The fundamental problem that brought SUVs like this about is that Americans in general just want, want, want and never stop wanting more. We can't be bothered to sacrifice for anything or anyone, it's just not "the American way".
This SUV represents gluttony and hubris:
It's bigger, more powerful and more luxurious than most other vehicles; a status symbol. It's high up and wide; it makes you feel safe and powerful at the expense of other peoples visibility and safety. Its got DVD players and satnav/radio; so you never have to feel like you've left your home. Now people don't want to give up the 8,000lb monster luxury vehicle so they can save gas money (oh my god! $3.30 a gallon! now I can't make my multiple credit payments!)and have the petty label of "green", so they wanted a hybrid version of the land yacht and they got it...
Very, very few SUV owners ever venture off road, pull anything or need around 300hp. Most people (around here at least) that do tow things with SUVs tow a couple of ATVs, a small boat or a SeaDoo, where a small pickup or a big station wagon would do. SUVs in general are no longer the "Sport Utility Vehicles" they were in up until the 90s, as a matter of fact, with their chrome, shiny paint and trim, DVD players and fancy leather interiors they're almost totally devoid of "utility". Today's SUVs are more along the lines of SSV, "Status Symbol Vehicles".
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