What does the acronym 'SUV' stand for?

The acronym “SUV” stands for “sport utility vehicle.”

An SUV is a vehicle category generally associated with a raised driving position, a taller body, and increased passenger or cargo space compared with a conventional car. Many SUVs use four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but those features are not required: numerous modern SUVs are front-wheel drive and are designed primarily for paved roads.

The category developed from earlier utility vehicles and off-road models, including the Jeep Wagoneer, introduced in 1962. In the 1980s and 1990s, SUVs became increasingly popular with family buyers because they combined a car-like cabin with a more upright layout and flexible cargo capacity. Models such as the Ford Explorer helped move SUVs into the mainstream.

A common mix-up is treating “sport” as a reference to athletic performance. In the phrase “sport utility vehicle,” it describes a vehicle intended for recreational or versatile use. In Europe, some SUVs are classified in the J-segment, while everyday usage covers a wide range of sizes, from small crossovers to full-size trucks-based vehicles.