In this video, popular and knowledgeable automotive YouTuber Doug DeMuro provides some insight and a counterargument to the anti-SUV sentiment that is sometimes present today.
Sure, for most gearheads, crossovers and SUVs are a necessary evil and part of a changing paradigm, but they’re not cool. But Doug explains why some manufacturers like Ford in this case are right to move away from cars.
Luckily, the Ford Mustang will return for car enthusiasts, but for those the low height and favorable center of gravity inherent in cars like the Ford Fusion Focus and Taurus, then the way forward is now vehicles like the Ford Edge, Ecosport and Escape.
Doug explains why Ford took this approach and how it is a good strategy that likely most automakers will follow.
Is It Better To Have A Car Or An SUV: What Is The Difference?
As Doug notes in his video, Ford announced in 2018 that it would move away from selling cars and the internet blew up: at least temporarily.
This was a strange decision, but moving on a few years and now that the outrage has dissipated, Doug says that it might have been a very shrewd decision.
Cars generally get better fuel economy, are cheaper to buy and offer good aerodynamics and driving dynamics, but crossovers and SUVs offer increased practicality, a raised driving height and improved performance off-road or in adverse conditions, generally-speaking.
The decision to shift from cars to SUVs arguably got based off a couple of factors – the rise of popularity of the SUV and the crossover, and also the fact that Ford would need to reduce the size and variety of its model range to better focus its efforts on one vehicle type: the SUV.
This would free up money and resources, extend their profit margins, and result in the best-possible crossover or SUV models that would appeal to a wide audience.
The Rise Of The SUV And The Decline Of 'Normal Cars'
The industry continues to reflect this trend and Doug cites that General Motors followed Ford’s lead too with the Chevy Impala and Malibu also getting cut among others.
We learn that Ford’s ensuing efforts resulted in a lineup of well-developed and popular vehicles including the new Ford Bronco, as well as the Raptor range of models.
There are also new compact SUVs and trucks like the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick, which offer buyers smaller, more affordable vehicles in the format of a more rugged design.
Of course, the Ford Mach-E has also proven to be a big seller and is, as Doug mentions, a great car in its own right despite the controversial crossover-based design.
If the car becomes less profitable, sells less and takes away resources from important vehicles in the range like SUVs, then there is only one way to go: though luckily Ford saw fit to hold onto the Ford Mustang.