going away any time soon, so perhaps now is a good time to jump on the bandwagon by at least considering an SUV.
